How to Design a Potting Table

Whether you just need to repot an occasional houseplant or you plant dozens of flower and vegetable seeds each spring, a potting table (or potting bench as it is sometimes called) is indispensable equipment. Design one to fit your habits by carefully considering your needs and taking the time to work out the design on paper. This will ensure that the building of your project goes well and that the finished product will be just what you want.

Things You'll Need

• Tape Measure
• Graph paper
• Ruler
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Look at various potting tables and ready-made plans. Pay attention to design details, what type of lumber is used, what kinds of storage and equipment are included, and the dimensions of the tables. Jot down ideas that you plan to use, such as a handy dishpan sunk into the work surface for mixing potting soil.

2. Decide where your potting table will be, and measure the space available. If you plan to include a sink, make sure that there is access to the necessary plumbing.

3. 

   List the types of projects for which you will use the table. Then list out the supplies and equipment that these projects will require. Your design must allow for storage of all these items.

4. 

   Figure out what scale to use on your graph paper. "4 squares=1 foot" allows for lots of detail, while keeping the whole drawing small enough to fit on your page. Other scales are fine, just think through them before you begin drawing, and write the scale in a corner of the page so you don't forget it.

5. Draw the basic dimensions. Keeping in mind the space you have available, sketch out the length, height, and depth of your table. Four feet is long enough for most needs. A height of 32 to 36 inches for the work surface will be comfortable for most people---but test this and fine-tune the height if you are very short or tall, or need to work sitting down. Make the work surface about 30 inches deep. All these dimensions can be easily adjusted on paper until you have the design you like.

6. Refer to your list of tools and supplies that need to fit somewhere in your potting table, and decide where to put hooks, racks, additional shelves, bins, drawers and cupboards. Draw them in.

7. 

   Let your drawing marinate for a day or so, then come back and look it over. If you still love it, go over it in detail, making a materials list of lumber, hardware, bins and storage equipment that you need to buy. You're now ready to build a potting table of your own design.

References

• Great Outdoor 2X4 Furniture; Stevie Henderson with Mark Baldwin; 1998
• HomeMade; Ken Baren and Roger Griffith; 1977
• How to Design and Create a Potting Bench

Resources

• Many Potting Bench Plans
• Build the Potting Bench of Your Dreams