DIY Planter Umbrella Stand: Heavy-Duty Base with Lava Rock, Concrete, and Plants

DIY Planter Umbrella Stand: Heavy-Duty Base with Lava Rock, Concrete, and Plants

Strong wind won't budge this umbrella stand built from a large flowerpot with three layers:

1. Bottom: lava rock to hold the sleeve.
2. Middle: concrete for rigidity.
3. Top: planting mix for plants that mask the sleeve when umbrella is removed.

Specs

• Pot: broad-based, ≥15 in tall (24 in used), ≥20 in diameter.
• Sleeve: 1½-inch ABS pipe (black plastic vent), 3 ft long, cut to extend 8 in above pot.
• Cost: ≤$200 depending on umbrella, pot, plants.

Tools & Materials

Tools: Measuring tape, saw, shovel, hoe, garden hose, wheelbarrow, 2 levels, dolly.
Materials: Flowerpot (with drainage), 3-ft 1½-in ABS pipe, 1 sq ft nylon/aluminum screen, 1 cu ft crushed lava stone, 50-lb fence-post concrete, 3-ft ¾-in dowel, planting mix and plants, patio umbrella.

Build Steps

1. Measure pot depth; cut pipe to extend 8 in above rim.
2. Cover drainage holes with screen. Add 1 in lava stone; work pipe end into it, centered. Add remaining lava stone around pipe.
3. Mix concrete in wheelbarrow; shovel 2–3 in over lava stone, sloping away from pipe.
4. While wet, level pot (horizontal) and pipe (vertical). Hose out wheelbarrow.
5. Cut dowel into six 6-in pieces; push vertically into wet concrete at equal spacing around pipe to create drainage holes. Wiggle for easy removal.
6. Let dry overnight; pull dowels. Move pot to final location (use dolly). Fill with potting mix, add plants, slide in umbrella. Shim if loose.