How to Build an Easy Modern Plant Stand
A gorgeous outdoor plant stand doesn’t have to be complicated. This one, made with weather-resistant medium-density overlay (MDO), takes on a modern design with a simple geometric shape and a no-fuss bucket planter. Follow along with our steps to learn how to build the DIY plant stand.
Carson Downing
How to Build an Easy Modern Plant Stand
This plant stand is just what your front porch needs to stand out from the neighbors. Gather the supplies below to get started.
Supplies Needed
4 x 8-foot medium-density overlay (MDO) board
Circular saw or table saw
Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Measuring tape
Pencil
Drill
String
17-1/2-inch-diameter bucket
Wood screws
Jigsaw
Exterior-grade wood glue
Wood putty
Putty knife
Primer and paint
Paintbrush
Cut List
(4) 22 x 22-inch MDO squares
Step-by-Step Directions
Build a custom stand for your favorite potted plant in just one afternoon. Once you're finished, stain or paint your DIY plant stand any color you want.
Step 1: Make Cuts
Using a circular or table saw, cut the sheet of MDO according to the cut list above. For safety, wear protective goggles and a mask. Sand any rough edges and wipe clean away sawdust with a tack cloth.
Step 2: Trace and Cut Circle
Find the center of one square board using a measuring tape. Drill a screw in the center, then attach a string that is half the diameter of your bucket. Tie a pencil to the end of the string and trace a circle.
Cut a hole 3/8-inch smaller than your traced circle using a jigsaw.
Step 3: Form Box
Adhere the squares to each other in a cube formation with exterior-rated wood glue. Next, drive two screws through each side, countersinking the screw heads.
Fill the screw holes with patching compound; let dry. Sand the entire planter.
Carson Downing
Step 4: Finish Planter
Prime and paint the planter, lightly sanding between coats to minimize brush strokes. Cover the bucket bottom with a layer of rocks for drainage, pot a plant, and drop the bucket in the opening.
Editor's Tip: To build a rectangular version of this planter, repeat the process for the square planter using a 13-gallon bucket, two 17 x 17-inch MDO boards, two 32 x 17-inch MDO boards.
