DIY Hanging Plant Stand
"This DIY hanging plant stand is easy-to-build but still has a professionally finished look—and you can move it around to brighten up any spot you wish!”"
Materials
There is nothing more beautiful than blooms in summer, and the sight of hanging flower baskets always cheers us up!
This week we’re joined in the DIY studio by our friend and Dunn Lumber employee, David—or “Grishy” as our team knows him—to build a wooden hanging plant stand. Grishy works at our Lynnwood location and considers himself more of a builder than a woodworker. For this project, he chose a simple structure paired with beautiful cedar decking boards, versus white wood 2x4s, for an easy-to-build project that still has a professionally finished look.
This DIY hanging plant stand creates the perfect place to hang a basket of colorful petunias or fuchsias. Plus, you can move it around in or outside your home to brighten up any spot!
Step 1: Cut and sand wood
We opted to use a circular saw and a power sander for this project, however, you can also use a handsaw and a sanding block to get the same results. If you plan to use power tools, grab your safety glasses and hearing protection!
Measure and make your cuts according to the cutting diagram below. We recommend using clamps to secure your boards in place then using a circular saw to cut.
Use a power sander to sand the cut ends of the boards, smoothing out any rough spots. We recommend sanding all sides of the wood.
Label the cut pieces by writing the corresponding letter on a piece of tape and sticking it to the wood.
Step 2: Prep, stain, and finish wood
If you'd like to add a sign, set aside Piece D until Step 3.
For the rest of the pieces of wood, once the wood has been sanded, apply a generous coat of wood conditioner with a paint brush. Wait about ten minutes for the conditioner to saturate the wood (or refer to the instructions on the can), and then wipe the excess with a lint-free cloth. We found a microfiber cloth works best! Allow the wood conditioner to penetrate for about 30 minutes before staining. Using wood conditioner stabilizes the wood, allowing the stain to penetrate more evenly.
We chose to use a light stain to showcase the cedar’s natural grain. You can also prime and paint the wood or use a clear polyurethane finish.
If staining, it’s best to liberally apply the stain using your brush, let it stand for about five minutes, and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Let the stained pieces dry per the instructions on the can.
After staining, you can apply a clear polyurethane finish (like Varathane, Spar, or Minwax) for a more polished look and let the application dry per the instructions on the can before moving on to the next step. We chose not to add a clear finish, so we could more easily re-stain the project in the future.
Step 3: Create sign
We wanted our plant stand to have a welcoming message, but you can use your creativity to decide what you'd like to say! You could take several approaches to making the message and lettering—it could be painted with a stencil, done freehand, or you could use a Cricut or Silhouette machine to design your message.
If not already done in Step 1, take Piece D and sand it smooth. The better the sanding job, the better the writing surface will be. Once sanded, wipe the wood with a clean, damp rag and let it dry. Next, apply two coats of spray primer and let dry per the instructions on the can. Then, finish with your chosen paint or lettering and let it dry per the instructions on the can. (You can also finish the lettering later in the project if you like.)
We chose to use chalkboard paint so we could change the message seasonally. We applied 3-4 coats of chalkboard paint to the wood, following the instructions on the can. (Remember that with chalkboard surfaces, you don’t want to apply any finish coats, as they can affect your ability to write and erase on the paint.)
Step 4: Assemble frame
To assemble your frame, lay Piece D face down on your work surface, and lay Piece B1 on its edge, perpendicular to Piece D on the left side. Align the top of Piece D and the top of Piece B1. Then do the same with Piece B2 on the right side of Piece D.
Measure down from the top of Piece B1 and mark a small line at the 1-½” and 4” marks. Use an ⅛” drill bit to drill pilot holes at the marks, centered on the 2x4 and into the wood. Fasten with 2 ½” exterior wood screws into each hole until the head is flush with the wood. Repeat for Piece B2 on the other side. Now you have the “legs” attached to your “sign.”
Next, position Piece A1 on its edge at the top of the legs and across the top of Piece D, aligning the ends so they are flush. Mark and drill two pilot holes from the top of the project: 1” in from the edges and ¾” in from the end of Piece A1. Be sure to drill at least 1” into the leg. Fasten with screws on each end until flush.
Repeat, attaching Piece A2 to the bottom of the stand legs. You’ve now completed the frame!
Step 5: Attach frame to base
Next, place the stand right side up onto the face of Piece C, aligning the edges so there is a 1” border around all sides. Use clamps where necessary to help you hold everything in place. Flip the project onto its side so you can access the bottom of Piece C. Measure and mark two holes under each leg of the frame. Drill pilot holes at the marks, going through Piece C and halfway into Piece A2. Fasten with screws.
Step 6: Install plant hook, add a message, and hang your plant
Use a tape measure to find the center of the bottom of Piece D and mark it. Drill a pilot hole at the mark, and attach the screw hook securely.
Now, you can finish the sign with chalk, paint markers, or vinyl stencils. We wrote “Welcome” in pencil, then traced it with a white paint pen.
Congratulations on a job well done or as we like to say, “A job well Dunn!” Your project is finished and ready for your hanging plant.
Want even more DIY inspiration? Check out some of our other recent projects, like this clever piano coat rack or this impressive rotating bookshelf.
