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Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back

A potting bench with a work surface, bottom shelf, slatted back, and hutch shelf — from four 2x4s and ten 1x4s, braced with the only two angled cuts in the build.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3–5 hrs
Cost: $$

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Back legs Full height — they carry the back boards and hutch shelf.	2	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 61 1/2"	—	☐
Front legs	2	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 35 1/4"	—	☐
Side aprons	4	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 22"	—	☐
Front aprons, short shelf boards, back shelf	10	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 39"	1x4	☐
Long shelf boards and back boards	10	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 42"	1x4	☐
Cross braces Both ends cut at 45°, long point to short point.	2	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 24"	1x4	☐

Materials

Item	Qty	✓
1x4, 8 ft Aprons, shelves, back boards.	8 each	☐
1x4, 10 ft	2 each	☐
2x4, 8 ft Legs and side aprons. Cedar if the bench lives in the open.	4 each	☐
Exterior screws, #9 x 2-1/2", self-tapping	40 each	☐
Exterior screws, #8 x 2", self-tapping	60 each	☐
Exterior wood glue	4 oz	☐

Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.