How to build a propagation bench

This step by step diy project is about how to build a propagation bench. Building a garden bench is essential if you want to grow flowers and vegetables, but you also want to create something beautiful with your own hands. This woodworking project features a simple construction with lots of storage space for the small plants and for flower soil. Follow the step bys tep instructions and work with attention.

Building a really simple propagation bench for your garden will help you when taking care of your plants. As you will see in the project, this project features a small cold frame, as to keep the flowers in a proper climate. Don’t forget that you should always adjust the size and the shape of the propagating bench to your needs, before starting the actual construction project. Work with attention and with great acre, if you want to get a professional result.

It is essential to use quality materials and tools, if you want to prevent costly mistakes and to keep the expenditures under control. Therefore, using pine, cedar or redwood is a good choice, as the components will be resistant to decay and weather damage. In addition, build the lid from 2×2 lumber and polycarbonate, if you want to get a professional result. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a propagation bench

Building a propagation bench

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 17 1/2″ POSTS
• B – 6 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 24″ SIDES
• C – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 48″ BACK AND FRONT
• D – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 4″, 2 pieces – 15″ CORNER POSTS
• E – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 39 1/2″, 9 pieces of 1×6 – 24″ BOTTOM
• F – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 5 1/2″, 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 46 1/2″ SHELF
• G – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24″, 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 39 1/2″ BOTTOM SHELF
• H – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 48″, 3 pieces – 19″ LID  
• I – 4 pieces of 1×2 – 22 1/2″, 5 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 19″, 5 pieces – 13 1/4″ SEHLVES

• 6 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 6 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• hinges
• glass
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• glue, stain
• wood filler

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
• Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes

Time

• One Day

Related

• How to build a potting bench
• How to build a small greenhouse

How to build a propagation bench

Building the posts

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the propagation bench. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to use 4×4 lumber, especially if you plan to store heavy objects or many pots inside the insulated room.

Building the bottom shelf

The next step of the project is to attach the bottom shelf to the legs of the propagation bench. In order to get a professional result, you need to attach the 2×2 supports to both sides of the bench, after making sure they are perfectly horizontal (leave about 4″ from the ground). Next, attach the 1×4 slats to the cleats, leaving about 1/2″ between them. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ galvanized screws.

Building the floor of the propagation bench

Afterwards, you have to build the floor of the mini greenhouse. Therefore, attach 2×2 cleats between the posts, as in the image, making sure you they are horizontal. Attach the 1×6 slats into place and lock them to the cleats with 1 1/4″ screws.

Building the frame of the propagator

Use 1×6 tongue and groove slats to build the frame of the mini greenhouse. as you can notice in the image, you need to cut the side slats at 30º. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get a professional result and to prevent costly mistakes.

Attaching the shelf

If you want to increase the storage space inside the cold frame, we recommend you to build a basic shelf. Therefore, all you need to do is to attach 2×2 cleats on both sides of the frame and attach 1×4 slats. Align everything at both ends, if you want to get a professional result.

Attaching the top

Building the lid for the propagation bench is easy, if you use proper tools and quality materials. As you can easily notice in the plans, you need to build the frame from 2×2 lumber and attach poly-carbonate sheet. Check if the corners are right-angled, by using a carpentry square.

Fitting the lid

Fit the lid into place, making sure the exterior edges are flush with the frame. Secure the lid to the support with metal hinges, as in the image.

Attaching the support

If you want to increase the storage space, you could create several additional shelves. As you can notice in the plans, you need to install the supports and several slats. Check if the splitting wall is plumb, by using a spirit level.

Attaching the middle shelf

Attach the shelf as in the plans. Make sure you adjust the size and number of shelves according to your needs. Level everything with a spirit level, before securing the components into place with screws.

How to build a propagation bench

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a professional propagation bench, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain, after the compound has dried out.

Smart Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint over the work bench, in order to protect the components from decay and to enhance their look.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a propagation bench and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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