DIY Potters Bench
Ye Two Olde Dawgs build a potters bench
These two old dogs are up to something again. Armed with their recycled pallet boards, power tools and crazy antics, see how they DIY a potters bench…
By Ian Leatt
Picture this: there I am reading a book on a beautiful Sunday morning on one of my decks, the lawn is finally coming back to life, the planters and pots are starting to fill, the birds are singing merrily away and my own little red squirrel is busying herself with her daily routine. Yes, itโs my own little Eden, my very special relaxed place. I hear footsteps, I wonder who that could be? Trepidation now setting in!
โMorning Dawg,โ comes a familiar gruff voice. โDo you have a pot on?โย
โHelp yourself. Itโs in the kitchen!โ is my instant reply, not looking up from my book. Sitting there I think to myself, what has he got in store for me today?
โNow, this one is more of a challengeโ! Gord says, meandering over to my comfort place. Sitting down! My tranquility now non-existent!
He flips open his phone and says, โLook, here are some pictures of what I am thinking of.โย
I take a look. โSo what are you going to call this thing?โ I ask, somewhat perplexed โIโm thinking a potterโs bench. Catchy name right?โ Gord seems amused at his thoughts.ย
Here is what you will need to convert pallets to a potterโs bench.
4 pallet boards
Hammers
Screws, (1 ยฝ inch plus 2 inch)
Wood stain
2 2โx4โ (8 feet)
3 2โx1โ (in 8-foot lengths)
1 chalk line
1 piece of 4โx8โ board for the counter top and shelf (a board of choice)
Directions:
Place a chalk line over the center of a pallet board and mark it. Cut through each piece until you have two halves. Align one half with a full pallet board and stand together. This will form the back of the potterโs bench.
Cut three pieces of 2โx1โ to 12โ lengths, and place inside the complete board, screw in place. (best to pre-drill holes so as not to split the wood). Align the half board in place ensuring it is level then screw the 2โx1โ ends to the board. The end result should be one large board.
Using another board, mark a chalk line through the center once again and cut in equal halves. The same process as before, make six one-foot lengths of 2โx1โ and affix three pieces to each end, then screw in place on both sides.ย
You still have a half a pallet board, this can now be placed on top of the back board, giving height to the potterโs bench. The same process is required, you will need three one-foot lengths of 2โx1โ. Screw these into place. Finally, a quarter of a pallet board is required. Use the chalk line to divide the remaining board into four equal pieces. Before cutting measure, the space required to ensure all is correct. If all is good cut the remaining piece and position into place.ย
Upon review you should have the basic frame of the potterโs bench. A tee bar is the best option here. Measure the length of the potterโs bench and mark this on the 2โx4โ. Cut and pre-drill holes. Place into position in the front of the bench, screw into place.ย
Measure the top of the bench and mark the 4โx8โ board. Cut out the first piece and place on top of the area of the bench. Screw into place. Repeat this step with the back board. Finally place the remaining 2โx4โ piece on the top where the shelf will be and measure accordingly (you can give this a lip โ it is all about the look you require). Once measured, cut and screw into place.
Finally, stain or paint โ whatever takes your fancy. It is a creative piece that is all about you.
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