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    Home » DIY » Build It » Chunky Pedestals Candle Plant Holders

    Chunky Pedestals Candle Plant Holders

    Published by Gail | Published October 13, 2020 | Updated October 8, 2020
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to make three different versions of chunky pedestals for plants, candles holiday decor and more. Complete instructions to DIY it! Three versions, three paint techniques. You decide which you like best and hit up your scrap wood pile! #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #reclaimed #pedestal #plantstand #candleholder #homedecor #holiday #decor via @repurposedlife

    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

    chunky pedestal plant and candle holders MyRepurposedLife

    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

     

    6x6 plant pedestal MyRepurposedLife

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

     

    cutting 6x6 on miter saw

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

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    How to Assemble

    assemble 6x6 chunky candle pedestal

    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

    paint base coat of burnt umber on pedestals

    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.

     

    pedestal base coat and top coat

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

     

    farmhouse plant candle pedestals

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

     

    chunky plant candle pedestals MyRepurposedLifeHere they are with my dollar store pumpkins!

     

    Easy 4x4 Post Plant Stands

     

    4x4 posts glazed pedestals MyRepurposedLife

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

     

    Cut Scrap Wood

    4x4 post for pedestals

    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.

     

    4x4 pedestals

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

     

    4x4 post is 3.5 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.

     

    deck boards

    So, I reached for some deck boards.

     

    comparison of 1x6 and deck board

    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

    materials for easy 4x4 pedestals

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

     

     

    place short lumber on a rag to sand

    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.

     

    gorilla wood glueI 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

    paint chunky pedestals

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

     

    smoked glazeAfter 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

    4x4 chunky pedestal with double base MyRepurposedLife

    What do you think? Are they getting prettier?

    double base pedestal

    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

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

    Easy Assembly Directions

    wood glue and nail gun assembles base for pedestal

    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!

     

    making wooden pedestal with double base

    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

    diy pedestal stand three options MyRepurposedLife

    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

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    1. girlfromwva

      October 13, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      set 3 for me! 4×4 Glazed! all are SO nice!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 14, 2020 at 11:11 am

        Nova,

        I hadn't used that glaze for awhile.... I was just itching to do it again. Everything is a little better with that glaze. lol

        These were really quick and fun.

        gail

    2. Fran

      October 13, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Hi Gail, I really like this creation. Simple but elegant however you want to do it. I am tempted to make these once I get my courage up to use my power tools.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 14, 2020 at 11:10 am

        Watch lots of YouTube videos and just be careful. The miter saw is the easiest to use, just don't ever cut small items and wear safety glasses, ear protection.
        It really is so much fun and very addicting.
        I am self taught, and so thankful I have these projects to keep me busy Fran!

        gail

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