A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

Whether you are a keen gardener growing your flowers and vegetables from seeds or someone that simply plants up a few pots on your decking, having a dedicated potting area can be a real game changer. Here I show you how to build your own using 5 pallets.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

MATERIALS USED:

  • 5 pallets – I used 3 that are fully covered with wood and 2 that are slatted. Mine were 120 cm by 100 cm.
  • Outdoor paint or clear seal – I used this one.
  • Cupboard door knobs or handles

 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Screw driver and screws
  • Hammer and crow bar
  • Saw (circular saw is optional but useful)
  • Sander or sand paper
  • Paint brush
  • Dust mask and gloves
  • Spirit level and pen
  • Tape measure

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

HOW TO MAKE THE PALLET POTTING BENCH

 

Step 1: Chose two matching pallets to make the sides and one for the desk top. I chose fully covered wooden pallets rather than slatted ones but of course you could use whatever you have.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

TOP TIP:

The desk top part works best if you have a fully covered wooden pallet, so your compost doesn’t fall through.

 

Step 2: Turn the two side pallets upside down and carefully remove the back wooden slats using a crow bar and hammer. Remove any loose nails too. I chose to wear gloves for this to protect my hands. Put any good slats to one side as these can be used later.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 3: Turn the bench top pallet upside down and using the saw, trim the back slats back to the cross beams.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 4:  You now need to cut the 3 pallets down to the right size. Using the saw, and wearing a dust mask, cut the pallets down so they are 70 cm deep. Place the 30cm off cuts to one side as these will make the shelves later.

 

TOP TIP:

Rather than cutting through slats, try to saw through the cross beams in between the slats. This may mean depending on the size of pallet you cut it down to a different dimension to me.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 5: The desk top part now needs to be cut along both sides, so it will sit on the support beams of the sides when they are standing in position. Using a spirit level measure 10 cm either side (or to the first support beam under the pallet) and using the saw, cut off.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 6: Stand the two sides and position the bench part onto the two side support beams. Once you are happy with this position and height, screw the pieces together.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

Step 7:  You now need to create a back to the potting bench. I chose the slatted pallets for this. Lay the bench upside down on the floor and position one or two pallets into position cutting down if needed. I chose to have the back coming up above the bench, so I can attach small garden tools to it. This can also be fixed to an outside wall for extra support when completed. When happy, screw them all into place.

 

TOP TIP:

If cutting down the back section, try to cut equal amounts from each side to make it symmetrical.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

TOP TIP:

I tried a few different positions for the back-wall section and ended up with the slats running horizontally so I could attach more door knobs at the later stage.

Step 8: Stand the bench back upright. Using the offcuts, you can now create shelves with them sitting on the side support beams as per the bench top.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

Step 9: To create drawers cover the underside with offcuts from step one and screw into position.

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 10: I added another offcut to the front of the desk section to finish it off neatly.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

Step 11: If you want  the bench to feel slightly lighter and open, using the saw, cut down the sides to suit.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

Step 12: Screw on door knobs on the back section to hang small tools from.

 

Step 13: When you are fully happy with the design add as many extra screws as you can to ensure it is secure.

 

Step 14: Sand down any rough edges using a sander or sand paper before painting. It is now a good idea to hoover everywhere and lightly wash down the wood to prepare for painting.

 

Step 15: Paint the whole project using an outdoor wood paint or clear stain such as decking seal.

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

TOP TIP:

You can now add anything you like such as signs or extra shelves. I cut a hanging basket down into half and attached on the side to store my gardening gloves and the like.

 

You could also make it into a bar for when it gets warmer and it is time to get the BBQ out!

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

 

IF YOU LIKE THIS PLEASE PIN IT!

 

A step by step guide: how to make a DIY pallet potting bench

This project first appeared in Take A Break Magazine. This post contains affiliate links.

 

 

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