How to Make a Plant Stand

Overview

Anyone who loves houseplants knows that you can quickly run out of places to display your plants. This simple project can help you eliminate the space problem by teaching you how to make a plant stand. This plant stand comes with a small second shelf which can be used for knick-knacks or a second smaller plant.

Step 1

Lay five of the 3-by-15 inch boards evenly side by side. This should give you a 15-inch square. Take the remaining 3-by-15 inch piece and lay it across the center of the other five. Drill a wood screw into the center of where the cross piece meets each of the other five boards. Turn the square over to rest on the cross piece. Put a line of wood glue between each of the five pieces; use enough to get it in between the boards. Use the cloth to rub the glue in between the boards and wipe off the excess. Place the clamp on the long sides of the boards and wind the clamp tight. Allow this to dry.

Step 2

Make the leg supports while you wait for the glue to dry. Take one of the 2-by-12 inch boards and lay it flat. Measure in from either end 1 inch with the ruler and mark the point. Drill a hole large enough to support the screw portion of the spindle (most spindles will require a ¼- to ½-inch hole) at both markings. Repeat this step with the other 2-by-12 inch board.

Step 3

Insert one of the spindles, screw side facing down, into each hole to make sure they fit. If the spindle seems tight, drill the hole again using an up-and-down stroke which will shave off some wood. Remove the spindles for the next step.

Step 4

Remove the clamp from the top you made in Step 1. Turn the square back over so the top is facing down. Measure in from either end of the cross piece 1 ½ inches with the ruler and mark a line. Line up the two 2-by-12 inch boards along either side of the cross piece between these marks. Drill three wood screws into each of these boards (one per end and one in the middle).

Step 5

Coat the sides of the drilled holes with wood glue. Screw a spindle into each hole so it is snug. Allow the excess glue to come up from the hole. Don't wipe this off, as it will help hold the spindle. Allow the glue to dry before proceeding.

Step 6

Take the 9-by-9 inch square board and cut off the corners. Using the ruler, measure 1 inch off of each corner from side to side and mark the lines. This will give you four small triangles. Saw the corners off and discard them. This square will become a second shelf inside the legs.

Step 7

Position the 9-inch square about 1 foot up from the bottom of the legs. The stand should still be resting on its head. Mark the spot where you place the square on the outside of each leg and remove the square. Drill a hole into each leg at the marking. Replace the square to match up with the holes. Drill a wood screw through each leg into a corner of the square.

Step 8

Make sure everything is dry and sturdy. Flip the plant stand upright to stand on the legs. Sand down any rough edges with the sandpaper. Paint or stain as you wish.