If  you are trying to decide on a potting bench for outdoors, a cedar potting bench is the perfect choice. Cedar is one of those woods that lasts and lasts and stands up to weather like no other wood does. I would say a cedar potting bench is on the short list of materials for an outdoor potting bench.

Cedar also contains natural oils that not only preserve the wood, but repel the bugs. This is perfect for your potting bench. The smell of cedar is a natural deterrent for many bug species as well as other critters you don’t want around your garden area.

Cedar also dries quickly and straight. This is an important fact when you consider your cedar potting bench will be out in the elements, and will have to dry repeatedly. It’s nice to know that each time it dries it will be the same shape it was before it got wet. No warping, or twisting. You will be able to use the flat shelves for years into the future.

Cedar feels cool, even on the hottest of days. So you don’t have to worry about burning tender plants or even your own hands when you work at your cedar potting bench. This is a great advantage of cedar. You want to be able to work comfortably in and on your potting bench no matter what the weather.

Cedar is also has  natural fungal and antibacterial properties. You will not find mold growing on your cedar potting bench, which is a nice thing since it will be outside in the elements. This will also help you keep your potting soils, and any pots you keep on your bench clean and free from bacteria and mold as well.

As you can see when it comes down to it, cedar is really the only choice for an outdoor potting bench.  Now you just have to decide exactly which cedar potting bench you want in your garden.

You do need to look for a few things if you plan on keeping your potting bench outside. The material it is made of will make a big difference when it comes to an outdoor potting bench. You want to make sure you use wood or a material that will handle being outside and make it through the weather conditions.

Cedar is an excellent wood to have for an outdoor potting bench. Cedar is designed to withstand weather and will last through the seasons.  You want to make sure you use a natural wood that will last, and not a wood that has been treated. If you use treated wood you run the risk of contaminating your soil, and your plants.

You can also use other materials, but make sure they will be able to take the weather in your area. Some metals will work, in fact, some metals will weather in a way that makes them even more beautiful.  Just make sure before you buy an outdoor potting bench it is made of a quality material that will hold up through the years.

If you have decided to add an outdoor potting bench to your garden, you must decide whether it will be a hidden “functional” piece or if you want to incorporate it directly into your garden design. Depending on the type of garden you have an architectural element such as a potting bench can be a wonderful focal point.

A potting bench can also be used to display some pots and other plants after the main part of your planting has been done. You can create a beautiful spot to display all your house plants that want some time outside during the warm weather.

What you do with your outdoor potting bench is really as limited as your own imagination. Whether you make it a “work only” space, a decorative element or a little bit of both as long as you make sure it’s made of a time tested outdoor approved material, your outdoor potting bench will supply you with years of enjoyment.