How to Make a Flower Pot From PVC Pipe

Update

Using materials you have on hand for use as a flower pot saves money and allows you to customize the size of the pot. PVC pipe, used extensively in plumbing, provides a sturdy material that withstands water and weathering with little to no damage.

Things You Will Need

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  • PVC pipe
  • Saw
  • PVC pipe cap
  • Drill
  • PVC glue
  • Sandpaper

The pipes come in nearly any size required, from narrow pipes suitable for small plants to large pipes that make excellent planters for small shrubs and trees. Special tools aren't required when working with PVC, which allows you to easily form the pots with the tools you already have available.

  • Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length for your pot height with a fine-toothed saw. Make the pipe at least as long as it is wide for smaller diameter pots. Larger pots require a depth of 10 to 12 inches for most plants.

  • Place a PVC pipe cap on top your work surface with the flat side facing up. Use a cap that fits the diameter of the pipe you are using.

  • Drill a 1/2-inch-diameter drainage hole in the center of the pipe cap. Drill three to five additional holes around the inner edge of the cap bottom, spacing them at an equal distance from each other.

  • Apply PVC glue to the outer edge of one of the pipe ends, using the dauber attached to the lid of the PVC glue container. Use a glue formulated for plumbing pipes, as it can tolerate moisture. Glue formulated for electrical PVC conduit cannot withstand the moisture in a flower pot.

  • Slide the cap onto the glue-coated PVC pipe. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

  • Sand the edge of the pipe with fine-grit sandpaper, if necessary. Fill the pipe with soil and plant as you would any other flower pot.

    • Tip

    Use 3-inch-diameter PVC pipes for seed starting. Cut the pipe into 4-inch lengths and stand several of them upright in a tray. Fill the pipes with soil and plant the seeds. There's no need to cap one end of the pipes when using them in this manner. Paint the PVC pipe planter as desired. Spray paint made to give the appearance of stone adheres well and helps the planters look less like plastic.

    Warning

    Wear protective eye wear and follow all safety precautions when using power tools.

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