Learn how to create the simplest potting bench with stock cabinetry, countertops and some charming shelving. We’re also rounding up the best options for cute, affordable potting benches that you can add anywhere!
Let’s get our gardening gloves on and get to work! We’ll walk you through the process for adding this pretty potting bench to your garage or anywhere you’re feeling inspired.
Or, if you’d prefer, choose from the cutest potting benches that can ship right to your front door. You’re sure to feel inspired and ready to tackle spring and summer planting.
This is the time of the year where I am itching to get my hands in the dirt. I love my trips to the local garden centers and I find inspiration in all the blooms working their way up in our yard right now.
It’s also time for spring cleaning, of course. That’s how we decided that we should finally tackle an area of our garage that has been out of hand for years! We turned a cluttered, messy area into the potting bench of my dreams, and I’m so excited to share it with you today.
Come along as we give you a simple step by step to discover how we created this DIY built-in potting bench. I’m also sharing a few of our favorite pre-made freestanding potting benches so you can create this special little space anywhere you’d like!
What is a Potting Bench?
A potting bench (also called a potting table, rack or station) is a useful, dedicated place to get your hands dirty and keep soil messes contained to one place for gardening projects. Potting benches are typically made with water resistant materials and can be kept inside or outside to your tools and gardening materials.
I wanted an area dedicated to gardening tools, like pots, shovels, gloves and so much more. It’s allowed us to have an organized area that is both functional and beautiful. Whether you are a gardener or just love adding a little decor, potting flowers for your porch, patio and garage adds curb appeal.
Our Custom Potting Bench
We started with a blank slate in the corner of our garage. We are so lucky to have such a spacious garage, but we’ve certainly not taken much advantage of it up to this point. I’m excited to turn it into a space that we’re proud of, every time we enter our home.
That little nook on the back wall was once full of clutter, tools and every mess you’d expect in a garage! Now, it’s the potting bench of my dreams!
How to Make a Potting Bench
- Measure the space. Once, twice, three times!
- Add beadboard to the back wall.
- Select and install stock cabinetry.
- Add a butcher block countertop. Typically I install with a 1″ overhang, but I extended it 1′ on the left side to tuck a step ladder under.
- Add a peg rail and shelves.
- Paint everything in one cohesive color for a fresh, yet nostalgic look. I painted ours in Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog which looks light when the room is filled with natural light and darker in the evening.
- Upgrade the stock cabinetry with hardware and hooks. Read more about my favorite brass hardware and brass hooks here.
Note: Epoxy Garage Floor Coating sets the foundation.
Project Budget
This project was an affordable undertaking, in comparison to other ideas that we could have added to this space. Here’s the breakdown – and keep in mind we did this project in 2022 so prices will change!
- Cabinetry – $159
- Countertop – $189
- Two 50″ Peg Rail Shelves – $180 x 2
- Brass Hardware and Hooks – $100.00
- Bead Board + trim – $350
In total, we came in right around $800, not including the bead board. With the bead board, this project totals at $1,158.00. You could easily do it even cheaper – skip the bead board, order less hardware or pre-made hooks and shelves!
Our Potting Bench Sources
Here are the sources for our DIY potting bench. If you’re looking for other items in these images, be sure to check out my Amazon store front, linked below!
Stock Cabinet
60″
Butcher Block
Our countertop is 74″
Bead Board Tongue and Groove
This comes in 96″ length.
Unlacquered Brass Latch
Read all about our cabinet latches here.
Unlacquered Brass Pulls
I have used these
Peg Rail with Shelf
Ours is 50″ with a 10″ deep shelf.
The Best Potting Benches
I have curated my favorite ready to ship potting benches to integrate in your garage, on your patio or porch! They blend function and charm, and keep gardening supplies organized!
Green Potting Bench
This pretty potting bench is an accessible way to achieve the look of our custom garden bench, shipped to your door!
Classic Potting Station
I love this potting station that gives Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware vibes without the price!
Teak Potting Bench
Teak is timeless, durable and develops a beautiful patina.
Blue Potting Bench
Outfitted with an easy-to-clean metal countertop and removable sink this workstation is a work horse with lots of hooks and cabinet storage.
Small Potting Station
Step aside Martha! This bench is timeless, beautiful, functional and fit for her Bedford home, for less than $125 shipped!
Garden Tools
See all of my favorite gardening tools and supplies, curated for you!
Don’t miss my favorite gardening inspiration, like Lavender Tree, Limelight Hydrangea Trees, Catmint, and of course… The Best Gardening Tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some potting benches have dry sinks to help with watering and soil storage. You can easily remove these sinks to keep your messes contained.
36 inches is ideal, which is the common height for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry as well (when a countertop is included, that is). You can make it work at anywhere between 32″ and 38″ and can even customize it to your height, of course!
Ok we are working on OUR garage now,thank you for the inspiration! I confused with the paint color you chose? Evergreen fog is a dark green. In your pictures the color looks like a beautiful a light blue green-definitely not dark green. Was that the definite paint color you used??
It’s pretty light in natural light!
Did you mention the paint color and I missed it?
Thanks so much!
It’s Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
Your potting nook is beautiful. How long did it take for you to do the project? Also, where did you get the white pots that hold the hydrangeas? They are the perfect size I’m looking for. Thank you!
Hi Jady!
It took a full weekend of work to make this little project happen, but well worth it! We did order the cabinets and shelves quite a while ahead to ensure we had everything we needed to tackle it. Those pots can be found here, I’ll add them to the post, too! https://rstyle.me/+D2O9_33orxmE1Go9-McMxQ
Thanks so much,
Julie