Wanted to share a few pictures of tables I just built. I moved recently (to the Pico Robertson area for anyone who knows LA) and decided to finally build some tables for my cacti. I got one parking space for my plants and thought keeping them off the hot concrete would be good, plus the tables will provide support for shade cloth I'm eventually putting up. They also help define the space
I used salvaged wood (mostly from construction sites) for the frame. The only things I had to buy were the screen (¼ in hardware cloth) and screws. I decided not to put any additional supports under the screen because the wire has very high tensile strength (it would be the last thing in the tables to break). If I later decide I want the screen to sag less I can always add some cross members. I also put up some fencing type stuff my neighbor was tossing to hide the under the table area. That way I can store stuff underneath without it looking cluttered. I plan to add some rails later on the edges to keep plants from falling off during earthquakes
The tables are 36" by 45" and about 40" tall. I used 2x4s for the top and a mix of wood for the legs (one 3x3, one 4x4 and this composite wood that's around 3" by 3" (actual). The top is covered by ¼ inch hardware cloth held on by staples
My plant tables
My plant tables
- Attachments
-
- Finished tables
- 20200707_133741_copy_756x567.jpg (162.96 KiB) Viewed 7584 times
-
- With privacy screen
- 20200710_195033_copy_756x1008.jpg (117.96 KiB) Viewed 7584 times
-
- Under construction
- 20200706_173312_copy_756x1008.jpg (90.39 KiB) Viewed 7584 times
-
- Under construction
- 20200707_121456_copy_756x567.jpg (147.76 KiB) Viewed 7584 times
Los Angeles, California (USA)
Zone 10b (yearly minimum temperature 1-5° C)
Fishhook cacti are like cats, they only like to be petted in one direction
Zone 10b (yearly minimum temperature 1-5° C)
Fishhook cacti are like cats, they only like to be petted in one direction
Re: My plant tables
Nice I always put a screen roof over my benches for sun and for rain protection but I think you said you were going to do that anyway.
Someday I'm going to build a big cover and benches for my plants .
Someday I'm going to build a big cover and benches for my plants .
Re: My plant tables
It can be good to make your own to use up existing materials and to fit a given space. My first one to survive the test of time was made of scraps of 1 inch galvanized tubing and expanded metal for the top. The metal does not come in galvanised here so I had to paint it. The other one shown here in my wifes side of the garden is made from scraps of wood left over from other projects. In another location I have the table top set on concrete blocks rather than wooden legs.
-
- Posts: 248
- Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2018 3:09 pm
- Location: Ottawa - Canada
- Contact:
Re: My plant tables
Shane, we're approaching nearly a year later with your homemade tables. How have the held up to a years worth of plants and the surrounding environment? Are they exposed to viewers? I had built some tables like this at my residential property a few years back and had people taking home cacti they liked when I wasn't home. Now mine go on a balcony but I don't get the same access to them or sun that I would like.Shane wrote: ↑Sat Jul 11, 2020 9:41 pm Wanted to share a few pictures of tables I just built. I moved recently (to the Pico Robertson area for anyone who knows LA) and decided to finally build some tables for my cacti. I got one parking space for my plants and thought keeping them off the hot concrete would be good, plus the tables will provide support for shade cloth I'm eventually putting up. They also help define the space
I used salvaged wood (mostly from construction sites) for the frame. The only things I had to buy were the screen (¼ in hardware cloth) and screws. I decided not to put any additional supports under the screen because the wire has very high tensile strength (it would be the last thing in the tables to break). If I later decide I want the screen to sag less I can always add some cross members. I also put up some fencing type stuff my neighbor was tossing to hide the under the table area. That way I can store stuff underneath without it looking cluttered. I plan to add some rails later on the edges to keep plants from falling off during earthquakes
The tables are 36" by 45" and about 40" tall. I used 2x4s for the top and a mix of wood for the legs (one 3x3, one 4x4 and this composite wood that's around 3" by 3" (actual). The top is covered by ¼ inch hardware cloth held on by staples
- mikethecactusguy
- Posts: 2173
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:51 am
- Location: Indio Ca
- Contact:
Re: My plant tables
Sounds like you had pretty dishonest neighbors. I think for the most part, people don't steal plants from another person.
Mike The Cactus Guy
Enjoying the Spines
Enjoying the Spines
Re: My plant tables
They've held up well. No deterioration or issues. Even on the legs which are this weird composite wood. They work so well I haven't thought much about them actuallyPereskiopsisdotcom wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 6:34 pm Shane, we're approaching nearly a year later with your homemade tables. How have the held up to a years worth of plants and the surrounding environment? Are they exposed to viewers? I had built some tables like this at my residential property a few years back and had people taking home cacti they liked when I wasn't home. Now mine go on a balcony but I don't get the same access to them or sun that I would like.
The plants are visible to the street. So far nothing has disappeared. I put my Pereskiopsis and some other less attractive plants up front. Also until recently there was usually a car parked in front of them (when my roommate was working from home. Some of my other plants are also pretty visible and none have disappeared. I know it's something that can happen but luckily it hasn't been an issue for me
Los Angeles, California (USA)
Zone 10b (yearly minimum temperature 1-5° C)
Fishhook cacti are like cats, they only like to be petted in one direction
Zone 10b (yearly minimum temperature 1-5° C)
Fishhook cacti are like cats, they only like to be petted in one direction