Outdoor Patio Table Planter, Vase and Serving Station – a #LowesCreator Idea
Wanted: A better name for this invention I created!
What is it? I consider it a multi-purpose centerpiece for your umbrella-shaded patio table. But, it can also be a serving station for utensils and napkins. Add some water and it becomes a vase for the table. When the flowers wilt, plant some shade loving flowers into it and you have a living centerpiece! So, my working title was: Plant-a-ma-bo-a-ma-holdey-flowers-n-stuffin-vase. But, I don’t think that anyone would be able to pronounce that. (Nor would that be very SEO friendly.)
Whatever the name, I’d love to share how easy it is to make this outdoor living table centerpiece.
Materials:
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- Hacksaw
- Sandpaper
- File (optional)
- 2 – 2″ x 2′ PVC pipes
- 10 – 2″ PVC couplingsÂ
- 5 – 2″ PVC test caps
- 2 – 6″ -7″ Hose clampsÂ
- Flat head screw driver
- Outdoor window and door caulk
- Caulk gun
- PVC Primer
- PVC Cement
- Tin snips
- Union Jack radiator screen (found in the hardware section near the flat sheet metal)
Instructions:
1. Measure and cut the 2″ PVC pipes into 7″ tall sections. (side note: It helps to have a stop block set up and a miter box so that all your pipes are the same length.)
2. Stand the pipes side by side and sand down any that are taller.
Sand and file any rough edges around the top and bottom of the pipe.
3. Brush primer around the bottom edge of the pvc pipe. (side note: Try not to let the primer drip if you use the purple colored pvc primer. It will stain the pipe.) Wipe the primer inside the edge of the coupling and around the test cap rim.
Brush the PVC cement onto the primed PVC areas.
4. Immediately press the PVC pipe down onto the coupling (with the test cap facing up). Be sure to face all the writing and bar codes the same direction. You can turn all the tubes toward the umbrella so the writing is hidden.
5. Repeat the same procedure to glue another coupling to the top of the pipe (minus the test cap.)
6. Turn the pvc pipes upside down and run a line of caulk around the bottom of the test caps. This will help create the water tight seal. (Or you could run the caulk on the rim of the test cap before you insert it into the coupling. Let me know if you try this and if it works better to caulk before gluing.)
This is what your tubes should look like:
7. Measure the distance between the couplings.
Mark the distance onto the radiator screen and cut it to size with tin snips.
8. Gather the PVC Pipes, radiator screen, hose clamps and flat head screwdriver. Bring them out to your patio table. Wrap the pipes around the umbrella. Bend the radiator screen around all the pipes and open up the hose clamps. Secure the top and bottom of the screen with the hose clamps. Tighten the hose clamps with the screwdriver.
This is how your centerpiece should look:
Time to decide what to put into the centerpiece! You can place utensils in the pipes for a party. (side note: I stuck some paper towels into the bottom of the pipes to keep the utensils elevated.)
Or, for a fresh floral arrangement fill the tubes with water and place fresh cut flowers inside.
For a more lasting arrangement. Fill the tubes with rocks on the bottom. Then add soil and plant some shade loving flowers.
The flowers make an attractive living centerpiece for your patio table.
So which way would you use this invention:
As a vase?
And do you have a better name than Plant-a-ma-bo-a-ma-holdey-flowers-n-stuffin-vase?
Disclosure:Â I have partnered with Lowe’s as a Lowe’s Creative Influencer. I was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to complete my project. The tutorial, photos and opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not told what to write. #LowesCreator
The Serve-Display-Grow 3 in 1 (?)
Why do I want the Lowe’s Gift Card? It’s one of my favorite places to shop- I can always find something to drool over or inspire me at Lowe’s! 🙂
I pinned it to my Clever! board. 🙂
Our yard is a wreck and so we would use the Lowe’s gift card to bring it back to life. =)
Love your invention! I’m racking my brains for a name for it…..not that easy! =)
I tweeted! =)
https://twitter.com/luv2luv226bride/status/217267028447330304
I really need to re-do my deck….. I’ve been trying to come up with a name…..
The PHG (Pretty Handy Girl) Plantainer … LOL … not too good!
I pinned it on my “DIY-I’ll Try It!” board
http://pinterest.com/pin/197947346092370103/
I’m in the middle of a bathroom redo right now and I’d love to have a $100 Lowe’s gift card.
I don’t know how you come up with these things, but I love it! Hmm, name…. Pretty Handy Patio Caddy?
Sheila, did you get your signed tape measure? So sad I missed you at Haven!
I pinned this on my For The Home board (mrshud1). Great idea!
Pinned this post on my outdoor living board. Thanks Brittany!
I love this idea for table flowers. I usually have them out on the table taking up space. This project would maximize space and leave more room for refreshing beverages!
The Lowe’s gift card would come in so handy, as returning from the Haven Conference, I am so full of DIY inspiration! It was great to meet you!
When is there a reason NOT to need a Lowes gift card?
Cute idea – pinned it to my outdoor board. I like the living centerpiece option the most!
Just tweeted you too :~) https://twitter.com/jenifercotter/status/217227406254145536
This is such a cool idea Brittany … love the look of the radiator screen! My favorite is the planted flowers…it’s an unexpected spot to have live plants and really softens the tablescape.
I’d be thrilled to win the Lowe’s gift card! I need supplies to finish a garden bench makeover and to start a chalkboard piece and am also trying to get started on repainting some rooms – so I am becoming a regular at Lowe’s and could really use the gift card to supplement my low-low budget :~) Thanks for such great inspiration & the chance to win!