Rustic Ladder Plant Display

I love a quick reclaimed wood project, especially when it can be used outdoors without a lot of fuss. This rustic ladder plant display was made with weathered lumber from my stash, and it’s such an easy way to show off a few small plants, herbs, or seasonal flowers. It’s not a fancy build, but that’s exactly what I like about it. A couple of chunky boards, a few screws, and suddenly there’s a cute little display ladder leaning against the fence.

Sometimes I just make stuff up as I go along and learn better ways to do things. The next rustic ladder plant display I make will be a little different.

I’m still working my way through the yummylicious, perfectly weathered reclaimed wood, including fence boards, 2x4s, 4x4s, and MORE!

Reclaimed Lumber Plant Stand Instructions

For this project, I chose a 4×4 and a 2×4. The 4×4 was about 6 feet, the 2×4 was probably 8 feet.

Cut 4x4s to Size

The first order of business was to cut the 4×4 in half. That’s why you see both tape measures lying there. I keep the orange one on this saw stand, and my self-centering tape measure is generally on my smaller compound miter saw. The self-centering was used to measure the length of the board and quickly tells me where the center of the board is. <math challenged>  

Angle the Top, Bottom or Both

After cutting the 4×4 in half, I cut one end at an angle so it would rest easily on the ground or driveway.

I cut it on an angle at approximately 33°

I tested the angle on the driveway to see how much slope I got on the 4×4. Works for me!

Use 2x4s for the Plant Ladder Shelves

I cut three pieces of the weathered 2×4 at 13” in length.

I used a bar clamp to hold the uprights together, placing one of the “shelves” on the lower end, and I worked on securing the top shelf with 4” wood screws

A small level is a must to ensure the shelf is level with the ground WHILE the display ladder is leaning against a solid surface.

Pre-Drill Pilot Holes and Secure Shelves

I have been using this extra-long drill bit for years to make pilot holes in bed posts for headboard benches.

You don’t have to drill pilot holes, but these long screws get a little floppy, so having the pilot holes just makes things a little easier. I put one screw in each side of all the shelves, then went back and added a second screw to each. Countersinking all screws a) to hide them and b) to give them more hold into the 2×4 shelf.

I took these photos so you could see (and I could remember) the measurements for each stage. The overall length of the 4×4 is about 31.75”. There is about 9” clearance between the shelves, and each of the shelves is 13” in length. The bottom-right image shows the angle that will allow the rustic ladder display to lean and level the shelves.

Custom Rustic Ladder Plant Display

Here it is leaning up against my diy picket fence. The best thing about this project? It can be out in the weather for many more years.

More garden ideas here

This rustic ladder plant display is simple, sturdy, and practical. The reclaimed wood already has that weathered outdoor charm, so there’s no need to paint or stain it. The angled feet help it lean comfortably against a fence or wall, while the small shelves give you just enough room for little planters, herbs, or seasonal decor.

PIN IT!

I only had one planter to display on it for this photo shoot. When I make another, I will make it taller using a longer 4×4. Since I didn’t really know what I was doing, I just grabbed the first one I could find.    I might cut the top of the 4×4 at an angle the next time.

You could make this with new lumber, but I would use treated lumber for outdoors.

Related Content: More Easy Projects

I love making fun, easy projects to fill time at the end of the day or while I’m waiting for paint to dry. There is still a lot of this reclaimed lumber left in my stash for many more projects.

See another fun reclaimed wood planter here

gail