This project was built and designed by Josh Wright. It’s a simple yet elegant pot and plant stand made entirely from a single 2×4 using only three hand tools—proving that great woodworking doesn’t require expensive equipment.
With just a plane, a pull saw, and a few chisels, Josh demonstrates how accessible and rewarding woodworking can be. This project is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the fundamentals of hand-tool work.
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A Minimalist Approach with Maximum Impact
What makes this build special is its simplicity. The only material used is a standard 2×4—an inexpensive and widely available board found in any home center or lumber yard.
The tools are also beginner-friendly and affordable: a $15 hand plane, a $20 pull saw, and a $10 set of chisels. Together, they offer just enough versatility to break down, shape, and refine the wood into something functional and beautiful.
Starting with the Pot
The first part of the build focuses on the pot. Josh begins by cutting sections of the 2×4 into strips, which will form the pot’s outer shell. He planes each strip to create flat, clean edges for precise joinery.
Once the pieces are sized and smoothed, he cuts a taper on each one. This tapering helps the pot take on a flared shape, giving it more visual interest and style. After that, each edge is beveled slightly to make the joints look cleaner when assembled.
The strips are then glued together to form a circular body. Patience is important during this step to ensure everything aligns properly and sets up evenly.
Creating a Rabbet for the Base
After the pot shape is glued and clamped, Josh cuts a rabbet near the bottom using a chisel. This groove will support the pot’s base and help everything fit together tightly.
Once the base is cut to fit inside the rabbet, Josh does a test fit before securing it with glue. The base is then sanded flush with the outer shell, creating a clean and unified look from top to bottom.
To finish the pot, he sands the entire surface by hand, gradually moving to finer grits. A few coats of polyurethane bring out the wood grain and protect the surface from moisture and dirt.
Building the Plant Stand
With the pot finished, attention turns to the plant stand. Josh cuts four angled legs from more sections of the same 2×4. These legs lean outward slightly, giving the stand more stability and a sleek stance.
He also cuts two straight pieces for the cross braces. These pieces will connect the legs in a crisscross pattern and support the weight of the pot above.
Each leg is glued together in pairs, forming an upside-down “V.” While end grain glue-ups can be weak on their own, the cross braces reinforce the joints, making the structure surprisingly strong.
Joinery and Assembly
Josh marks and cuts shallow notches in each leg to seat the cross braces. These notches are made carefully with a chisel, forming clean pockets that lock the parts into place.
Each cross brace receives a matching notch, creating a simple half-lap joint. Once assembled, the legs and braces form an X-shape that holds the pot securely without wobbling.
After a final sanding pass, the assembled base gets a coat of polyurethane to match the pot. This finish helps protect the wood and ties the two components together visually.
A Project Focused on Fundamentals
What stands out in this build is the emphasis on craftsmanship over complexity. With no power tools involved, every cut, joint, and finish is done by hand. It’s a refreshing reminder that good design doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive.
Josh’s careful layout and clean joinery show how even a basic 2×4 can be turned into something special with just a few tools and a thoughtful approach.
A Great Beginner or Gift Project
This project is a great introduction to hand tool woodworking. It teaches essential techniques like planing, notching, fitting rabbets, and making strong joints without fasteners.
The final piece is compact, useful, and beautiful—perfect for an indoor corner, porch, or garden. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift that feels more personal than anything store-bought.
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