Potting bench.

Add structural exterior screws for the frame, suitable screws for slats, two shelf cleats at 460 × 45 × 45 mm, stainless hooks if wanted, and an exterior finish suitable for repeated wet cleaning.

1. Choose the working height. This plan finishes at approximately 900 mm. Before cutting, mock up that height and adjust all four legs together if a different height suits you better.
2. Make the end frames. Join each front leg to a rear upright using a 460 mm top end rail. Add the lower end rail with its top 250 mm above the floor.
3. Join front to back. Fit the 1,060 mm long rails between the two end frames. Clamp on a flat surface and match both diagonals.
4. Build the lower shelf. Fix cleats inside the lower end rails. Lay six shelf slats across them with even gaps so wet pots can drain.
5. Fit the worktop. Space seven 1,200 mm slats across the upper frame with approximately 13 mm gaps. The front and back overhangs should match. Screw from below where practical.
6. Add the back rails. Fix two horizontal rails between the rear uprights above the worktop. Leave enough space for hooks and tall pots without creating a climbable ladder for children.
7. Stiffen and test. Push firmly from each direction. If the frame racks, add two diagonal rear braces before use. All four feet must contact level ground.
8. Finish every surface. Ease edges, remove dust, coat the timber and allow full cure. Add hooks only after checking screw length and tool weight.

A worktop close to bent-elbow height reduces stooping for light potting work. Heavy mixing may feel better slightly lower. Keep frequently used tools between hip and shoulder height, store heavy bags on the lower shelf, and leave the floor in front unobstructed.

Do not attach a vice, grinder or other high-force tool without redesigning the frame for that load. This bench is intended for potting, seed trays and hand tools.

Brush soil from gaps after use and let the surface dry. Do not leave wet compost bags against the legs. Check joints, hooks and any diagonal braces each season. Refinish end grain and the worktop before the coating fails completely.