Make a Cut List and Assemble Tools and Materials
Make a cutting list of the stock dimensions needed for the project and purchase the appropriate lumber. Assemble the required tools and other materials, remembering protective equipment such as safety glasses and face mask since you will be working with power tools and creating saw dust. The mask is particularly important if you use exterior lumber that is treated with chemicals.

Cut All the Components from Redwood
Use the cutting list to cut all the two-by-twos, two-by-fours, and one-by-fours to the required lengths. Working in an assembly line saves time. You will be making only straight cuts, so you can use a chop saw or compound miter saw, etc.

Lay Out the Pieces for One of Three Supports
Lay out the pieces for one of the three identical vertical braces/supports that will hold the horizontal work surfaces/shelves. We have drawn the exact dimensions and layout of the component pieces on a piece of plywood that serves as a work surface and an assembly guide. We can double-check that all the components are the correct length before we ever attach them to each other.

Drill Countersunk Pilot Holes
Begin with a front leg and a back leg for the supports and drill countersunk pilot holes for the cross braces to prevent the screws from splitting the ends of the boards.

Clamp the Components in Position
Clamp the support components in position on the plywood guide.

Secure the Braces with Decking Screws
Use vinyl coated rust-resistant decking screws to attach the braces to the legs. They accept a square drive or a Phillips head bit mounted on your power drill/driver.

Add Braces to the Other Side
Flip the support over and secure another set of braces on the other side. Repeat these steps to construct the other two supports for a total of three.

Attach a Wooden Brace to Hold the Supports Upright
Hold the frames upright by clamping a temporary wooden brace/foot to the bottom of each support.

Space the Supports Six Feet Apart
Space two of the frames about six feet apart.

Clamp on the Front Edge for the Bench Top
Position and clamp the board for the front edge of the bench top horizontally between the two frames.

Remove the Temporary Bottom Braces
Remove the temporary bottom braces/feet.

Drill Pilot Holes Through the Front Edge
Drill pilot holes through the front edge into the two frames.

Drive in Rust-resistant Screws
Drive in the rust-resistant vinyl-coated screws.

Add the Center Support
Add the center support, first clamping it in position on the front edge of the bench top and then pre-drilling and fastening it with screws.

Attach the Rear Edge for the Bench Top
Attach the rear edge next by clamping it, pre-drilling pilot holes and then driving in the screws.

Mount Fronts for the Upper Shelves
Mount the fronts for the two upper shelves. We have beveled the bottom corner of the braces to remove the sharp corners, so position the bottom edge of the shelf front at the top of the bevel. Position and attach the back of the top shelves to complete the framing. Pre-drill a front and back framing member for the bottom shelf and screw the frames in place.

Add Decking Slats to the Bottom Shelf
Add the decking slats to the bottom shelf, pre-drilling and then fastening them with screws. Be sure to leave about 1/8-inch gaps between the slats to let moisture and debris fall through to the ground.

Add Decking Slats to the Bench Top
Position and clamp the first slat in position on the main work surface of the bench, allowing it to overhang the front edge by about 1/4 inch. The slats will also overhang the sides. Pre-drill and fasten the slats with screws, and then install the remainder working from front to back. Remember to allow gaps between the slats.

Attach Decking Slats to the Upper Shelves
Add decking slats to the upper shelves using the same process.

Obtain a Plastic Bin for Clippings and Debris
Obtain a plastic container/bin to catch clippings and remnants of potting soil. It should be roughly the size of a dish pan with handles and a lip.

Turn the Bin Upside Down and Position It on the Bench Top
Turn the bin upside down on top of the main work surface positioned over the area with no shelves beneath it.

Trace the Perimeter of the Bin
Trace the outer perimeter of the bin as a template for a cut line.

Cut Along the Trace Line with a Jigsaw
Cut out the opening for the bin with a jigsaw.

Add Ledger Strips to Support the Bin
Add ledger strips on the underside of the opening to support the lip of the plastic bin while allowing its top to sit flush with the bench top. Pre-drill through the surface and ledger for pilot holes and fasten with screws.

Drop the Bin into the Opening
Drop the bin in place to test the fit. It can be removed to empty the contents and then reinserted into the cut out.

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