How to build an a-frame plant stand

This diy step by step diy project is about how to build an a-frame plant stand plans. If you want to learn more about building a roomy and sturdy ladder plant stand, pay attention to the detailed instructions shown in this tutorial. I managed to build this diy plant stand under 20 $, using common materials and tools. If you like my project, why not take a shot and built it?

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. If this is your first project, you need a friend to assist you while assembling the ladder plant stand. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain. You can use the plant stand indoor, as well.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

It’s that simple to build a ladder plant stand!

A-frame Plant Stand Plans

Building ladder shelves

Materials

A – 5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 60″ long LEGS
B – 6 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8″ long SUPPORTS
C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 26 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 42 1/4″ long SHELVES

3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber -8 ft
30 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
20 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain / paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Day

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DIY A-frame Plant Stand Plans

Building the supports

First of all, we recommend you to build the legs for the ladder shelves. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to cut one end of the 2×2 pieces at 70 degrees. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper.

Cutting the top of the supports

Use the above diagram to make the cuts to the top of the legs. Make sure you take accurate measurements, otherwise the end result won’t suit your needs.

Fitting the supports

After building the four legs for the ladder shelves, I recommend you to fit the horizontal supports into place. Cut the supports out of 2×2 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure you check if the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws. Adjust the height at which you place the supports to suit your needs.

Assembling the ladder

After building the two sides of the ladder, I recommend you to lock them together, as shown in the diagram. Use 2 1/2″ screws to lock the top of the legs together, after drilling pilot holes.

Fitting the shelves

Attach the 1×4 slats to the supports, making sure you center them properly. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

How to build an a frame plant stand

After assembling all the components, the ladder plant stand should be ready to showcase your flowers. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Last but not least, apply a few coats of waterproof stain over the components to protect them against decay.

How to build ladder shelves

Making-the-cuts-to-the-top-of-the-supports

First of all, I made the cuts to the four legs of the ladder plant stand. Follow the above diagram and make accurate cuts to the components, otherwise they won’t lock together properly. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper before assembling the diy a-frame plant stand.

Fitting-the-horizontal-supports

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 2×2 horizontal supports. Fit the supports to the legs, making sure you place the pocket holes downward oriented. Check if the corners are square and insert 2 1/2″ screws to create rigid joints. Add glue to the joints for a better bond. I modified the plans a little and made the plant stand wider. I cut the horizontal supports at 12″.

Building-the-sides-of-the-ladder

Fit the top support to the legs, as shown in the image. I used an L-square to make sure the corners are right-angled and I also checked if the edges are flush.

Ladder-Shelves

Fit the middle support to get the job done. Center the support to the gap between the top and bottom supports. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Assembling-the-ladder

After building the two sides of the ladder, I recommend you to lock them together with 2 1/2″ screws.

Joining-the-sides-of-the-ladder

Make sure the edges are aligned, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Insert screws on both sides of the ladder, to create a rigid structure. This is a good time to stain the frame of the shelves, as you have proper access to all areas.

Attaching-the-top-shelf

I cut the three 1×4 slats at the right dimension and secure them to the supports with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Don’t forget to center the slats to the supports, as well as place them equally-spaced. I fitted three 1×4 slats, as I needed more room for large posts.

Fitting-the-shelves

Fit the rest of the slats to the A-frame ladder. Drill pilot holes through the slats before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper, for a professional result.

A-frame-Plant-Stand-Plans

I used 120-150 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Stain the shelves with a product designed for outdoor use. Make sure you give it several even layers of stain, to protect the components from decay.

DIY-Ladder-Shelves

I hope you enjoyed this this step by step tutorial and you should take a look over the rest of my projects. I would love to hear your feedback and to see your pins, likes and shares. If you build this diy ladder plant stand don’t forget to send a few pics.

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