Chapter 64 Building an Inexpensive Growing Bench

This 2’ x 8’ growing bench can be built for about $__. It is sturdy and stable, but also is light enough to move easily. The bench also can be flipped on one side and used to shelter trees from the wind in winter.

Materials

  • 2, 2” x 4” x 8’ pressure-treated boards
  • 1, 2” x 4” x 10’ pressure-treated board
  • 2, 4” x 4” x 8’ pressure treated posts
  • 1, 4’ x 8’ sheet of pressure-treated lattice
  • 1 box of 3-inch wood screws, exterior/pressure-treated grade

Plans for a simple 2x8 foot bonsai bench. Original illustration by AD Johnson.

  1. Cut the 4 x 4 posts into 8, 2-foot lengths. These are the legs.
  2. Cut the 2 x 4 x 10’ into 5, 21-inch lengths. These are cross bars.
  3. Cut the lattice in half lengthwise to make two, 2 x 8 top panels.
  4. Screw two of the 21-inch cross bars into the ends of the 8-foot side rails.
  5. Place a third cross bar half way between the ends, and anchor with screws.
  6. Anchor the last two cross bars between the end and the middle bars.
  7. Place the frame on a flat floor or drive, and anchor 4 of the legs to the corners. Use a level to ensure the legs are straight up. Put in screws on both sides of the corner.
  8. Attach 2 more legs to the middle cross bar. Make sure to attach them with screws from two sides.
  9. Attach the last two legs to the MIDDLE of the last two cross bars.
  10. Flip the bench over.
  11. Stack the two top panels of lattice on the bench so the open squares line up. Drill pilot holes then sink screws through the lattice into the tops of all 8 legs to anchor the lattice to the bench.

There are two ways to level the bench. The easiest way is to put flat rocks or bricks under the legs. For a more permanent solution, cut the remnants of the longest 2 x 4 into 3-inch lengths, and screw them to the bottom of the leg posts.