April 04, 2019
DIY Plant Stand Tutorials: 3 Creative Hardware Hacks
Houseplants are becoming a staple in many homes. They bring serenity and cheer to your living space and other benefits like natural air purification. If you are looking for a creative and easy way to upgrade your houseplant game, these DIY hardware hack projects are for you. We feature three DIY plant stand projects that are simple, stylish and super straightforward. They can all be completed in four easy steps and all the project materials can be found at a local hardware store.
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How to Create a Chic Tomato Cage Plant Stand
Project time: 5–10 minutes
This DIY project is sure to turn your view of a tomato cage on its head. With these simple steps, you can transform this garden staple into a piece of elegant décor.
Materials + tools needed:
Tomato cage — You can find a new cage or upcycle one you already own, just make sure that you remove any dirt and rust before starting the project.
Bolt cutters — The cutters you use need to be sturdy enough to cut the tomato cage; these can also be borrowed from a friend.
Spray paint — For this DIY, we’ve chosen a copper/gold paint but select a color that best fits your style and existing décor.
Potted plant — If you are creating more than one stand, try using different sized plants to create levels and visual interest.
Step 1: Cut the ground-end prongs off.
Cut off the protruding metal spikes that stick into the ground. Make sure your cuts are clean and straight as this will be the most visible part of the stand when you finish.
Step 2: Spray paint the cage.
Take the color of your choice and spray paint the cage thoroughly. Make sure that you spray paint outside or in a well-ventilated space.
Pro tip: Spray a base coat of white paint first to get a brighter top coat of color.
Step 3: Once dry, place it wide side down.
Allow time for the paint to dry (usually about 1–2 hours) but let it sit overnight to be safe. Once it is completely dry, flip the cage so the widest side is facing down.
Step 4: Place your potted plant and enjoy!
Set your decorative pot in carefully, making sure that it won’t slip through. Then place your potted plant in and enjoy your new plant stand.
Tomato Cage Plant Stand Styling Tips
Some design and style suggestions include:
Keep the area around them open and clutter-free because they are so thin and delicate they could be overshadowed in a busy space.
Try to use contrasting colors to make your plant stand pop. This includes distinguishing the plant stand from the wall and pot color.
Place on thin carpet or hardwood floors. Because the frame is so thin, the stand will be more stable on even surfaces.
Try using a golden pothos plant so its vines and leaves can drape over the edge of the stand.
How to Make a Creative Wooden Crate Plant Stand
Project time: 1–2 hours
Upgrade common wood crates and create a unique piece of furniture. This plant stand project is super easy to create and is multi-functional because the crates also double as shelving.
Materials + tools needed:
Wood crates — The crates you choose can be any size — they just need to be able to balance well once they are put together.
Paint — For the best results, use a primer paint before applying your desired top coat.
Hammer — A regular hammer will work for this project, but power tools may make the process faster if you have access to a nail gun.
Nails — Make sure the nails you use are long enough to secure the crates together but aren’t so long that they stick out.
Plants — Select a variety of shelf sized plants to adorn your crate stand.
Step 1: Pick a color and paint the crates.
Paint your crates with a primer coat first. Once dry, paint the crates with the color of your choice. Make sure to paint all sides of the crates including the parts that you think you won’t see to make sure you don’t have any unfinished wood showing when you finish the project.
Step 2: Once dry, stack the crates.
Once the crates have dried completely, stack them into your desired design. Try out different configurations to figure out what arrangement best fits your needs and space.
Step 3: Nail the crates into place.
Once your design is finalized, nail your crates together. Make sure you nail each corner of the crates together so they have a strong and secure hold.
Step 4: Arrange plants on the crates.
Decorate your crates with a variety of shelf sized plants inside and on top of the crates.
Pro tip: Make sure that you pick the right plants to keep inside the crate shelving and that they have enough light to stay happy and healthy.
Styling Tips for a Wooden Crate Plant Stand
To elevate your wood crate shelving, try some of these tips:
Mix in books and other decorations for a complete and balanced look.
Stack the crates into varying heights to create a unique piece of decor that you can’t find anywhere else.
Paint the back inside wall of the crates with a contrasting paint hue to add a bright surprise and pop of color to your shelving.
Layer the plants on your shelves — use smaller plants like succulents
with larger plants like a red prayer plant.
How to Create a Gorgeous Copper Pipe Plant Stand
Project time: 30–45 minutes
Most often used at construction sites, who knew that common copper pipes had this much design potential? Create a beautiful mid-century plant stand with a modern twist by following the steps below.
Materials + tools needed:
Pre-cut copper pipes + attachments — Some stores may cut the pipe for you when you purchase and others will ask you to buy a simple pipe cutting tool that’s very easy to use. The copper pipes and attachments will be used to build the base and the legs of your plant stand.
4 copper pipes at 1 inch long and ½ inch wide
4 copper pipes at 4 inches long and ½ inch wide
4 copper pipes at 5 inches long and ½ inch wide
4 copper pipes at 10 inches long and ½ inch wide
8 copper T-brackets at a ½ inch wide
8 copper pipe caps at a ½ inch wide
Super glue — You will need metal-adhering super glue. Be careful and quick when applying the super glue as it dries fast.
Potted plant — Make sure your pot has a diameter of 10 inches or less so it fits in your plant stand. If you have a bigger plant that you’d like to use adjust the pipe lengths accordingly.
Step 1: Assemble and glue the base, let dry.
The copper pieces needed to assemble the base are:
4 copper pipes at 1 inch long and ½ inch wide
4 copper pipes at 4 inches long and ½ inch wide
4 copper T-brackets at a ½ inch wide
The easiest way to put the base together is by building the inner square first and then to attach the extending pipes after. Build the square by gluing the 1-inch pieces to the T-brackets, it’s easiest to build the two halves first and then glue them together. Once dry, glue the 4 pipes onto the remaining slots in the T-bracket pieces.
Step 2: Construct and glue the legs, let dry.
The copper pieces needed to assemble the legs are:
4 copper pipes at 5 inches long and ½ inch wide
4 copper pipes at 10 inches long and ½ inch wide
4 copper T-brackets at a ½ inch wide
8 copper pipe caps at
a ½ inch wide
Put together the legs by gluing one 5 inch pipe and one 10 inch pipe on either side of a T-bracket, leaving the perpendicular slot open to attach to the base. Glue copper caps to either end of the leg. Repeat until you have four legs complete and then let them dry.
Step 3: Attach the legs to the base, glue, let dry.
Glue a perpendicular slot of the T-bracket to a 4-inch pipe that extends from the base. Repeat until all of the legs have been attached to the base and then let it dry.
Step 4: Add your plant and display!
Allow the glue to set for half an hour, then place your plant in the stand and enjoy your new display.
Styling Tips for a Copper Pipe Plant Stand
Try some of these tips to style your copper plant stand:
Keep your pot simple and let the copper pipe stand out and be the focal point, try a classic white vase or a pastel if you want to add some color.
Pair with mid-century modern décor to match the shape and style of this stand.
Accentuate the gorgeous copper tone by including other metal accents in your décor to bring out the gorgeous color.
Use a large statement plant on this stand like a striking snake plant.
Remember to reduce, reuse and upcycle! We encourage you to try and use materials and items that you already have or can find second hand if possible.
These plant stands also make a great gift — try pairing a cute houseplant with your DIY hardware hack plant stand for a sweet, handcrafted present. With one quick trip to your garage or the hardware store and a couple of minutes, these beautiful DIY stands could be the newest addition to your space. We also love this DIY ladder plant stand. Do you have a cool hardware hack idea? Leave us a comment below!