Every Spring and Summer, my Pinterest and Facebook news feeds are filled to the brim with big, beautiful potting benches! Whether constructed from pallets or old doors, or even a genuine vintage potting table, they are stunning and, well, LARGE. But, here’s the thing- I’m a gardener on a very small scale. I simply don’t have the space or need for a potting bench that is normal size. So, I set forth to create something on a smaller scale: a portable potting bench!
My idea? Well, bringing it to life required two things. First up, a wooden tray table from the thrift store…
And second, a dresser drawer from Habitat ReStore.
By combining the two, I figured I could have something similar to a butler tray table- but to be used outside. And when the planting season winds down, I can simply collapse it and stow it away until the following year.
This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.
The stencil used in this project was provided free of charge by Old Sign Stencils for use in this project, but all opinions are my own.
Preparing a Wooden Tray Table and Dresser Drawer for Upcycling
To put my plan in motion, I first needed to remove the excess parts from my drawer- namely the drawer front and the slides on each side.
So, I grabbed my drill, removed them, and was left with a nice shallow crate.
Since I’m not into blondes (in terms of wooden furniture), I sanded down both the drawer and tray table to prep them for a makeover.
After I finished sanding, I was left with two naked pieces that were ready to be made over!
Thrift Store Makeover on a Shallow Drawer and Wooden Tray Table
Now- my plan was to give a new-to-me product a whirl!
I was excited to try out this Weathered Wood Accelerator because it’s mysterious. It reacts differently to various types of wood (think of it like a mood ring, but for staining wood).
But, to be honest? I wasn’t thrilled with the results, at least on whatever kind of wood this shallow drawer was made of!
So, to fix my dismay, I used a favorite wood stain on top of the first product.
NOW I was happy. NOW it looked beat up and weathered, like an old fruit crate. Which was essentially the look I was going for.
Once I had the look I wanted on the drawer, I decided to give it just a touch more character.
Using a gorgeous potting shed stencil from Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils, I set up stenciling shop.
I used my favorite stenciling brushes (from this online shop) and some plain black craft paint. Then, I taped the stencil in place and stippled the paint over the sign.
And it came out perfectly!
You can see the other projects I’ve made with Old Sign Stencils here!
But let’s finish this potting bench first…
Portable Potting Bench from a Dresser Drawer
After stenciling, I gave it two light coats of a matte sealant, and then used wood glue to attach the shallow drawer to the wooden tray table. You could also use screws instead or in addition to wood glue.
Speaking of which, I painted the TV tray brown to coordinate with the shallow drawer.
When all was said and done, I had a sweet little potting bench, emphasis on little.
And it’s perfect for setting up under a shade tree and doing some potting…
Isn’t it cute? And the high sides of the shallow drawer will keep things like seeds from rolling off into your grass!
But the best part really is this: either after each use or just at the end of summer, I can fold it up and store it in our tool shed.
It takes up virtually NO room at all and will be as good as new next Spring.
I will probably always love the big potting benches with all their bells, whistles, and chippy paint goodness. But with neither the space nor the robust gardening plans, this potting bench that is small and portable is much more my speed.
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a potting bench, then you may also enjoy this outdoor hanging basket from an enamel colander, as well!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
This is an absolutely stellar, creative project! It opens the door to so many possibilities, thank you! Love the finish in the end!
Thanks, Christina! I agree- there are so many ways to use this idea, definitely doesn’t have to be a potting table or for the outdoors.
I think it could be used as a cute side or end table also!
Totally!
this is a great idea!! so useful while recycling!!! thank you
Thank you so very much!
So adorable – yes, this is right my alley too. I would love to make one of those huge ones too but they are just not practical. This is perfect!
I’m so glad to hear that I’m not alone in that line of thinking! Thanks, Cathy!
What a fabulous, space saving, but workable idea!
Thank you so very much!
Love It! Have the tray table. Now I just need an old drawer or something similar!
Thank you so much- and happy hunting for the drawer!!! 🙂
Super clever Sarah! I’m seeing new nightstands in my future using this design. I’m thinking add a little shelf on the bottom rungs to hold a basket and they would be unique and practical. Thanks for the inspiration. ?
Totally!!! So many possibilities, that’s for sure. 🙂 Thank you!
How cool is that! Definitely pinning. You have such a talent for transforming pieces that most people (including myself) normally just walk by without a second glance.
I am blushing with gratitude, Kim- thank you so much!
Amazing {and charming} as usually.
Thank you so much, Mary!
What a terrific idea! Adding this to my “Gotta Try” list.
Happy to be your neighbor today at This Is How We Roll 🙂
Thanks so much, Linda!
Adorable! As someone else already commented, other uses are popping through my head, too! As a retired occupational therapist, I still hold my life together with Velcro; I think I would Velcro the top to base so I could use it as a butler tray! Perfect for a chairside drink and snacks! That stencil was absolutely perfect for your project! Your turquoise blue would be awesome on it,too.
I totally agree- the concept is just begging for other applications, and I’ve loved all the various ideas! Thank you so very much!
Looks awesome! Love it.
Thanks, Terry!
Great idea! I’m thinking of some old folding tables I have and now I’m thinking of the old cheap dressers I’ve seen at yard sales! Thanks for this fun idea – I love the look – you are very talented
Thank you, Kathy!
