Pottering around in style

February 25, 2009 9:29 PM

I need help planning an outdoor workbench.

We've recently freed up a side yard, and I want to build a garending workbench so I can potter around in comfort. The area is mostly protected from sun and rain, but being in the harsh climate of Arizona I want to make sure it won't fall apart in a few years. Am I better off making the frame from redwood or pressure treated lumber? What will be really durable for the flat surfaces? I have some leftover shingles and roofing felt, should I build a slanted roof over it too?

posted by TungstenChef to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

Best answer: My mom's deck, in your neck of the woods, is made of pressure-treated lumber and it's holding up nicely.

I have a slanted (corrugated UV-tinted plastic, in the style of the classic corrugated metal) roof over my potting bench here in California and it's great, really makes the space more usable on hot days. It's worth doing. Another possibility would be to build a trellis over the area and plant winding vines (bougainvilla or hardenbergia come to mind) so it would be ornamental as well as providing some shade and protection.

Also, put the flat surface itself at a slight angle so when it does rain, the water rolls off. I thought that was weird about my potting bench until the rainy season hit; then I totally understood it.
posted by padraigin at 11:16 PM on February 25, 2009

Best answer: I covered the thick plywood surface of my workbench with battleship linoleum. Resists oil, paint, dirt, water, etc. Cleans with solvent.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 12:38 AM on February 26, 2009

Best answer: a recent article i read on woodshop benchtops mentions that yellow pine makes a good, inexpensive, durable top for a workbench. smells nice too
posted by Redhush at 9:59 AM on February 26, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks for the tips, I should have a good place to pot my plants by the weekend.
posted by TungstenChef at 10:11 AM on February 26, 2009