How to build plant shelves

This simple outdoor shelving unit can be made in a matter of hours, and makes an ideal display stand for smaller-growing plants.

Make outdoor shelves for small potted plants

You will need

3 x 1.2m fence palings
6 x concrete blocks
Electric sander or coarse sandpaper
Handbrush
Paint stirrers

Paintbrush
Resene Concrete Primer
Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Permanent Green
Resene Quick Dry

Handy hint: For added security (and permanence) attach the shelves to the concrete blocks with exterior construction glue.

To get the look: Mark painted the background stucco wall with Resene AquaShield tinted to Resene Pearl Lusta.

Here's another idea: To accommodate taller potted plants, use larger concrete blocks.

Instructions

Step one
Sand the fence palings to smooth any rough areas, and then brush off any sanding residue with a hand brush.

Step two
Carefully stir the Resene Quick Dry.

Step three
Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry to each of the fence palings and allow to dry.

Step four
Carefully stir the Resene Concrete Primer.

Step five
Apply one coat of Resene Concrete Primer to each of the concrete blocks and allow to dry.

Step six
Carefully stir the Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Permanent Green.

Step seven
Apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Permanent Green to each of the concrete blocks, allowing two hours to dry.

Step eight
Apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Permanent Green to each of the fence palings, allowing two hours to dry, and then simply stack the fence palings on to the blocks to form the shelves.

Words and photos by Mark Rayner

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Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.co.nz