Brilliant! Dang, I just donated Mom’s identical wooden tv table to Goodwill because I couldn’t think of anything to make with it. You come up with the best ideas, Sarah and I need to order that stencil. Pinned and shared
ARGH, I am all too familiar with “I just gave one away!” and then seeing a good idea. Thank you for the share, my friend!
so cute and useful, i was thinking that when my daughter was into making beaded jewelry this would have been perfect sure beat chasing the beads all over as they rolled off the table ha ha pinned xx
Yes!!! That was my thought, too, but with regards to seeds! The raised sides will keep everything from getting lost or spilled. I could TOTALLY see this idea for jewelry making, too…especially if you’re sitting on the couch while beading. 🙂
Genius idea! This would be so awesome for those of us who usually kneel on the ground to do their potting. I, too, have coveted the potting benches I see, but until I get “someone” to make it for me, I may just give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
You know, it’s funny- I thought about forgoing the tray table all together and just using the drawer (with some DIY handles) as a sit-on-the-ground potting surface! The raised sides would keep spilled seeds from rolling into the ground all willy-nilly. So, I think there are all kinds of ideas to be had with this!
What a fabulous project! I am visiting you from Vintage Charm.
Thank you and welcome!
the sweetest little project i’ve seen in a long time…
Thank you so very much, BJ!
Great idea and great job.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!
That’s a great idea and I love that it folds up!
I had to laugh at your glass of water on the table though…I’d end up with dirt in my water. Lol.
Haha, thanks, Cecilia! I’m never without my glass of water, but I know what you’re saying!!
I would put PARTY TRAY or USE ME.
Love this sweet little table! So very functional and who doesn’t have at least one TV tray, right? Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday, Sarah!
Thanks, Angie!!
Very clever! I love how it turned out, so pretty! Nice that it folds up for easy storage.
Thanks so much! Yes, the ability to tuck it away is a must for me!
I just picked up 3 wood tv trays at a yard sale for $5 Yay! But my drawer is not quit large enough. Will have to find another. ?
I love this idea, but I think I might do something like it for a patio side table. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks so much, Cherryl!
This is such a cute idea. I like that it folds up and doesn’t take up too much room to store it.
Thanks, Barbara! The ability to collapse-and-store is critical for me!
What a great idea. I am thinking a nice tray table for the family room. I have 3 of these tables and an old drawer. Thanks for sharing. Love it.
Thanks so much, Cathy!!
How smart and clever you are making your potting table. So handy also being able to fold up at end of season, and it’s attractive. Could be used for serving food on patio if you decide to use it otherwise. Enjoy your very clever invention and enjoy rest of week.
Thank you so very much!
What a great idea! It turned out so beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us in Sweet Inspiration Link Party
http://www.artdecorationcrafting.blogspot.com
Thank you so very much!
Oh, this is a clever idea. And you’ve styled it beautifully. I love ti.
Amalia
xo
Thank you so very much, Amalia!
I love it! what color stain did you use for the box?
Thanks, Simone! On top of the accelerator, I used my favorite stain for farmhouse-style projects (affiliate)!
You are so inventive. This is the perfect solution for a small portable potting bench. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle. I am featuring this week at the party.
Thank you so much, Sharon- I’ll be there!
That is a very cool potting bench. Love the portability and “storability”.
Thanks for sharing at Waste Not Wednesday.
Thank you so much, Kimm!!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s house we go link party – I’ll be featuring this tomorrow morning when the next party starts!
Thank you so very much!!!
wow that is so cute and I have 6 of those little fold up tables ….I can make plenty little stands now where do I find the drawers ….lol….I guess I will just have to be on the lookout for CURBSIDE FREEBIES are hit some yard sales ….Thanks for posting I love it …
Hahaha, thanks, Maude!
So cute! Too bad it isn’t mounted the other way, then you could use it hung up as a sign of sorts. Love all your projects!
Thanks, I actually mounted it that way on purpose to fully illustrate how it collapses! If I wasn’t a blogger and didn’t need to show that, though, I would have mounted it the other way. 🙂
I guess I should have said too bad the words aren’t the other direction?? Anyway thanks for all your cute ideas! <3
Just LOVE this idea! I have some portable trays & will give this a try. Would be thrilled if you’d share it at Reader Tip Tuesday: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/08/reader-tip-tuesday-food-craft-party/
It would be a GREAT addition to the party. xo
Just linked up- thanks for the invite!
My pleasure! I have a friend who is always at garage sales & antique shops so I put her on the watch for certain items…a drawer will be one of them now!
JUST LOVE THIS!!! Thank you so much for sharing at Reader Tip Tuesday. I am definitely considering making one of these! Hope you join us for more inspiring shares at this week’s party xo
http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/15/reader-tip-tuesday-craft-recipe-party/
I found your site by fluke today and am thoroughly loving all the projects (and pinning like crazy). This one is fantastic! I have a folding table with tropical fruit drinks painted on them lol! I moved it to my craft room thinking I could use it there but I like your idea so much better. I also liked that you glued the two parts instead of drilling/covering holes etc. which I am not about to do. Great idea!!
Welcome, welcome- I’m so glad you found me, Rupa!!
What a creative work, Sadie! As a DIY’er, I really appreciate your bench project
This is brilliant. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Janet!
What a great way to
Upcycle two things. Love how it turned out.