This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a budget-friendly plant stand made entirely from a single 2×4, perfect for woodworkers looking to build something simple, attractive, and profitable.
Brady shows how this minimalist design comes together with just a few cuts, some thoughtful joinery, and a bit of sanding. The result is a clean, modern stand that costs around two dollars to make—making it ideal for personal use or resale.
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Why Make Your Own Plant Stand?
Plant stands are surprisingly expensive in most home décor stores, even though they’re relatively easy to make. That gap between cost and retail price is what makes this a smart project for woodworkers who want to sell their work or improve their home on a budget.
Brady points out how a single 2×4 can yield one entire stand, keeping material costs extremely low. These are the kinds of projects that are easy to batch, making them appealing for those looking to build multiple units in a short time.
Visualizing the Design
The project begins with a quick sketch to lock in dimensions and layout. Brady keeps the design flexible, allowing for customization depending on the size of the planter pot you’re using.
The main structure consists of two legs and cross supports. Each part is measured and cut to size before moving on to shaping and joinery.
Shaping and Cutting the Wood
Brady starts by flattening the 2×4 and trimming it to the necessary dimensions. This ensures the pieces are square, smooth, and comfortable to handle when assembling the stand.
He then cuts out the legs and cross braces. These pieces form the core of the stand and need to be sized precisely to create a snug, balanced structure.
Crafting the Cross Supports
To create the intersecting cross pieces where the plant pot will sit, Brady carefully marks the center of each support. He cuts a dado notch in each one so that they interlock in the middle.
A dado blade would make this faster, but Brady shows that a standard table saw blade can do the job just as well with a few extra passes. It’s a small detail that makes the stand more stable and visually balanced.
Adding Design Features
One of the defining details of Brady’s plant stand is the tapered leg design. Using a template, he marks and cuts each leg so that it narrows toward the bottom, giving the stand a more refined appearance.
He recommends making a simple jig if you plan to build multiple stands. A jig helps keep the tapers consistent, which speeds up production and improves quality.
Sanding and Smoothing the Surfaces
After cutting and shaping, each piece is sanded to remove sharp edges and mill marks. Brady uses high-quality sanding discs for a clean finish and suggests using sanding pad protectors to extend the life of the discs.
The extra attention to sanding ensures the final product looks clean and polished—important whether you’re keeping the stand or selling it.
Choosing Joinery Methods
To connect the legs and cross pieces, Brady uses a floating tenon joint made with a Festool Domino. It’s a strong and efficient method, especially for batch production.
However, he notes that there are other ways to join the pieces depending on your tool setup. Pocket holes, dowels, or screws can work just as well, making this a flexible project for beginners or advanced woodworkers alike.
Assembly and Finishing
With the joints cut and dry-fitted, the pieces are glued and clamped. Once the stand is assembled, Brady applies a wood stain that complements the color of the planter pots he’ll be using.
The final product is lightweight but strong, and the clean design makes it versatile for various styles of home décor. It also ships well, which is helpful for anyone looking to sell their builds online.
A Profitable and Practical DIY
This project checks all the boxes for beginner woodworkers or side hustlers. It’s low-cost, easy to replicate, and looks great in any home with a few houseplants.
Because it can be made in under an hour, it’s also a strong option for anyone running a small woodworking business. Pair them with custom finishes, engraving, or different sizes to increase their value and expand your product line.
Support Brady by visiting his website, buying his plans, and viewing his offerings: https://bradyhommel.com/.