Greenhouse Benches

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.

Updated 10/05/2021

Have a green thumb? This set of greenhouse benches provide a sturdy place for your plants and tools within your greenhouse. Use one with a couple of shelves against the wall to stack plants, and fill the center with more rows to make the most of your growing space. Pick through this collection and find the bench or benches to complete your setup.

Buying Guide

What is the best material for a greenhouse bench?

The best material for greenhouse benches is treated wood due to its moisture-resistant properties. Also, consider the beauty of redwood, cypress, teak, and cedar. All of these woods will last for up to 15 years. You may need to stain them occasionally to keep them in good shape.

The downside to wood benches in your greenhouse is that they can lead to root rot diseases if potted plants’ roots sit directly on them for long periods. They also are prone to insect infestations, so you will need to inspect them regularly.

The next best material for your greenhouse bench is wire. They are easy to disinfect to slow or avoid the spread of plant pathogens. Wire benches also allow for good drainage and increased airflow. They can, however, sag when overweighted with pots. To avoid rust, inspect and paint them periodically, or go with galvanized welded wire mesh benches that can resist rust.

What is a bench system in a greenhouse?

A bench system in a greenhouse is a configuration of benches to optimize the available growing area. Greenhouse benches allow for easier irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.

In general, there are three types of bench systems suitable for greenhouses. Peninsula configurations have benches aligned laterally, offering up to 70% floor space coverage, making it ideal for growing different plant species in separate sections.

Longitudinal bench arrangements use 3 or 4 large benches situated along the full length of the greenhouse. This type of system is the easiest for watering and is ideal for hydroponic set-ups.

Finally, rolling bench systems are designed to maximize your floor space, allowing you to house up to 90% of your greenhouse square footage by eliminating permanent aisles.

Can greenhouse benches be pretty?

While greenhouse benches are first and foremost meant to be utilitarian, they can certainly be lovely to look at.

If yours are made out of wood, for example, you can paint them any color you like. If you’ve selected aluminum or iron greenhouse benches, you may not wish to paint them, but never fear: once you’ve placed gorgeous plants on top of your benches, they’ll be beautiful.

Vines will crawl all over the legs of your benches, and the benches themselves will fade over time to look aged and romantic.