Photo: Dolores M. Harvey (Shutterstock)
In summer, keeping your patio umbrella from blowing away in strong winds can be a challenge. While you can use a traditional base to keep your umbrella upright, they make them hard to move around and adjust. If you’re looking for a creative, eye-catching, and portable way to secure your umbrella poolside or on the patio, here’s the perfect project.
Tools and materials needed to make a rolling umbrella plant stand
For this project, you will need:
You will also need some plants suited to grow in a container and in shade or partial shade since they will be growing under your umbrella.
How to make a rolling umbrella plant stand
Once you have your materials together, flip your container over so the bottom is facing up. Using one of your casters, mark out where the wheels will be attached by measuring two inches in from the edge of the base and equally spaced around the bottom. Place your casters and use the base of the caster like a stencil to mark where the holes need to be drilled; then, use your drill and drill bit to make your holes. If you’re drilling into metal, it’s helpful to score the center of your holes using a scriber or scratch awl to guide the point on your drill bit.
Using the bolts so the nuts face up into the inside of your container, bolt the casters on, placing the locking washer on the nut side of the bolt. Tighten the nuts using your box wrenches or wrench and nut driver, making sure to put some tension on the lock washer so it won’t come unscrewed if rattled during use.
To plant your umbrella, place your 2-gallon bucket in the container and get your PVC pipe ready. Use the PVC pipe to trace a circle in the center of the bucket lid and cut it out with your utility knife. Then, following the instructions on the package, mix your concrete and pour it into your bucket. Place the PVC pipe in the center of the bucket, and place the lid on top to hold the PVC pipe upright as the concrete cures. You should poke some vent holes in the lid to allow for the concrete to dry and set. Once the concrete is thick enough to hold the pipe upright, take the lid off carefully to allow it to continue curing. While you’re waiting for the concrete to dry, drill some holes in the bottom of your container to allow for drainage.
Once the concrete is fully cured , fill the container with potting soil, covering over the bucket and place your umbrella. Then, you can add your plants and begin using your new umbrella stand.
