How to Make a DIY Hanging Planter or Sign Frame

This simple woodworking project creates a sturdy hanging frame that works for both planters and seasonal signs. The design is straightforward, and once you understand the structure, it comes together quickly.

DIY  Wood Plant Hanger Tutorial

Supplies Needed

You can use scrap lumber for this project. If 1 x 4 boards aren’t available, 2 x 4s will work, but the stand will be heavier.

Step 1: Cut Your Wood Pieces

2 pieces 2 x 12 at 24 inches (base)

3 pieces 1 x 4 at 20 inches (top and bottom supports)

2 pieces 1 x 4 at 34 inches (uprights)

Step 2: Build the Planter Box Frame

Start by building a simple rectangular box using your 1 x 4 boards.

Line up the boards so the ends are flush and form a right angle at each corner. Hold them firmly in place, then drill the first hole and add a screw to secure it. Drill and add the second screw. Repeat this on all four corners.

Pre-drill the holes with a 1/8 inch bit first to prevent the wood from splitting. Then add the 1 1/2 inch screws. r

Drill the first hole and then add the screw to keep it in place,  then drill and add the second screw.  Do this on all four corners.

Step 3: Add a Second Layer for Strength

Add a second layer of 1 x 4 boards to the top of the box frame to increase strength and thickness. Drill and screw them into place.

Step 4: Add the Hanging Hardware

f you are making this hanger for a plant basket, you only need one large screw eye placed in the center.

If you plan to hang a sign, attach three screw eyes instead; one in the center for the plant, and one at each end for hanging a sign such as a welcome sign, fall harvest sign, or Halloween sign.

The easiest way to attach the screw eyes is to drill a small pilot hole first. Twist the screw eye in by hand until it starts to bite into the wood, then slide a screwdriver through the loop and use it for leverage to finish tightening.

Now that your box is made, center it over the 2 by 12 base. 

Step 5: Build and Attach the Base

Center the box on the 2 x 12 base. Pre-drill the holes, then secure it with a screw in each corner.

Step 6: Finish the DIY Plant Hanger

Sand the planter with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

I chose a light grey paint because it fits with my decor, and the neutral color works well with seasonal signs, especially for fall and Halloween.

Further down in the post, I share how I updated this hanger into a Halloween sign, along with the macrame hanger shown in some of the photos.

Hanging the Potted Plant

The plastic hanger that came with the planter did not look great in the frame, especially with the large hook at the top.

Before taking the final photos, I made a quick macrame hanger to replace it, and it made a big difference in how the planter looks.

DIY Macrame Plant Hanger

This planter looks much more finished with the homemade macrame hanger.

You can find the full step by step tutorial here. Even if you have never tried macrame before, it is a simple project to learn.

DIY Macrame Plant Hanger

DIY Halloween Sign and Updated Plant Hanger

I also updated this plant hanger for fall by adding a Halloween sign.

The sign design is from the Faerie Insiders library, and it allowed me to keep using the stand even after the plants were done for the season.

DIY Halloween Sign and Updated Plant Hanger