Plant stands at furniture stores such as West Elm can be $100 – 200 dollars. This does not even include the pot or plant! Here are the plans for DIY Mid Century Modern Plant Stands.
DIY Mid Century Modern Plant Stands
— Supplies / Tools —
1. Plant Pots: https://amzn.to/2szqTjh
2. 7/8″ Dowel: https://amzn.to/2sHVWZN
3. 1″ Dowel: https://amzn.to/2Lodx0u
4. 1.25″ Dowel: https://amzn.to/2JsUNj0
5. 1.5″ Dowel: https://amzn.to/2syqrSI
6. Hand Saw: https://amzn.to/2Jt7DOp
7. Wood Glue: https://amzn.to/2M1LcxW
8. Dowel Jig: https://amzn.to/2JsUViu
9. Dowel Pins: https://amzn.to/2JAZ8Rv
10. Danish Oil Medium: https://amzn.to/2JoBZ1i
11. Danish Oil Dark: https://amzn.to/2xLVu2t
12. Sand Paper: https://amzn.to/2szrxxd
13. 1×2 Lumber: https://amzn.to/2sJUJRI
14. Stainable Wood Filler: https://amzn.to/2M5D2EK
15. Orbital Sander: https://amzn.to/2JkFDJl
16. Drill: https://amzn.to/2sEE8yy
17. Drill Bits: https://amzn.to/2Jl9qBD
18. Table Saw: https://amzn.to/2szs0PZ
19. Miter Saw: https://amzn.to/2M1LUv6
20. 1.25″ Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2sNV2uS
21. Potting Mix: https://amzn.to/2sKtHtp
Estimated Cost: ~$6 to $15 dollars
Instructions
Step 1: Determine Pot Size
- I made 4 different sizes you can choose from:
- 12 ” Plant Pot
- 10″ Plant Pot
- 8″ Plant Pot
- 6″ Plant Pot
Here is a link to the White Pots I used (you will need to choose the size you want): https://amzn.to/2szqTjh
If you decide to buy a different plant pot you will need to determine the cut lengths for the 1×2 platform. If you do not have a tapered plant pot you can just measure the width of your plant pot and that will be the length of your 1×2 platform.
If you have a tapered pot you will need to calculate the diameter based on the height of the dowels and where your pot sits (See video for example). You can calculate this by using a string to measure the circumference of the tapered pot (you have to set the string on the plant pot at the exact point of where the dowels height ends).
Now take the circumference you just measured and divide that by 3.14. This will give you the diameter. The diameter will be the length of the 1×2 for the platform of the plant stand.
Step 2: Cut Dowels & 1×2 Lumber
You can cut the Dowels & 1×2 Lumber (Pine or Poplar) using a Miter Saw or Hand Saw. The Hand Saw will be a lot more manual labor and will not be as accurate. However, it is possible to complete the project using a hand saw.
- 12″ Plant Pot
- 1×2 Platform Length (2) @ 11.5″ Inches
- 1.5″ Dowel Length (4) @ 13 ” Inches
- 1×2 Platform Height @ 4″ Inches (This is how high the platform sits on the Dowel Legs, see picture below for example)
- 10″ Plant Pot
- 1×2 Platform Length (2) @ 9 7/8″ Inches
- 1.25″ Dowel Length (4) @ 23 7/8″ Inches
- 1×2 Platform Height @ 17″ Inches
- 8″ Plant Pot
- 1×2 Platform Length (2) @ 7 7/8″ Inches
- 1.25″ Dowel Length (4) @ 11 7/8″ Inches
- 1×2 Platform Height @ 5 3/4″ Inches
- 6″ Plant Pot
- 1×2 Platform Length (2) @ 6″ Inches
- 1.25″ Dowel Length (4) @ 7.5″ Inches
- 1×2 Platform Height @ 3″ Inches
Step 3: Creating Lap Joint for 1×2 Platform
Once you have the 1×2 (2) pieces cut for the Platform of the Plant Stand. You will want to measure and mark the middle point. Next mark points 3/8 inch to the left and the right of the middle point. This will give you roughly 3/4 inch area where you will need to cut out to create your lap joint. You will need to do this to both 1×2 pieces.
To cut the lap joint, a table saw or hand saw can be used. The total depth of cuts will need to be 3/4″. Set the table saw blade to 3/4″ and make multiple passes through the table saw. Once this is complete, remove the thin pieces of wood in the lap joint. Clean up the joint by scraping out bits and pieces.
Tip: Cut the joint smaller than anticipated and keep testing for fit. Keep cutting small amounts away until the lap joint is able to fully join together. If you make the joint too loose, you can use a 1.25″ wood screw from the bottom in addition to wood glue to secure the platform.
Step 4: Attaching Dowel Pins
I used a self centering dowel pin jig to drill my holes. If you do not have one you can clamp your 1×2 platform to a table. Then drill a straight hole as best you can. Determine the dowel pin size you would like to use and use the corresponding drill bit size to match.
On the end of the 1×2 platform piece I marked my drill hole points with a pencil. I spaced my marks at 0.5″ apart, making two holes for dowel pins.
On your Poplar Dowel Legs make a pencil mark of where the 1×2 platform will sit (platform height). Then make 2 more pencil marks at 0.5″ spaced apart. Again drill your dowel pin holes.
Once both legs and platform are drilled with dowel pin holes, start the gluing process. Use wood glue to add the dowel pin to the 1×2 platform. Then use some more wood glue to attach the 1×2 platform to the Poplar Dowel Legs. Repeat x4
Initially the plant stand will seem unstable and not very strong. Once the glue dries it will become sturdy and strong. TIP: Before the glue dries set your plant stand on a table or floor and examine at different angles. Make sure the legs are straight and not crooked. This is the time to bend it straight before the glue dries.
Step 5: Finishing & Staining
After the glue dries, there may be leftover run off glue on the Poplar Legs. Use a scraper to remove the excess dry glue off.
Use stainable wood filler to fill in the gaps between the 1×2 platform and the Poplar Dowel Legs. Once the wood filler is dry, sand off the excess. Do a light sanding around the stand.
Tip: Place the plant stand on a flat surface and see if it is level / wobbly. If it needs adjustment, use a sander to level out the legs. I used a bench belt sander or orbital sander to level some of my plant stands.
If your plant pot for some reason does not fit or is too tight, you can use a sander to taper the dowel legs in slightly. This will give you more room to fit the plant pot.
I used Danish Oil Medium Walnut and Dark Walnut to stain the plant stands. I love Danish Oil because it is a Hybrid stain that contains some water protection properties built in and looks amazing! Let the stain dry for at least 24 hours, sometimes even 48 hours.
Enjoy!
I am a self taught do it yourself project / woodworker. One of my goals is to demonstrate that DIY project can be doable and simple. I hope to inspire others to try to build and create new things! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and this blog for more DIY projects! Thank you.
*This Blog Post contains amazon affiliate links that do not cost you anything. If you do buy anything from these amazon links they will help support more DIY projects and plans.
Sponsors: Items I received at no cost / sponsorship include (some of which I may not use in the video/blog):
1. Ryobi Power Drill
2. Ryobi Router
3. Ryobi Circular Saw
4. Ryobi Impact Driver
5. HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer
6. WeatherWash Oaked Stain & Maintenance Oil
| Visit: RYOBI Nation at https://www.ryobitools.com/nation |
Use all power tools with caution. Do not copy what you see in the video / instructions without proper safety precautions.
