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How to make a hanging plant shelf

By Bunnings magazine/ Autumn 2022

hanging pots in a garden

Overview

Elevate your potted plants with this unique and decorative display. Here’s how to make your own.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1

Seal the pre-primed pine with exterior paint

Use a self-priming exterior paint to seal an 1800mm length of pine, covering all sides and the ends, applying three coats and leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat.
Pre-primed pine painted with exterior paint

2

Pre-drill holes

Make five marks along the centre of the pine, 200mm from the ends, with 350mm between each. Use a 6mm bit to pre-drill the holes without going right through. Twist in the screw eyes to be tight and facing the same way.
Tip: Tape the drill bit 10mm from the end as a depth guide.
Screw eyes secured on a piece of pine.

3

Drill holes for the cord

Mark 50mm from the ends and 25mm in from the sides, using an 8mm bit to drill holes for the cord.

Two holes drilled into pine

4

Thread cord through the holes

Cut cord into two 1000mm lengths and thread through the holes to create loops, knotting as close to the ends as possible. Check the lengths are even.

Tip: Wrap tape around the tip to thread it through the hole.
White cord threaded through a piece of pine

5

Tie the cord and clip the carabiners

Cut the remaining cord in half, threading each length through a carabiner and over a rafter or beam, tying the ends in a figure-of-eight knot (see diagram below) and pulling it tight. Clip the carabiners to the shelf cord loops, adjusting the knots to make it straight and checking with a level. Attach round and S hooks from which to hang the planters.

Pro tip: When selecting metal fixings for outdoor projects, choose rust-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, galvanised, nickel or brass.
Diagram showing how to tie a figure-of-eight knot

6

Keep in mind...

  • The hanging plant shelf is decorative and must not be used as a seat.
  • Display in a sheltered area only. The weight of the hanging baskets should keep the shelf stable, but if winds are forecast, dismantle and store for safety.
  • Ensure the fittings you use and the structure you affix the shelf to can bear the weight of your chosen planters.
* Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information. Paint colours may vary on application.

7

More outdoor D.I.Y. accessories

Have a look at our easy portable blanket basket project. 

 

Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie and Shelby George

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.