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BEGINNER

PLANT STAND

4 hours

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A simple three-legged plant stand that teaches basic angle cutting and assembly. The tripod design is inherently stable and requires no complex joinery.

MATERIALS

  • Oak or maple boards: 1" x 3" x 8 feet
  • Wood screws: 2-1/2" (12 pieces)
  • Wood glue
  • Exterior polyurethane or tung oil

TOOLS REQUIRED

  • Miter saw
  • Drill with bits
  • Clamps
  • Sandpaper
  • Measuring tape

CUT LIST

PIECEQUANTITYDIMENSIONS
Legs33/4" x 2-1/2" x 24"
Top support pieces33/4" x 2-1/2" x 10"

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1

Cut three legs to 24 inches length with square ends.

2

Cut three top support pieces to 10 inches, with 60-degree miters on each end (to form a triangle).

3

Mark a point 2 inches from the top of each leg.

4

Position support pieces to form a triangle, with the inside edge at the 2-inch mark.

5

Pre-drill and attach support pieces to legs with screws and glue.

6

Spread legs outward at the bottom to desired angle (about 15-20 degrees from vertical).

7

Cut three bottom support pieces to fit between legs at about 6 inches from the bottom.

8

Attach bottom supports with screws and glue to stabilize the tripod.

9

Sand all surfaces smooth, paying special attention to the top where the plant pot will sit.

10

Apply exterior-grade finish to protect from moisture.

11

Let finish cure for 24 hours before use.

EXPERT TIPS

  • Use a speed square to ensure support pieces are level.
  • Adjust leg angle to suit your space—wider is more stable.
  • Consider adding rubber feet to protect floors.
  • Use outdoor-rated wood and finish if the stand will be used outside.
  • Add a circular top piece for holding smaller pots.

FINISHING

Sand to 220 grit. Apply water-resistant finish like spar urethane or tung oil, especially if the stand will hold plants that may leak water. Apply 3 coats, sanding lightly between coats.