We’ve got a green-thumbed project on our hands today. If you live in an apartment, you’d appreciate this. You’re itching to add a touch of greenery to your space, but your landlord gives you the ol’ side-eye when you mention hanging plants because, well, who wants holes in the ceiling?
I completely understand, and that’s why I’m going to teach you how to make a DIY hanging plant holder – no holes in the ceiling are required. I know, it’s the stuff Pinterest dreams are made of.
So, grab your tools, and let’s get to it!
Cut List
Piece | Qty | Dimensions (Inch) | Thickness |
Top | 1 | 20 x 3-1/2 | 1-1/2 |
Stile | 2 | 32 x 3-1/2 | 1-1/2 |
Bottom | 1 | 20 x 3-1/2 | 1-1/2 |
Foot | 1 | 26 x 7-1/2 | 1-1/2 |
Materials
Item | Qty | Specification |
1 | ||
Hook | 1 | |
Stain + sealer | 1 | All in One |
Sandpaper | 3 | 80, 150, 220 grit |
Outdoor screws | 1 pac | #12 2-½” |
Pocket Hole Screws | 1 pac | 2-½” |
Tools
- Table saw or Circular saw
- ⅛” bit Router round over
- Drill
- Orbital Sander
- Clamps
- Drillblock
- 90-degree positioning bracket
- Pocket hole jig
- Flush cut saw
Process
Step 1:
Start by cutting out all the necessary pieces for the hanging plant holder. Sand the plywood pieces with 220-grit sandpaper, and sand all other surfaces with 80 and 150-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Step 2:
Mark and drill the Stiles using a Pocket Hole Jig. Place the Bottom on the back of the Foot, ensuring it is centered, and mark its contour. Drill pilot holes using a countersink.
Step 3:
Assemble the Frame by attaching the Stiles to the Bottom and Top using pocket hole screws. Cover the pocket holes with glue and dowels, then trim off any excess dowel with a Flush Trim Saw.
Step 4:
Round all outer edges of the Frame and Foot using a 1/8″ roundover router. Install the Hook into the Top of the Frame.
Step 5:
Flip the frame upside down. Position the Foot on the frame, ensuring it is centered, and secure the Frame and Foot together with clamps. Attach them using 2-1/2″ outdoor screws.
Step 6:
Sand all surfaces smoothly with 220-grit sandpaper.
Step 7:
Apply an all-in-one stain and sealer to finish.
Optional: Molded Edges
Adding molded edges is an optional step to “dress up” your plant holder. It’s a simple yet effective way to add a touch of sophistication to your creation, and all it takes is a few extra cuts and a router.
First up, I put a bevel around the edges of the base and the two upright pieces to give them a finished look. It only took me a few minutes to do, but the difference is evident.
For the top piece, I was concerned about making the corner joint come out. So, what I’ve done is made angled cuts to the end and I had it overhang about an inch on either side.
It’s only an optional step, and it’s a matter of personal preference on my part.
Final Product
More Step-by-Step DIYs:
Final Thoughts
What I love most about this project is that it allows you to brighten up your space without having to put a single hole in the house. For me, this DIY hanging plant holder is ready to find its place in our backyard. As we’re working on creating a cozy little seating out there, this plant holder is the perfect finishing touch.
I hope you get to use this in your backyard, your balcony, or even inside your apartment. Your hanging plant (and your landlord!) will thank you, that’s for sure.
Rich is a second-generation woodworker, having grown up in his dad’s workshop, “making sawdust.” Fifty years later, he’s still studying and working on improving his own woodworking skills, while also helping new woodworkers “catch the bug” for the smell of fresh sawdust. While Rich has done some custom woodworking projects, his greatest thrill is helping the next generation of woodworkers along, regardless of their age. His background as an engineer and a writer just adds to his ability to teach his true passion, woodworking.
