Material List and Cost Calculator for Building a Wash Table and Aerator
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Our model wash table was built from parts purchased entirely from a decently stocked hardware store. The list contains all the components we used to build the main table, the side modular tables, and the "dirty table". Also listed are the prices we paid to give you an idea of a building price. The real goal for these tables is to demonstrate that it doesn't require high priced equipment to get started in setting up an easily cleanable wash line set-up. The idea is to have something usable whether it is indoors or outside under canopies. The key is having the tables and equipment that can be easily cleaned and sanitized while being low-cost, easy to build, and totally functional.
There is a second page of the spreadsheet that includes the materials list and cost for building an aerator. The concept of the aerator is to pump air in a tank of water that can agitate leafy greens or heads of lettuce, escarole, etc. to quickly remove soil and debris as well as keeping any added sanitizer in the water to reach in around the produce. The Jacuzzi motor was found at a spa parts website. I ordered a 1 hp model. Very quickly we realized that this was too powerful for any tank or basin less than 50 gallons or greater and needs high sides. A 7/8 hp motor or something smaller would work fine. The motor purchased had a 2" diameter exhaust that fit easily to a 2" PVC pipe. Do not glue the PVC pieces in the bottom of the tank together totally. The unit will suck in soil and debris when you turn off the motor after use and will need cleaning after each day's use. Having the PVC pipes in the bottom of the tank fit snuggly with the inside perimeter will help in keeping the unit from floating when the motor is turned on. More holes drilled into the PVC would help reduce floating. Using an easily cleanable weighted object to hold down the pipes can also work. To see the aerator in action, go to our video and the last couple of minutes of the video is on the aerator.
Wash Station Material List, Budget, and Notes (xlsx; 739KB)
- Download this Excel file to calculate the cost to build a wash table.
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Horseradish
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Leeks
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Upcoming Events
Chipping Potato and Field Crops Twilight Meeting
August 27, 2026
Dansville, NY
This year, our field meeting is bringing together field crops and chipping potatoes. SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Specialist Katelyn Miller will lead a field crops management discussion. Hear the latest updates in potato disease control and see the Cornell chipping potato variety trial run by Walter De Jong. Dinner follows the educational event.
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September 10, 2026
Buffalo, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!
This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.