Greenhouse Seedling Bench
A raised bench with a slatted or mesh top that holds seedling trays in a greenhouse or sheltered porch.
Estimated cost
$80 – $160
Estimated time
2 – 3 hours
Lifespan
10+ years
Soil needed
None — holds seedling trays
Weight empty
60–100 lbs
Weight full
200–300 lbs with trays and water
Best for
Starting seeds in a greenhouse, keeping trays off cold floors, and improving drainage
Placement
Orient the bench north-south if possible so light hits both sides evenly. Leave walking space on all sides.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 legs, 8 ft | 2 | Legs cut to 32 inch |
| 2×4 frame boards, 8 ft | 4 | Bench frame |
| 1×4 cedar slats, 8 ft | 6 | Bench top |
| Exterior screws, 2.5 inch | 1 lb | Frame and slats |
- ·Optional: greenhouse plastic or shade cloth cover
- ·Optional: casters if you want it mobile
Steps
- 1Cut four legs to 32 inches.
- 2Build a 4×8 foot rectangular frame.
- 3Attach legs inside each corner of the frame.
- 4Add cross braces between legs for stability.
- 5Space 1×4 slats across the top, leaving 1/4-inch gaps for drainage.
- 6Sand edges and seal the wood.
- 7Set the bench level and load with trays.
Tools needed
- ·Circular or miter saw
- ·Cordless drill / driver
- ·Tape measure and level
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Bench too low — back pain from bending
- ·Solid top — water pools and roots rot
- ·Too narrow to fit standard 1020 trays
- ·Not level — trays tip and water runs out
Maintenance tips
Scrub the top with a bleach solution between seedling batches. Check legs and braces each season.
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