I think every houseplant deserves a beautiful spot to thrive. Basic plant stands are the perfect way to display your favorite greenery, and they are one of the most rewarding and inexpensive projects you can tackle as a beginner DIYer.
This guide is your complete resource. I will show you how to make easy, budget-friendly plant stands for both indoor elegance and outdoor durability using simple materials like wood and common household items. You will get step-by-step instructions for popular designs and plenty of creative ideas to make your space shine.
If this is your first woodworking project, check out my complete guide — Woodworking Projects for Beginners — to learn the essential tools, materials, and foundational skills that will make your plant stand build smooth and successful.
Introduction to Basic Plant Stands
Plant stands are much more than just decoration. They serve important aesthetic and health purposes for your plants.
Why Use Plant Stands?
- Aesthetic Enhancement: A stand instantly elevates a potted plant, turning it into a focal point or a piece of home decor. It allows you to match the wood or color to your existing furniture.
- Plant Health Benefits: Lifting the pot off the floor improves air circulation around the roots, reducing the risk of pests and mold. It also ensures the plant gets better light exposure by moving it closer to a window.
- Protection for Surfaces: Stands keep pots and saucers contained, protecting your wood floors, rugs, and tabletops from water damage and scratches.
- Space Optimization: Stands allow you to use vertical space effectively, which is essential in small apartments or homes.
Types of Basic Plant Stands
When you start planning, you will see that plant stands come in endless materials and styles.
Project Comparison: Choosing Your Stand
Your project choice depends on the look you want, the tools you have, and where the stand will live.
| No. | DIY Method | Primary Material | Skill Level | Tools Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simple Wooden Box | Dimensional Lumber (Pine, Cedar) | Beginner | Hand Saw & Drill | Indoor/Outdoor, Stability |
| 2 | Mid-Century Leg Stand | Dowels & Flat Board | Beginner | Hand Saw, Drill, Clamps | Indoor, Aesthetic Focus |
| 3 | Upcycled Cinder Block | Concrete Blocks | Zero Experience | None (Just Gloves) | Outdoor/Industrial, Heavy Pots |
Styles and Designs
Most beginner-friendly designs fall into these categories:
- Minimalist Stands: These often use clean lines, like a simple wooden box or a platform on four straight legs.
- Mid-Century Modern Stands: This popular style features a planter sitting inside a simple, round platform with characteristic angled legs.
- Rustic Styles: These use raw or reclaimed materials like pallet wood or simple crates for a farmhouse feel.
- Tiered Stands: These are great for displaying multiple plants and maximizing light in a small window area.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Specifics
When building for outdoors, you must focus on weather resistance and drainage. Use treated wood or seal the wood heavily, and make sure the stand design allows water to drain freely, preventing your pots from sitting in standing water. For indoor use, the primary focus is matching your décor and protecting your floors.
DIY Basic Plant Stands: Getting Started
You do not need a full workshop for these projects. Simple, accurate planning is key.
Essential Tools and Materials for DIY Projects
You can accomplish most basic stand projects with just a few items:
- Basic Woodworking Tools: A tape measure, pencil, and a good clamp or two.
- Measuring and Cutting Equipment: A miter box and hand saw are perfectly adequate for cutting wood for simple stands. If you have them, a power miter saw or circular saw makes the job faster.
- Adhesives and Fasteners: Wood glue (like Titebond) is essential for strong joints. Use small wood screws or brad nails to reinforce the structure.
- Finishing Supplies: You will need medium and fine grit sandpaper (around 120 and 220) and a sealant, paint, or stain.
Planning Your DIY Project
Always start with a simple sketch and take accurate measurements of your pot’s base. Your stand’s top platform must be slightly larger than the pot’s base, but not so large that it looks oversized. Create a cut list showing the exact dimensions for every piece of wood to ensure accuracy before you start cutting.
How to Make Plant Stands Out of Wood
These two designs cover the most popular styles and use simple straight cuts.
