Introduction: Garden Workbench With Grey Water Sink
A great 2-in-1 project! I needed a workbench in the backyard for quick small projects. I also wanted to start rinsing our garden harvest outside. The simple faucet addition to this bench helps keep dirt out of the kitchen sink AND reclaim the grey water for irrigation.
This is a very quick and simple solution, and I mainly used materials I already had on hand. However, I think it provides a great baseline for you to create your customized version of a garden workbench & sink.
This is a very quick and simple solution, and I mainly used materials I already had on hand. However, I think it provides a great baseline for you to create your customized version of a garden workbench & sink.
Step 1: Materials and Tools
Tools: saw, power drill, square, level, wrenches
Materials:
plywood (mine is 28" x 36" and Made in Texas)
2x4's (mine are 4 x 28", 4 x 33", 4 x 38" and Made in Texas)
@ 30 x 3.5" deck screws
@ 30 x 1.5 deck screws
1 x bucket
1 x faucet
1 x 'Y' split hose adapter
1 x 1/2" hose coupling (part no.: Watts A-810)
1 x 3/4" / 1/2" Hose adapter (part no. Watts A-677)
1 x garden hose (length depends on your environment)
thread seal tape
Materials:
plywood (mine is 28" x 36" and Made in Texas)
2x4's (mine are 4 x 28", 4 x 33", 4 x 38" and Made in Texas)
@ 30 x 3.5" deck screws
@ 30 x 1.5 deck screws
1 x bucket
1 x faucet
1 x 'Y' split hose adapter
1 x 1/2" hose coupling (part no.: Watts A-810)
1 x 3/4" / 1/2" Hose adapter (part no. Watts A-677)
1 x garden hose (length depends on your environment)
thread seal tape
Step 2: Frames
Construct 2 frames using the 28" and the 33" 2x4's and the 3.5" deck screws. Make sure they are square - or at least square-ish.
If you cut different sizes (or even to double check the layout) I recommend placing the 2 x 4's on top of the cut plywood to ensure that you have the boards lined correctly. On my bench, the 28" board is on the sides and the 33" are on the inside of the 28".
If you cut different sizes (or even to double check the layout) I recommend placing the 2 x 4's on top of the cut plywood to ensure that you have the boards lined correctly. On my bench, the 28" board is on the sides and the 33" are on the inside of the 28".
Step 3: Legs
Using one of the frames created in step 2, add a 38" 2 x 4 to each corner, making them as square and level as you can - but without stressing too much if it's not exact. My bench in going on decomposed granite, so I know it will require some leveling once I'm finished.
NOTE - plywood shown in picture is not yet attached, only being used as a guide here.
NOTE - plywood shown in picture is not yet attached, only being used as a guide here.
Step 4: Top
Once the legs are added, you can now flip the bench over and align the plywood square on top. Using the 1.5" deck screws, secure the plywood around the edge of the bench.
Next, drill a 1" hole where you want the faucet to be located. I choose a corner to maximize the workbench space. Then, cut a hole for your 'basin'.
Next, drill a 1" hole where you want the faucet to be located. I choose a corner to maximize the workbench space. Then, cut a hole for your 'basin'.
Step 5: Bottom Frame
I used a couple of cinder blocks to hold the bottom frame in place. Use the remaining 3.5" deck screws to attach to the leg.
Step 6: Faucet
Wrap the treads of both the faucet and the hose attachments with the seal tape. Insert the faucet into the 1" hole drilled in the previous step and using a couple of wrenches, make certain the coupler, hose attachment and faucet are tight.
Step 7: Don't Forget the Bucket!
I used some remaining scrap plywood for the bottom shelf and placed my water bucket under the hole and faucet.
After you decide on where to place your bench, add your 'Y' hose splitter to your spigot and connect the garden hose to one end of the "y" and your new sink.
After you decide on where to place your bench, add your 'Y' hose splitter to your spigot and connect the garden hose to one end of the "y" and your new sink.