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A rusty shed shelf sanded back and painted to create a potting station.
The project
I have been staring at this rusty old shed shelf for months, not knowing what to do with it. I almost threw it out but I’m so glad I didn’t. Instead, I repurposed it into a potting station.
Derek cut off the top of the shelf and the potting station started to take shape. Once I washed the loose rust from the frame and let it dry completely, I applied two coats primed and painted it. I didn't grind the rust off completely, which I probably should have done but I decided to take that risk.
Honestly, this step alone was so transformative. Even as a shelf, it would look fab in any shed or garden, but I wanted my potting station. So, I went rummaging around the house and found some old hardwood that came off our house during the renovation. Not only does it have a nice story but it’s over 100 years old, so it looks perfect. I had planned to paint the wood but instead decided to clean off the loose paint and leave it as is as I love the look of it. Derek cut it at 45-degree angles to create a more interesting bench.
I used the Dulux Metalshield Hammered bronze on the frame. I love how it turned out.
I love how this turned out and enjoy having a functional yet beautiful potting station as a feature of our garden.
This is your sign to take a look around your yard and reimagine some of those rusty old shelves or fences and instead of throwing them out, upcycling them into something truly beautiful. Upcycling is a great way to be more sustainable and reduce waste.
More potting station inspiration
Workshop member Catldoo built a tall potting bench with garden tool storage to avoid the need to bend over.
Community member MaureenW built a mobile garden potting table with sink which she finds very handy.
