Bungalow Plant Stand

My mother is a plant whisperer. Sadly, I did not inherit this gene. I was born with a black thumb (thanks a lot, Mom). I’m surprised The Home Depot even allows me to purchase plants from them, knowing my track record. I’m convinced they have a Most Wanted poster hung up in their employee break room with my photo on it, with the caption “Do NOT sell plants to this woman. Wanted in three states.” I’ll bet they gave me my own hashtag and everything. #plantkiller

My mom cut the tops off of three pineapples and stuck them in a cup of water and they’re already growing roots. Apparently it takes TWO YEARS to grow a pineapple, did you know that? So when my mom told me this little tidbit, I replied, “tell me again why you’re wanting to grow pineapple?” Patience is a virtue… or something like that.

This woman has dozens of plants scattered throughout her home, inside and out, so I thought building her this plant stand would be great for her outdoor patio space. Except we’re in the middle of moving. As I’m writing this post, there are 5 moving people in my home, packing up our belongings. This includes my workshop, of course. My tools are disappearing into boxes and I am suddenly anxious about being without them for a few days. Our lives are, once again, in transition. Oh, Army life.

Even though we’re currently neither here nor there, I didn’t want to keep these plans to myself, so I’m sharing them with you today! I can’t wait to get my shop set up at our new house so I can build this for my mom.

Download the PDF Plans for The Bungalow Plant Stand.

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Okay, so let’s get building! Here’s what you’re going to need.

Materials:

• 5 – 2x2x8′
• 2 – 1x2x8′
• 3 – 1x4x8′
• 2-1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• Wood Glue

Tools:

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Speed Square
• Drill
• Miter Saw
• Kreg Jig
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 @ 35″ (back legs)
• 6 – 2×2 @ 38″ (rails)
• 4 – 2×2 @ 19″ (rails)
• 2 – 2×2 @ 20″ (front legs)
• 2 – 2×2 @ 17″ (stiles)
• 2 – 2×2 @ 7-3/4″ (rails)
• 7 – 1×4 @ 38″ (shelf slats)
• 4 – 1×2 @ 21″ (long X pieces)
• 8 – 1×2 @ 10-1/2″ (short X pieces)

If your plant stand will live outdoors, I’d recommend building with pressure-treated wood, cedar, or redwood. If you use any other type of lumber, just be sure to finish it using an exterior-grade finish so that it will fare better in outdoor elements.

Step 1
Build the back legs. Drill 1-1/2″ pocket holes into the 2×2 rails and attach them to the back legs with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 2
Attach the side rails. Drill 1-1/2″ pocket holes into the side rails and attach to the back legs with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 3
Build the carcass. Drill 1-1/2″ pocket holes into the front rails and attach them to the front legs with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue. Attach the front legs to the side rails with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 4
Attach the X pieces. You can use these measurements as a loose guide, but for precision, I’d recommend holding up the 1×2 boards and marking them in place and then cutting them to fit. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes into the X pieces and attach to the carcass with 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue. They should be flush to the outside.

Step 5
Attach the bottom shelf slats. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on the undersides of the 1×4 boards and attach to the side rails with 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue. Space boards 1/4″ apart. Tip: use a 1/4″ piece of scrap plywood as a spacer.

Step 6
Attach the top shelf rails and stiles. Drill 1-1/2″ pocket holes and attach with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 7
Attach the top shelf rails. Drill 1-1/2″ pocket holes and attach to frame with 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 8
Attach the top shelf slats. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on the undersides of the 1×4 boards and attach them to the top side rails with 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue. Space boards 1/4″ apart.

So there you have it: a two-tiered plant stand in 8 easy steps! So what are you up to this week? If you build this plant stand, please let me know! Hopefully the next time I check in, we’ll be all moved in and I’ll be right back at it. #buildersgonnabuild

See you on the flip side.