Portable Garden wash stand and drying station

Portable Vegetable Washing & Drying Stand (DIY Build)

A lightweight, portable wash station perfect for garden harvest days. Includes a built‑in wash tub, slatted drying rack, fold‑out shelf, and storage space. Below is the full build plan, cut list, materials, and recommended tools.

Vegetable Washing and Drying Stand

This project is designed for gardeners, homesteaders, and anyone who wants a clean, efficient way to wash and dry vegetables outdoors. The stand is sturdy, hose‑friendly, and easy to move around the yard or shop. I built mine using cedar and exterior plywood, but pine works great if you seal it well.

🧰 Tools Needed
Drill
Cordless Drill
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Circular Saw
Circular Saw
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Orbital Sander
Orbital Sander
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🛒 Materials Shopping List
Titebond III
Titebond III Waterproof Glue
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Bus Tub
Plastic Bus Tub (16×12)
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Exterior Screws
Exterior Screws
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🪚 Cut List
FRAME & LEGS (2×2 Lumber)
  • Legs — 4 pcs @ 34"
  • Top Frame Rails — 2 pcs @ 30"
  • Top Frame Sides — 2 pcs @ 18"
  • Lower Shelf Rails — 2 pcs @ 28"
  • Lower Shelf Sides — 2 pcs @ 16"
  • Tub Support Cleats — 4 pcs @ 14"
TOP SURFACE
  • Plywood Top Panel — 30" × 18"
  • Wash Tub Cutout — 16" × 12"
  • Drying Rack Slats — 6 pcs @ 18"
FOLD‑OUT SIDE SHELF
  • Shelf Panel — 12" × 18"
  • Support Arm — 14"
LOWER SHELF
  • Plywood Shelf — 28" × 16"
🔨 Step‑By‑Step Build Instructions
1. Build the Frame

Assemble the top and lower frames using 2×2 lumber. Attach the legs using 2" exterior screws and waterproof glue.

Pencil sketch of Step 1 frame assembly with top and lower frames, legs, glue, and screws

Step 1: Build the frame using 2×2 lumber, glue, and 2" exterior screws.

2. Cut the Top Panel

Cut the ¾" plywood to 30" × 18". Mark and cut the 16" × 12" opening for the wash tub. Add 1×2 cleats underneath to support the tub lip.

Pencil sketch of Step 2 showing cutting the top panel with wash tub opening and adding support cleats

Step 2: Cut the ¾″ plywood top panel to 30″ × 18″. Mark and cut the 16″ × 12″ opening for the wash tub. Add 1×2 cleats underneath to support the tub lip.

3. Install the Drying Rack

Attach six 1×4 slats with ½" spacing. This creates airflow for drying vegetables after rinsing.

Pencil sketch of Step 3 showing installation of six slats for the drying rack with ½-inch spacing

Step 3: Install the drying rack by attaching six 1×4 slats with ½″ spacing. This creates airflow for drying vegetables after rinsing.

4. Add the Fold‑Out Shelf

Attach the 12" × 18" shelf using two hinges. Use a folding support arm or chain to hold it level.

Pencil sketch of Step 4 showing installation of the lower shelf panel between the frame legs

Step 4: Install the lower shelf by attaching a ¾″ plywood panel to the lower frame. Secure it with 1¼″ screws and waterproof glue for added strength.

5. Add the Lower Shelf

Install the 28" × 16" plywood shelf on the lower frame. Great for buckets, baskets, or soap.

Pencil sketch of Step 5 showing installation of the wash tub into the top cutout with support cleats and caulk

Step 5: Fit the wash tub into the 16″ × 12″ opening. Rest the tub lip on the support cleats and seal the edges with waterproof caulk.

6. Add Casters & Finish

Install locking casters if you want mobility. Finish with spar urethane or exterior oil.

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Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my woodworking shop and lets me keep building and testing projects like this.

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