Toy Box Turned Custom Potting Bench

Toy Box Turned Custom Potting Bench

Posted by DecoArt on Mar 10th 2016

Get ready for spring planting by creating a customized, unique potting station with Americana® Multi-Surface Acrylics.

SUPPLIES

    • water container
    • palette or plastic plate
    • sandpaper
    • tape measure
    • 4" chip brush
    • 2" chip brush
    • wood glue
    • power saw
    • assorted drill bits
    • pen or pencil
    • screws
    • drill gun
    • plywood
    • wooden board
    • toy box
    • level

    INSTRUCTIONS

    NOTES:

    Let dry completely between painting steps.

    If the bottom of the box is wooden, then use that as the second shelf. This bench was made of particle board, so a piece of wood was cut to match the measurements of the lid.

    1. Measure the depth and width of the toy box lid to determine all measurements. (This one was 15" x 41" so those are the measurements for the shelf supports, back supports, and top ledge shelf.)
    2. Disassemble the toy box. Remove the supports from underneath the lid and set the pieces aside. (These will be the center supports for the shelves.)
    3. Instruction #2
    4. Cut needed wooden pieces: (2) 2" x 4" x 36" pieces for front legs; (2) 2" x 4" x 48" pieces for back legs; (1) 15" x 41" for the second shelf (measurement from the toy box lid); (4) 2" x 4" x 15" shelf supports; (1) 1" x 6" x 41" for top shelf; and (2) 1" x 3" x 45" for back supports.
    5. Use 2-1/2" screws to attach the two shelf supports on the two main shelves (the toy box lid and matching piece). (If using wood glue, let dry for 30 minutes to an hour before proceeding.)
    6. Instruction #4
    7. Mark the center underneath the shelf and attach the center support with 1" screws.
    8. Instruction #5
    9. Measure 36" up from the bottom of the back legs (on the 48" wood pieces) and mark the wood. (You can use the 36" front leg piece as a measuring stick.) With the top of the first shelf level with the 36" marks, attach the shelf to one set of legs (one front leg and one back leg) with 2-1/2" screws.
    10. Instruction #6
    11. Make sure everything is level and square and repeat the process on the other side of the shelves with the second set of legs.
    12. Instruction #7
    13. Screw the 1" x 6" between the top of the back legs with 2-1/2" screws. (This will create a small ledge for the shelf to sit on.) For the top mount, add 4" to the width of the 1" x 6".
    14. Instruction #8
    15. Keeping the 1" x 3" board level with the top of the middle shelf, attach with 2-1/2" screws. (Make sure the bench is square and level and be sure to screw into the legs, shelf, and supports.) Repeat for the bottom shelf.
    16. Instruction #9
    17. To check that the piece is square, measure diagonally from the top to the bottom and across the back. Do this for both sides. If the measurements are not the same, use a level to straighten the boards and bring to square (with the diagonal measurements being equal).
    18. Instruction #10
    19. Once completely assembled, sand all surfaces to remove any splinters or rough edges. Remove dust with a damp paper towel.
    20. Paint the trim with a 2" chip brush in Battleship.
    21. Instruction #12
    22. Paint the shelves with a 4" chip brush in Mushroom.
    23. Instruction #13
    24. See the photo as a reference for the bottom half of the bench.
    25. Instruction #14

    DOWNLOADS

    Potting Bench Measurements