Simple Wooden Box Plant Stand
This design uses four legs and a flat base, creating a sturdy box frame.
- Cutting the Wood: You will cut four identical legs and four identical pieces for the top frame. Cut one final piece for the base platform where the pot will sit. All cuts are straight 90-degree cuts.
- Assembling the Frame: Apply wood glue to the ends of the top frame pieces and secure them to the top of the legs with screws or brad nails.
- Adding the Base: Attach the base platform piece inside the frame. You can place it on top of small support blocks for better airflow.
- Finishing and Sealing: Sand everything smooth. Stain it for a natural wood tone or paint it to match your room. Apply a polyurethane sealant for indoor durability or an outdoor deck seal if it will be outside.
Mid-Century Modern Inspired Wooden Leg Stand
This is one of the easiest and most stylish stands to build.
- Preparing the Top Platform: Cut a flat board into a square or circle for the platform. This piece needs to be about 1 to 2 inches wider than the base of your pot.
- Creating the Angled Legs: Cut four wooden dowels or square-edge strips to your desired height. The classic mid-century look uses legs that angle outward. You can achieve this by simply cutting the top and bottom of the legs at a slight 10 to 15-degree angle so they sit flat on the floor and flush against the platform.
- Attaching Legs Securely: Use wood glue and secure the angled legs to the underside of the platform with long screws driven up through the platform and into the leg ends.
- Finishing for a Polished Look: Keep the look simple with a clear coat or a dark walnut stain.
Easy DIY Plant Stands
If you want a project that takes minutes and requires no power tools, try these ideas.
Upcycled Crate or Basket Stands
A simple wooden crate or a strong woven basket makes a great stand. Simply flip a crate upside down for instant height and rustic appeal. For a basket, make sure the bottom is sturdy, and place a waterproof saucer inside before adding your plant. You can paint the crate for a quick color transformation.
Concrete Block Plant Stands
This method is perfect for a modern, industrial look, especially outdoors. Stacked Cinder Blocks or Concrete Pavers allow you to create multi-level stands quickly. You can paint the blocks a solid color or leave them plain gray. They are incredibly stable and durable.
Simple PVC Pipe Stands
PVC pipe is lightweight and customizable. You can use simple 90-degree elbows and T-connectors to build square or cube-shaped frames of any size. The parts simply snap or glue together. Painting the PVC black or metallic silver gives it a better, less plastic look.
DIY Plant Stands for Outdoor Use
Outdoor stands must survive the elements.
Material Considerations for Weather Resistance
For maximum durability, use treated wood (like pressure-treated lumber) or naturally weather-resistant wood like cedar or redwood. If you use standard pine, you must heavily apply an outdoor deck seal or paint formulated to resist moisture and UV rays. Always ensure your design includes a gap or opening for good drainage to protect your plants and the stand itself.
Simple Pallet Wood Plant Stand
Pallet wood is free and durable for outdoors. Tear down a pallet and cut the wood to create simple three- or four-tier ladder stands. The gaps between the slats naturally provide excellent drainage and air circulation.
Creative Ideas for Plant Stands
Once you master the basic construction, you can start getting creative with materials.
Unique Material Combinations
- Wood and Copper Pipe Designs: Build the frame from copper pipe and use a small wooden board as the top platform. The copper patinas beautifully over time.
- Integrating Storage: Build a small wooden stand with a bottom shelf or a simple basket holder built into the frame. This gives you a place to store watering cans or gardening gloves.
Aesthetic Integration with Home Decor
Make sure your finished stand complements your home. For a Bohemian style, try wrapping the legs of a wooden stand with macrame or natural twine. For Industrial Chic, paint a simple box stand black and add small metal corner brackets for decoration.
Elevate Your Space with DIY Basic Plant Stands
Building your own plant stand is one of the easiest ways to dive into DIY, and it is a small project that has a huge impact on your home. You save money, get a custom look, and give your beloved plants the perfect spot to grow.
Now, grab your wood, choose your favorite design, and get building!