Use hammer and pry bar to disassemble pallets. Be careful not to damage board ends during deconstruction. Choose wide, attractive boards for the pallet potting bench countertop.
Mark and trim splintered wood and square the boards with a straightedge, pencil, and miter or circular saw. Remove weak spots and knotholes. This strengthens the potting bench.
Use pallet base or 2x4 lumber for legs. Most pallets have three 2x4 pieces, so you must break down a second pallet or screw two pieces together to make a fourth leg.
For bench depth, attach board to the two back legs. To raise boards 36 inches, screw it perpendicular to leg pieces' insides. Screw the other front leg to 1x to form a lowercase h.
Support the pallet potting bench with one countertop board at the back, then install the skirt or face board. Complete the frame by flipping the bench and installing the back skirt.
Measure and install blocks on the back legs in the spaces directly in front of the back skirt. You will screw the final countertop piece into these blocks.
Select your countertop pieces, align them front-to-back, and screw them in. If desired, the front countertop can slightly overlap the skirt. The last piece must be cut to width and length.
To maintain shelf height, use temporary spacers (longer pieces parallel to and touching the ground). Measure the distance between the spacer and shelf-support tops.
Screw in the bottom shelf pieces. Use 1x material the same way you did the countertop. Add the top shelf, screwing it into the tops of the back legs.
Install more 1x boards for back slats. Space the boards generously and evenly so you can hook things over them later. Make sure slats are straight with a level.
Using 1x material, measure for length and cut two blocks with 45-degree ends. Drill holes into the edges so the blocks won't split when you screw them into place. Start screws into the blocks.
Place bracing blocks inside back legs. Attach the back legs, countertop, and skirt with screws. Externally drill back-skirt screws. These blocks stop pallet potting bench movement.
Sandpaper all splinter-causing areas. Vacuum or wipe the bench to remove wood dust. Paint or stain the bench. Two coats of primer and paint are needed for a durable finish when painting.
Sandpaper all splinter-causing areas. Vacuum or wipe the bench to remove wood dust. Paint or stain the bench. Two coats of primer and paint are needed for a durable finish when painting.