Skip to Content

How To Make DIY Plant Shelves Using Wood Slices

Let me tell you a secret these DIY plant shelves don’t have to be used to display plants. They are a handy set of mini-tiered wood slice shelves that can be used to display all sorts of things like trophies or fun ornaments.

However, these natural wood shelves with bark just look fabulous with plants on them. It’s a great match for the live edge of the bark with a live plant.

Whatever you decide to put on these DIY plant shelves they are handy storage/display solutions for small spaces.

DIY Three-tier natural wood shelves

The wood slice shelves are tall and skinny. They are great for small alcoves or narrow wall spaces.

I live in an old Victorian house, I have lots of narrow strips of the wall where these vertical tiered shelves will fit perfectly. These dead skinny wall spaces can now become a feature, with the DIY plant shelves.

I actually got the idea for these shelves after I scored a big stash of large wood slices.

A few months ago I was invited to the Ryobi Tools UK conference as a member of the press. It was a great event where I got to try out loads of Ryobi tools. At the end of the day, there was a huge pile of wood slices from everyone having a go with the chainsaw.

Not wanting to see anything go to waste I managed to walk away with a bag full of these wood slices.

Pile of large wood slices

We’re a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What You Need To Make DIY Plant Shelves

The wood that you need for DIY plant shelves

How To Make DIY Plant Shelves

1. The first thing I did was saw about a third off each wood slice. I wanted a flat edge one side and round bark edge the other, for these natural wood shelves.
cut wood slices

2. Next, sand the flat surfaces of the wood slices. Make sure to protect the bark. That will ensure that you’ll get a live wood edge shelf.

Also, sand the floorboard and smooth off the edges with an electrical sander.

Sanding wood

3. Next, to give the sanded wood a lovely finish rub on some clear wood wax. This will also protect the wood a bit from water spills on your DIY plant shelves.

waxing wood
sanded and waxed wood slice shelves for live edge shelves

4. Next, this step is optional. I could only find silver angle brackets. I spray-painted mine copper for a better look with the natural wood shelves.

spray painting brackets

5. Then, use the painted brackets to attach the shelves to the wooden floorboard. Space them out evenly. Leave a bit of exposed wood at both the bottom and the top of the DIY plant shelves.

measuring for natural wood shelf placement

I used 2 angle brackets to hold up each wood slice shelf.

screwing in live edge shelves
Screwing in second shelf for DIY planter shelves

6. Finally, all that is left to do is to hang these DIY plant shelves and add plants. To hang the shelf unit simply drill a hole into the top and bottom of the floorboard base. Then screw the board into the wall.

DIY plant shelves with a natural wood edge
Close up pot natural wood shelf DIY planter shelves

I know I’ve said these are DIY plant shelves as I feel that the plants match the natural wood edge of the shelf. However, you can use the shelves for whatever you want. I think they would make a great trophy stand too in an office or den.

Finished 3 tier DIY planter shelves

They are great for tall thin spaces where you wouldn’t normally have room for any shelving.

DIY planter shelves from natural wood slices
Yield: 3 tier planter shelf unit

DIY Planter Shelves From Wood Slices

Finished 3 tier DIY planter shelves

This is a handy shelf unit for tall narrow spaces. The natural wood edges of the shelves look cool with plants on them.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Estimated Cost $5

Materials

  • Large wood slices
  • Plank of wood such as a piece of old floorboard
  • Angle brackets
  • Screws
  • Wood wax

Tools

  • Electrical sander
  • saw
  • screw driver

Instructions

  1. Saw the wood slices about 1/3 across
  2. Sand and wax all the wood
  3. Use angle brackets to attach the wood slices to the plank
  4. Hang using screws, add plants

If you like hanging plants then check out these upcycled bed slats plant shelves and this embroidered hanging plant canvas.

I still have a ton of wood slices left so there will be some more wood slice upcycles to come. I’m open to any suggestions. In the meantime, you might want to check out some of my other wood slice crafts.

These plant shelves are featured in the A to Z of clever upcycling ideas and resources.

If you are looking for some fun and unique DIY planter ideas for your natural wood shelves, check out these posts.

Linda

Friday 8th of May 2020

I really liked this for my house plants but I'm curious if you had a suggestion since I'm unable/not allowed to screw into the wall for drilling supports but I want a plant stand like this. TIA for sharing your thoughts.?

Claire Armstrong

Friday 8th of May 2020

Hi Linda, the only thing I can suggest is that you perhaps turn it into a free-standing plantstand by attaching it to a wooden base.

Jennifer

Friday 8th of May 2020

Why does your page keeps flipping to a blank page that has “googleleads.g.doubleclick”? It is terribly annoying, and I end up just leaving the project unread. I am planning on deleting this app, page and links because of this. Even while writing this comment, the page flipped 9X!

Claire Armstrong

Friday 8th of May 2020

I'm really sorry I don't know why it is doing that. Everything works well on my end. Perhaps deleting the app you are using and reinstalling it may fix the problem.

Dee | Grammy's Grid

Thursday 18th of July 2019

Thanks for linking up at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 41! Shared ♥

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 18th of July 2019

Thank you.

Kim @Serving Up Southern

Tuesday 16th of July 2019

Hi Claire! I'm dropping back by to let you know that you are one of this week's features at Homestyle Gathering. Thanks so very much for sharing at HG! I love seeing you at the party! >>> Kim

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 16th of July 2019

Thank you, that's awesome I look forward to seeing it.

Erlene

Monday 15th of July 2019

Loving this idea! I always need ideas to use spare wood :-)

Claire Armstrong

Monday 15th of July 2019

Thank you, I have a big bag of wood slices to get through.

Skip to Instructions