How To Make A Hanging Plant Holder

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

Wood glue

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. You cxan use a table saw, a circular saw, or even a mini circular saw for this step. 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 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. And by the way, if you want another project where you can put your plants, I also have a piece on making a plant caddy on wheels.

Written by

Rich Murphy

Rich is a second-generation woodworker, raised amidst the echoes of buzzing saws in his father’s workshop. For 50 years, he’s immersed himself in the world of woodworking, continuously refining his craft. 

He's the senior woodworker in Sawinery and all the videos are being recorded in his personal workshop in Texas!