Potting Bench Revival

So, I bought this potting bench for $50 awhile back on craigslist, and had fashioned it into something semi-acceptable prior to our moving to our new house.  Since we’ve moved into our new house, it’s been sitting on our back porch, looking oh-so-unattractive. 

Honestly, I had no intention of working on this thing over the weekend, but once I started picking at some of the chipping paint, it was like a loose thread that you pull on a sweater – it unraveled right before my eyes and I couldn’t stop. 

Let me just tell you, this thing is SOLID.  And regardless of any ideas I might have of moving it somewhere else, it’s not going anywhere.  As you can see, under the multi-colored layers of paint, is a solid wood piece.

And while this is a potting bench, I am thinking about using it as an entertaining piece of furniture.  See the top?  Instead of using it for dirt, I’m thinking it has oodles of potential for holding ice and drinks.  Hmmm.  Dirt vs. Drinks?  That’s a no brainer.   Did I say potting bench?  I meant partying bench.

I’m thinking some hammered copper spray paint might be in order here.  Are you seeing it?

I also took off the sliding doors since they stick and are more of a hassle than anything.  I’m thinking that I’ll paint the inside a fun color.  Not sure what color, but something different.  I might bring back some fabric to shield any unsightliness, but let’s take it one step at a time.

Since my paint-picking, palm-sanding approach hasn’t yielded much progress, I pulled out the big guns.

I’m letting it work its magic…

Meanwhile, look at these yummy potting benches.  Regardless of whether you choose to use them for work or play, they are pretty to look at, wouldn’t you agree?

Now you’re speaking my language…

A potting bench with a sink?  That would be called a wet bar in my house…

An outdoor wet bar…

There you have it – a(nother) project in motion on the ever-evolving DIY list.  Do you find potting benches as cool as I do?  Or am I just an epic dork in this department?

Don’t forget to link up to this month’s Room Evolution Party!

10 Comments

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    April 3, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    ooh i can't wait to see how it turns out!

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute.
    April 3, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Ooooh, love the idea of a party bench. I'm coming over!!! Hahaha.

  • Reply
    Lisa Scibilia
    April 3, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    Okay I'm seriously in love with this unique "partying bench"!!
    I have been wanting to build a potting bench for so long, but have never seen one with a top like that. Great idea for ice and drinks! And an interior punch of color would be oh-so-fun. Great project Jenny! Looking forward to seeing where you take this.

  • Reply
    Kristin
    April 3, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    What a fabulous idea~ this WOULD make a perfect bar! Can't wait to see the "after" 🙂

  • Reply
    Maury Kilgo
    April 3, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    VERY cool idea! I can't wait to see how this turns out! I have a potting area right now that holds all the dead plants that I've recently killed and need to dump. I think that's probably a bad omen.

  • Reply
    Linda @ it all started with paint
    April 4, 2012 at 1:46 am

    Yeah, I'm potting bench groupie. Though I'm a plant killer. Yup, brown thumb. But if I had a potting bench perhaps they could have a chance to survive …

    And the funny thing, when I first saw the piece I thought bar. Perhaps because of that iron bar on the front …

    So I say embrace the "Party Bench" idea. Then you don't have to feel guilty when you plants, well, start looking a bit sad …

    🙂

    Linda

  • Reply
    Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista
    April 4, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    Ha! I love the "wet bar". I just built my first patio garden so I'm using this year as a try-out for all future planting decisions. I can't wait to see how it turns out, I'm following you now so I can keep up.

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

  • Reply
    Amy R.
    April 5, 2012 at 1:28 am

    GREAT idea! Could serve as a wet bar and potting bench! Best of both worlds! I see potential…

  • Reply
    Andrea
    April 10, 2012 at 11:13 am

    What a great find! I love the idea of using as a drink station. Oh the possibilities. Can't wait to see what you do to it. Hope you guys had a great Easter.

  • Reply
    melissa@joyineveryseason
    April 13, 2012 at 1:48 am

    love IT … you made me laugh with your "partying bench" :oD

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