Chunky Pedestals Candle Plant Holders

These chunky pedestals for candles or plants are not just easy to make, but fun as well! Initially, I was only going to make one set of chunky pedestals out of 6x6 posts. But after I made the first set, I thought it would be nice to show you an alternative with 4x4 post chunky pedestals. Oh, I didn’t stop there, I made a third option just because I want to inspire you to DIY your own pedestals for candles, plants etc.

Chunky Pedestals Candle Plant Holders

These are the three styles I made. It’s funny that after each set, THAT was my favorite. So, I guess I’m glad I kept going. These wooden pedestals were a great way to use up scrap lumber!

Plant Pedestal Made from 6x6

 

First up, is the largest set of chunky pedestals. These are made from 6x6 reclaimed posts.

 

Use caution when cutting reclaimed lumber, inspect for nails and screws!

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How to Assemble

For the top and bottom of the chunky pedestal, a 2x8 was cut to a 7” square. Everything was sanded with the orbital sander. Gorilla Wood Glue was added for extra strength. The kreg multi-tool makes sure everything is centered.

Not shown: I used my nail gun to hold everything together.

Farmhouse Paint Technique

I was inspired by some Column Pedestals made by With A Dash Of Color. Poppy painted her project with burnt umber. I haven’t used it for years, but had two small bottles in my paint stash. However, I chose to just paint the new wood and the corners of the columns with the base coat.

 

After two coats of the burnt umber, I was ready to do a top coat.

 

As you can see, I did a light coat of the white over the burnt umber.

 

Here they are with my dollar store pumpkins!

 

Easy 4x4 Post Plant Stands

 

The 4x4 posts look chunky standing alone, but next to the 6x6—they’re very slim!

 

Cut Scrap Wood

Because I’m using scrap wood for these projects, the height of this set was determined by the length of the 4x4 post. So, they’re slightly shorter than the first set of pedestals.

 

All of the sets are approximately 6, 9, and 12 inches.

 

Did you know that a 4x4 post is actually 3.5 x 3.5 ? Consequently, the 6x6 post in the previous project is actually 5.5 x 5.5. For the top and bottom of these pedestals, I wanted a nice overhang. I also wanted the top and bottom to be a little thicker than a 1x6 which is actually only ¾” thick.

 

So, I reached for some deck boards.

 

Can you see the difference? The board on the right is the 1x6 and on the left is the deck board. I cut 6 pieces of the deck boards into 5.5” squares.

Ready To Assemble Set Two

Don’t get impatient, be sure to sand all edges of your project. You won’t regret it.

 

 

Because there are so many layers of paint on my work table, I used an old rag to “pad” each of my pieces as I sanded them.

 

I placed each of the posts on the bottom, traced the edges, added glue in order to assemble the pieces.

TIP: Have you ever noticed that wood pieces slide around due to the wood glue? Sometimes “Less is More.” I sort of moved the post around to spread the glue. The more you do it, the less it slides. You can actually feel when the glue is ready to take hold. Carefully flip it over and add  brad nails or wood screws.

Continue assembling the tops of the chunky wooden pedestals.

Impatient DIYers Use Paint Pyramids

To begin painting, start with the bottom of the base. Resting that on paint pyramids will allow you to finish your project faster.

 

After one light coat of a white, I grabbed my smoked glaze as a sealer and topcoat. I haven’t used it for awhile, so it just seemed like it was time. Did you see the one in the background? It’s already got the glaze on it, using a chip brush.

Double Base 4x4 Chunky Plant Pedestals

What do you think? Are they getting prettier?

For the third set of chunky pedestals, I chose to use ¾” stock—1x5 and 1x6. After cutting the 12 pieces (6 of each size) I matched them up for the best look. See that big knot? It will be hidden by the post itself. In addition I lined up the boards running the grain to match. Lastly, I made sure the prettiest large piece was saved for the top of each pedestal.

 

More sanding was done with the orbital sander and a sanding sponge.

Easy Assembly Directions

Again, I applied the wood glue, moved the top board around until it was set in place. THEN I used the nail gun and assembled each of the bases and tops. After doing the other two projects, I simply eyeballed these components, and this set was assembled in no time!

 

To finish up, I did the same thing—a little glue, moving the boards until they stopped wiggling. Then I shot a few longer brad nails through the top (and base) into the 4x4 post. I used spackling to patch the brad nail divots on all three sets of chunky pedestals.

Not shown: I painted these a barely off white using the paint pyramids because I’m so impatient. I actually did three light coats of paint on these.

 

DIY Pedestal Stands

So, there you have it! Lots of ways to make chunky pedestals to hold plants, candles and MORE! I can see these all dressed up for every holiday on your fireplace mantel or hearth!

Do tell! Which is your favorite set?

1. 6x6 Rustic
2. 4x4 Off white
3. 4x4 Glazed

I think my favorite is #3, the glazed set. I like the thicker 1" stock for the top and the base.

gail