Recently I asked for your ideas for the old work table we found in our barn. Several of you suggested turning it into a potting bench, and my husband and I thought that sounded like a great idea, given it’s short height.
Here’s how it started out.
The top had stinky old oil on it. The legs were multiple colors, but mostly silver.
It had lots of potential and character though.
Take a look at how we transformed it into a potting bench!
Old Work Table into Potting Bench Makeover
My husband didn’t want to spend any money on the project. He assured me he could make a new top for it, so while he worked on that, I sanded off the darkest paint marks on the base and repainted it.
To keep the old character, I purposely didn’t cover all the knicks and dings in the wood.
You know I love the knick of time look! 🙂
My husband used scrap wood to build a top that looks like butcher block. He sanded it all smooth, which removed the print marks on it, and it turned out great.
I found the old farmhouse sink that was in our home when we moved in.
It’s been sitting behind our barn for four years, so this seemed like a great way to repurpose it.
He cut an opening into the table top to drop the sink in, then I stained the top.
We didn’t install any faucet into the sink, because we have a water spigot right next to it by our barn.
The door behind it isn’t attached to the table. I usedpart of the Seed Store stencil to add the design onto the glass on the door.
The door is just pressed between the barn and the table.
We added a shelf to store empty pots on.
I used the hinge on the door to hang an old lightning Ball jar.
My daughter’s cat popped in to see what I was up to.
He’s feeling a bit lost right now, because our other 15 year old cat passed away yesterday.
I think he’s missing her – I know I am.
Her health has deteriorated quickly over the last few months, so I’m glad she isn’t suffering now.
Here’s a side view of the potting bench.
The farrier was at our house today, and he walked by the bench as he was leaving.
He turned around and said, “That’s seriously cute.”
Hey, if the farrier thinks it’s cute, that’s good enough for me! 🙂
Vaya con Dios,
What a great idea! I love it. You did a great job. It not only looks great there but it’s something you will use a lot.
Sorry to hear about your kitty.
Thanks so much, Karen!
It looks like a potting bench that would actually be used. I’ve seen some that look too hands off,,
A fifteen year old cat leaves a pawprint on your heart!..I firmly believe that the good Lord allows us to live longer so that we may give many animals a home in our time.
That is so true, Mary – she definitely left her paw print on my heart!
very nice…
Thanks Shelley!
So sorry to hear about your kitty. Every pet becomes a member of the family and I know she will be missed.
Your table tuned out great! I love the color! My husband and I made one from pickets and posts from a neighbors fence. Here’s a link if you want to take a look. https://homeonthecorner.com/2015/06/08/sum-sum-summertime-backyard/ These also work great as a drink table. Put some ice in the sink with some drinks and later you can just drain it all away! Have fun with it!
That’s a great idea to use it as a drink table, Pamela!!
How wonderful, Angie! I love the color…and the sink just makes the whole project! I have potting bench envy! Great job!
Thanks Linda! I really wanted to give it a pop of color and love it!
Awesome job of reusing all those parts to make cool and useable piece!!! Sorry about kitty
Thanks so much, Pam!
I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost our 5 year old kitty last November. It took a long time for the old man kitty to stop looking for her. It’s tough.
On a lighter note, the potting bench is wonderful!
Thanks Mechelle, It’s just not the same around our home without her.
I’m so impressed with your gorgeous, not-so-gorgeous, potting bench!!! I say that because I love it exactly how you & your hubby made it….old dinks, sink, and all!!
Aww… thanks Mare! 🙂
It turned out fabulously Angie. I love it!
hugs,
Jann
Thanks so much, Jann!
Angie, that is “seriously” very cool! You and hubby did a fantastic job! When I saw the first post you did of it, I came up blank as to how to transform it, but what you did is perfect. Wish I had one just like it. Actually, I have the bottom of an old Hoosier cabinet in my garage which I’ve been thinking of repurposing into a potting bench. It has the original work surface still on it and everything. Plus some storage underneath. Gosh, now I’ll have to clean out the garage to get to it and clear a space to work on it! Geez, when would that be happening! I might have to stop reading Knick of Time to avoid getting all excited about my next big project that I don’t have time for! NO chance! I love KOT and you, too much!
Oh, I forgot that I wanted to send my sympathy for the loss of your kitty. I know how attached you can become to a pet. I have had to say goodbye to two dogs over the last few years and it’s really hard to let them go. Anyway, I just wanted to acknowledge your loss.
That is one amazing looking potting bench. Love everything about it including the color.
Sorry to hear about your kitty. It’s always tough when we lose a furry family member.
Thanks Betsy!
Love it Angie! Shared on Facebook.
Thanks Becky!
A great build, I’d suggest putting a raised back on a potting bench to stop any soil etc falling down behind it.
Thanks Andy!
Angie, your potting bench has so many elements that I love. And the color!! <3 Hope it gets lots of use.
Sorry to read about your cat. Our pets really do become a part of the family. Take care.
What a great tutorial. I may give this a try this afternoon
I love the color you painted the potting bench. Do you mind sharing the name of the color and brand of paint? Thanks!
I’m sorry, I think it was just “oops” paint from Lowes that was cheap.