Turn A Basic Wood Stool Into Beautiful Plant Stands With A Fun DIY

Step into any large second-hand store, and you're likely to find multiple old wooden stools waiting for you. What's more, you can probably nab one for $10 or less. The next time you see a wooden stool in need of a home, snap it up, and morph it into two adorable plant stands.

To pull off your own plant stand duo without spending the big bucks, you'll need a saw, some sandpaper, your choice of paint color, and a decorative tray or basket to set atop the stand made from the lower legs. Opt for weather-resistant supplies and paint if your stands will live outdoors. To attach the tray permanently to the lower legs, pick up some heavy-duty adhesive, as well. Give this step a miss if you want the ability to change out the tray from time to time.

Depending on the aesthetic you're going for, a shallow rustic basket or an ornate copper tray could be perfect for holding your plant. Baskets and trays are often cheap and easy to find at thrift stores. You can even DIY a tray from a Dollar Tree cutting board. Just keep in mind that if you're simply placing the tray or basket on top of the stool's cut legs instead of gluing it on, then you should pick one that doesn't extend more than a few inches beyond the legs. This will ensure it stays balanced. 

Decide where you want to cut your stool to make the two stands, and mark the legs at that height. To create plant stands of similar heights, measure the height of the stool, excluding the seat. Then, mark each of the legs at half that height. Once you've decided on the height of your stands, carefully saw each leg at your marked points. Sand both halves of your stool, and give them a coat of paint. If your stands are destined for the patio, make sure to opt for outdoor paint. Weatherproofing your outdoor furniture is essential if you want it to hold up well.

While the stool seat can be used as a base for one of the stands, you can remove it if you prefer, and cap both stands with matching trays. For outdoor plant stands, coat any baskets made of natural material in either marine varnish or spar urethane. Trays made of any material can benefit from a generous covering of silicone waterproof spray. Either place or glue the tray or basket to the top cuts of the lower half of the stool, and your plant stands are ready for use.