Plumbing pipe takes on stylish new life as a garden feature! As a durable, affordable, weatherproof material that's easy to cut and shape, PVC is a go-to for savvy DIYers. DIY Originals host Michele Beschen elevates everyday plants with this clever PVC planter on her patio—bringing greenery to eye level and adding depth to any outdoor space.
Follow along as Michele transforms scrap plumbing pipes into a functional, original planter design that's battle-tested for real-world use.
4" diameter PVC pipe
1" diameter PVC pipe and fittings or galvanized steel pipe
Scrap wood
Saw or handsaw and miter box
Punch out
3" drill bit
1" drill bit
Rubber mallet
Silicone glue or caulk
Sandpaper
Paint suitable for plastics
1. Cut a 4" PVC pipe to 12½ inches long. Also cut a thin slice from the excess pipe to use as a template later.
2. Locate the center of the PVC pipe and drill a 3" hole there using the 3" bit. Add two more 3" holes, aligned with the first and evenly spaced between it and the pipe ends.
3. Flip the tube upside down. Directly opposite the center hole, drill a 1" hole in the pipe's center for the post. Switch to a smaller drill bit and add two weep holes, one on each side of the 1" hole.
4. Use the thin 4" PVC slice as a template: trace its inside onto scrap wood and cut out two circles. Tap them into the planter ends with a rubber mallet; secure with silicone glue or caulk.
5. Attach the post. For PVC, use standard fittings and PVC adhesive or contact cement. Michele used a galvanized threaded steel tube that fit snugly—simply screw it in while keeping the planter level.
6. Finish with flair: sand rough edges, prime for plastics, then paint with spray paint formulated for plastic surfaces. Get creative with colors, fill with soil, and plant!
