Folding Plant Stand

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Folding, compact plant stand perfect for putting your plants in their best light. Features folding design, so you can stash in the shed for winter, two slatted shelves, and modern styling. Inspired by Crate and Barrel Mendocino Folding Plant Stand.

I made this plant stand for my daughter to sell her Ba Wai's plant on at the local farmer's market.

I did make a few mods from my original design that should make building this project easier.
Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

8 2" 1/4 diameter bolts
24" washer to fit bolts
8 nuts to fit bolts
6 - 1x2 boards, 8 feet long

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
Cut List

4 - 1x2 @ 27 11/16" (Both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends are parallel)
9 - 1x2 @ 26"
2 - 1x2 @ 29"
2 - 1x2 @ 9 3/4" (Short point to short point, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, NOT parallel to each other)
6 - 1x2 @ 9"
4 - 1x2 @ 10 1/2" (Long point to long point, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, NOT parallel to each other)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by cutting all of your boards. The leg boards need to be cut as shown above. Drill holes in leg boards as shown above in the diagram. Remember that you will only need the bottom holes on two of the leg boards.

Step 2

Attach the two leg boards together, with 2" fasteners. If you are screwing, predrill holes carefully. For nails, use ample glue suitable for exterior applications.

Step 3

Carefully measure back as shown above and attach the supports with 2" screws. The supports overhang 3/4" from the legs on each side.

Step 4

Drill holes in the bottom shelf support board as shown in diagram, 1/4" diameter. Attach back leg and bottom shelf support with bolts, using three washers per bolt, one on each end, and one between boards to protect wood finish. Set aside.

Step 5

Step 6

Then attach ends as shown above. I used 2" screws and glue.

Step 7

With a level on top of the shelves, set on the frame. Clamp in place and drill 1/4" holes in the tops of the legs/bottom support. Attach with bolts so shelves can flip up. Ensure that tops of shelves are level.

Step 8

The plant shelf will fold up as shown above.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Jaci (not verified)

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 06:53

Thanks, Ana. I was looking for something just like this for a spot near the house. I appreciate all that you post. This is the summer for all the projects I have saved!

Jaci

annalea

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 13:14

These look great! I do have one question, though. What keeps the shelves from sliding down the back leg? I know they're attached with bolts in front, but it seems like the angle of the back of the shelf wouldn't be enough to hold much weight. Did I miss some cleats somewhere?

britt (not verified)

Tue, 06/07/2011 - 05:38

My shelves also slide down the back of the leg (both top and bottom shelf). I think I might put toggle latches to prevent this or add two dowels and run a strip of canvass between. This will keep the legs from opening wider.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 06/07/2011 - 09:30

The two 29" pieces (horizontal) hang over the edge of the legs preventing the front legs of the shelf from rotating too far forward. Hope this helps.

Line (not verified)

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 00:30

Thanks, Ana, for this great project, once more!
I ahve a question, though: do you think it is adaptable to make a folding table?
I would really need to make one to enjoy summer dinners on my apartment's balcony, but I've never made anything out of wood, so I really can't figure out what to do...
Thanks for your help!

steffie (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 19:29

Thank you very much you have helped me alot with my prodjuct that I have to do for school. Now I know who to go to for any advice. Oh and once agian, Thank You.