The Martha Stewart Blog : Blog Archive Tiered Benches for My Greenhouse

February 21, 2026

Tiered Benches for My Greenhouse

I am very fortunate to have several greenhouses here at my farm where I can maintain large collections of beautiful potted plants. But with so many, I am constantly thinking of new ways I can make better use of the space in each one. One solution - go vertical.

Creating multiple growing levels is a strategic approach to maximizing every inch of room. Recently, Pete Sherpa from my crew, made benches out of scrap wood and leftover mesh wire to support more plants on top of the long, sliding tables in my main greenhouse. It's an easy project that helps keep my container plants well-spaced and organized.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: When it comes to building materials, I save as much as I can. One never knows when they will come in handy. Last year, I saved the usable wood from a fence I took down around my garden at Skylands, my home in Maine. A portion of the cedar wood will now be repurposed as tiered benches for my main greenhouse.

: This is wire mesh saved from the building of the sliding tables in my greenhouse – strong durable metal that can support heavy potted plants and drain efficiently. There is enough to make four benches.

: Working off of the requested measurements for the space, Pete measures and marks the wood to be cut.

: Fortunately, I have a small workshop at the farm, where I store all the necessary equipment for these woodworking projects. Here, Pete cuts the wood on the table saw.

: He makes all of his cuts for two benches before constructing them. Working in this kind of production line process is fast and efficient.

: Pete makes sure the legs are of equal length.

: After cutting the legs, each one looks like this with one quarter of the top still intact.

: Using a knife, Pete trims off any jagged edges of wood.

: This is what they look like after cutting.

: Pete also trims the ends of the horizontal pieces at a 45-degree angle.

: And then starts to put it together. Here is one corner.

: The legs will not only support the tops, but keep them in position.

: Here’s a view from the top. Notice how the horizontal piece is placed. A perpendicular piece of wood will complete the corner and fit perfectly.

: Using two and a half inch screws, Pete secures the horizontal pieces to the legs.

: Here’s a view from the side. This wood already has a beautiful patina, which is a natural finish made by sunlight, air, and moisture over time.

: Here is the base of one bench all done. The legs are just a couple feet tall – enough for some pots above and below the bench. This particular piece is 50-inches long and just about a foot wide.