DIY: Rolling Plant Caddy

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 07/19/2020

Photo by Huy Phan from Pexels

Plants and flower pots can be heavy items to move around. The good news is you can eliminate the trouble with a rolling plant caddy. You can build one yourself using rustic wood or precut pieces from your local home store.

Stability is the key here.  Plan to build the caddy large enough so that your largest potted plant will fit on top.  When you choose the wheels, be sure they are big enough to manage any terrain in your yard or patio.  Larger wheels tend to be more stable. Consider wheels with a locking option for added safety.  

Shapes and Styles

As many planters are round, a round platform works nicely but as long as the flat surface you work with fits the pot you're using with it, any shape can work.  Most hardware stores sell pre-cut wood circles ranging in sizes. These often come with smoothly finished sides that look nice with or without additional paint or stain. 

Craft stores and superstores sell standard-sized wooden crates, which might work as the top of your caddy if all your planters will fit inside.  You may want to use the whole crate or trim the sides down so you won’t have to lift planters as high.

If either of the above options is appealing to you, you'll just need 4 casters and Step 5 of the following project. If you'd prefer to tailor your caddy to a specific size you can build a simple rustic wood square or rectangle with just a few materials.  Here's an example that results in a 10-inch rolling caddy

2 10-inch lengths of 1X4 

5 10-inch lengths of 1X2

4 casters or wheels of your choice

  1. Lay the 2 1X4 pieces next to each other on a flat surface. They should be parallel to each other with about 2 inches of space between them.
  2. Next, evenly place the 1X2 pieces on top of the 1X4s, they should be perpendicular to the Pieces from Step 1.
  3. Secure the pieces with wood screws and wood glue for extra strength. Allow the glue to dry completely.
  4. If you want to add some color to your project, paint or stain the caddy and allow the finish to dry completely.
  5. Flip the project over so that the 1X2 section is touching the table. Place a wheel in each corner and secure to the 1X4 sections with screws.

That's it! This plant caddy will surely come in handy. Apply lubricant to the wheels every so often and it should last a long time!

About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”