Child Item

What timber for outdoor plant stand?

Hi all,

Which timber would I need to build something like this picture? It’s to be used outside and probably cheaper to buy instead of making but DIY allows us to customise the size to fit our space

The frame is thin so I’m not sure treated pine or hardwood dresser can be used?

Can I used hardwood like 30x12 and 32x32 DAR Tasmanian oak? Are they strong enough to support multiple plant pots like the pic? If yes do I need any specific oil or stain to use them outside?

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Gardening

Building and Construction

Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @minhletn,

You could use Tasmanian Oak, though keep in mind it’s a relatively soft hardwood and may not hold up as well outdoors compared to other options. If you go this route, you'll definitely need to treat it with a high-quality outdoor oil or water-proof varnish regularly to prevent moisture damage, as Tasmanian Oak isn’t naturally resistant to decay.

For a project like this that will hold plant pots and be exposed to the elements, treated pine or hardwood like Merbau might be better choices. They’re more durable outdoors and can handle the weight of the pots. If you’re set on using the thinner frame design, make sure to reinforce the joints well.

Here's a rendering of what it could look like using 42 x 19mm 2.7m Pre-Oiled Merbau Solid Screening.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/42630#Comment_42630

Thank you @MitchellMc ,

I’ve ordered Merbau for this

With it having been primed already with timber oil, can I just coat it with decking oil or do I need to use Timber Prep/Cleaner first?

Do you recommend any screws to be used for this build?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/83566#Comment_83566

Hello @minhletn

If you are using the 42 x 19mm 2.7m Pre-Oiled Merbau Solid Screening or a Merbau timber with a thickness of 19mm, I suggest using Zenith 10G x 35mm Galvanised Type 17 Wafer Head Timber Screws - 50 Pack to anchor them together. Just keep in mind that when joining two pieces of timber together the screw you are using can't be greater than the thickness of the two joined timber pieces. I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to choose the right screw for the job by @Adam_W.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/106699#Comment_106699

Thank @EricL,

Am I right to assume that can I just coat the pre-oiled Merbau timber with decking oil without having to use Timber Prep/Cleaner first?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120542#Comment_120542

Hi @minhletn

Please note that the pre-oiled Merbau might still be sweating tannins. If you don't wish to use the timber prep/cleaner, you'll need to let the timber weather for 6 to 12 weeks out in the sun while the tannins leach out of the wood. To eliminate the waiting time, you'll need to use the timber prep/cleaner. Just keep in mind that if you choose to let the timber weather out, to keep it in a place where you don't mind the ground getting stained with tannins.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129099#Comment_129099

Thanks for the explanation @EricL,

It says on the website “SpecRite's pre-oiled decking is ready for finishing on-site with your preferred topcoating product”, that’s why I got confused.

I checked others’ question about Merbau’s tannin, and looks like a good approach is to use Cabot’s New Timber Prep, followed by Cabot’s Deck Clean, cut, build the shelf then coat with timber oil

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134519#Comment_134519

Hi @EricL,

I’m back with more question

Can I use Merbau for the frame and Cypress https://www.bunnings.com.au/68-x-19mm-2-4m-screening-cypress-dar_p0064538 for the panels that directly support the plant pots?

Reduce the cost a bit and also take less time to prep the timber if Cypress can be coated with decking oil straight away

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138003#Comment_138003

Yes, you can @minhletn.

I used those Cypress timbers on a plant stand several years ago and they've held up exceptionally well in the weather, even without seasonal oiling or any protection.

Mitchell

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140384#Comment_140384

Getting Cypress DAR seems to be a challenge as it’s a special order item and the minimum quantity to order is 200 😅

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142098#Comment_142098

The screening is a Special Order, but what about using the 66 x 19mm 0.9m Square Cypress Pine Fence Pickets?

Mitchell

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143324#Comment_143324

Hi @MitchellMc,

I did end up with this after spending some time with the Bunnings team at the Special Order desk in two different stores. They did their best to help, checking online and calling other stores to ask about the stock of the screening item

minhletn

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144237#Comment_144237

Hi @MitchellMc, @EricL

I just wanted to share the finished products, 2 plant stands made of Merbau and Cypress, 2 coats of decking oil

Thanks for all your help, now time for the next project

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144932#Comment_144932

Hello @minhletn

Thank you for the update, what a beautifully built plant stand. Please note that the plant stand will need to be oiled when its current coating begins to fade away.

Again, thank you for sharing such a wonderful project.

Eric

Child Item