This beautiful hanging plant stand was created by Ron from Ronnie’s Workshop. It not only enhances your outdoor space but is also straightforward to build. This guide will walk you through the steps to create your very own porch welcome stand, complete with solar lantern lights and customizable signboards.
Materials Needed:
- 4 – 2×4 boards (38 inches long for the legs)
- 2 – 2×4 boards (8.5 inches long for the upper leg assembly)
- 2 – 2×4 boards (11.5 inches long for the lower leg assembly)
- 2 – 1.5×1.5 inch square boards (26 inches long for bottom stretchers)
- 1 – 2×6 board (26 inches long for the sign shelf)
- 4 – 2×4 feet (4.5 inches long)
- 2 – 3/4×3/4 inch boards (32 inches long for sign rails)
- 1 – 2×6 board (35 inches long for the top)
- Wood glue (Titebond III recommended)
- 2.5 inch deck screws
- Rubber pads for the feet
- Paint or stain for finishing
Tools Needed:
- Drill with a right angle attachment
- Pocket hole jig
- Clamps
- Saw (for cutting the wood)
- Paintbrush
- Stencil for sign painting
Step 1: Build the Leg Assemblies
Start by cutting four 2x4s to 38 inches for the legs. Mark the inside of the legs and drill pocket holes in the center at the top. Use a 1.5-inch pocket hole setting since this will attach to a 2×6 top.
Step 2: Prepare the Other Components
While you have the setup for pocket holes, drill holes in the bottom stretchers (1.5-inch square, 26 inches long) and the sign shelf (2×6, 26 inches long).
Step 3: Assemble the Legs
Place two legs side by side with pocket holes facing each other. Clamp two 2.5-inch spacer blocks at the top and bottom to hold the legs in place while you attach the top part of the leg assembly.
Step 4: Attach the Top and Bottom Stretchers
The top part of the assembly is a 2×4 piece cut at a 45-degree angle, measuring 8.5 inches from long point to long point. Use Titebond III glue and secure with 2.5-inch deck screws. Next, attach the bottom piece, which is also cut at a 45-degree angle and is 11.5 inches long.
Step 5: Add the Feet
The feet are 4.5 inches long with the bottom inside corner cut at a 45-degree angle. Attach them securely to the legs with glue and nails.
Step 6: Install the Bottom Stretchers
Install the bottom stretchers with the pocket holes facing down, ensuring they are aligned properly with the legs.
Step 7: Create the Hidden Feature
Add a 3/4-inch square rail in the middle of the shelf and the bottom side of the top board. This allows for two sign boards to slide in, providing a total of four possible signs.
Step 8: Attach the Top Board
The top is a 2×6 cut to 35 inches with a 45-degree angle on each end. Secure it using the right angle adapter for your drill to access the screws.
Step 9: Paint the Signs
Use stencils to paint your signs. Center the stencil on the board, secure it with painter’s tape, and apply paint with a dabbing technique to prevent bleed-through.
Step 10: Final Touches
Attach rubber pads to the bottom of the feet to protect from ground contact. If any boards are loose, use shims to tighten them up.
Step 11: Seal the Stand
Finish the stand with Hellmann’s polyurethane or paint it according to your preference. This will protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
Now you have a beautiful, functional porch welcome stand that can impress your neighbors and enhance your outdoor decor. The possibilities for customization are endless, and you can always switch out the signs for different seasons or events.