Outdoor Bakers Racks

1. Outdoor bakers racks are built from materials that will withstand the elements, such as wrought iron, wicker, or teak. While you can't always use an indoor bakers rack outside, you can always enjoy an outdoor rack inside.

2. Perfect for the light gardener, an outdoor bakers rack makes a functional potting bench but is much prettier. Make sure you choose a model with a sturdy center counter shelf to serve as a workspace. Shelves can be made from wire, ceramic tile, weather-resistant wood, or glass.

3. The plethora of storage options on a bakers rack may have been designed with kitchen implements in mind, but they work perfectly for the gardening equipment you'll need to whip up some mud pies. Hang a spade instead of a spatula, stack bags of soil instead of flour, and change out that chicken-shaped pitcher for a chicken-shaped watering can.

4. The open design of an outdoor bakers rack lets potted plants and flowers get plenty of light and air, and vines can climb the intricate scrollwork of wrought iron frames. Let trailing plants hang over the front and sides, and pretty soon your bakers rack will become a living part of your garden.

5. Use an outdoor bakers rack as a shrine for your garden collectibles. Gnomes, handmade pottery, and other outdoor sculptures deserve art gallery treatment, too.

6. Unlike their indoor cousins, outdoor bakers racks don't usually include drawers or cabinets. Instead, get creative and add plastic bins or wicker baskets to organize seeds and other small supplies.

7. Your outdoor bakers rack makes a great serving area at your next backyard barbeque party. Fill the middle counter with your burgers and slaw, stack paper plates and cups on the top shelves, and keep extra supplies or a trash can in the bottom section.

8. A covered patio is a great place for a bar, and an outdoor bakers rack is the perfect setting. Store glasses on the top shelves and liquor bottles on the bottom ones, or look for a rack with built-in stemware and bottle storage. The middle counter is great for mixing and serving your tropical cocktails.

9. Your sun room serves as a transition space from indoors to outdoors, so it's only fitting that you'd use an outdoor bakers rack as an entertainment center. Put a TV on the middle counter, components underneath, and a sampling of your favorite CDs or DVDs on the top shelves.

10. Outdoor bakers racks with space-saving corner designs let even small decks, patios, and porches enjoy a decorative touch. It's amazing how much a simple column of potted plants and decorative items can make a space seem more like home.