I planned on doing this project back in March. I started making this project about a month ago. I kept getting interrupted. So to say that I am excited it is finally done is an understatement. It was worth the wait because I am completely smitten with my new planter!
A couple of years ago one of our big trees in our backyard got blown down in a huge storm. I was devastated. Ever since then, I have tried to use the pieces of the tree in projects so that it didn't get wasted. We didn't have a chainsaw at the time so a kind neighbor came over and cut it into manageable pieces so we could move it to the very back of the yard to our wood pile. It sat there for a long time. It lost its bark and dried out. But to me it was beautiful and needed a new life.
I added some mid-century modern legs. I think they are my favorite part.
To start out, I had to trim up the stump. Our neighbor was not concerned with making straight cuts when he cut up the tree for us so I had to level the top off. I didn't have a chainsaw back then, but thanks to Ryobi, I do now!
Back in March I was able to go to the Ryobi headquarters and try out all their outdoor tools. I was the most impressed by the mower and the chainsaw. It cut fast and smooth.
Ryobi 14" 40V Brushless Motor Chainsaw
I learned that I should have tried to drill closer together. I ended up using the chisel more than I needed to I think during the first two inches.
A chisel or crowbar works to get out any chunks.
The first couple of inches were hard and time consuming. And lets just say you could skip the arms at the gym and just focus on legs for a few days. After that it seemed to go faster. It ended up being 6 inches deep.
I drilled a drainage hole in the bottom with the ½ inch drill bit.
You can see the bottom is all gray from being weathered. It is not as smooth as the top was since it was cut with a different chainsaw.
Then I sealed the inside of it with Helmsman.
I also sealed the bottom since it would get wet as water drains out. Once it was dry I added the legs.
Three legs worked perfectly! I transplanted the plants that were in my mason jar wall planter into this planter. One of them was an original plant. A couple had been in the jars for a year and a half or more and were ready for a new home.
I have been making even more tree stump projects for my book and it is killing me not to share. But I love organic and rusticness of stumps and logs. What kind of fun things have you seen made out of tree stumps?
*I was given a Ryobi 40 volt Brushless chainsaw to use and review but the thoughts and project idea are all my own.
I love the idea of this although sadly I don't think my DIY skills are quite up to this.firstly I don't own a chain saw!! ;)
This is absolutely awesome, Stacy! I love the step-by-step instructions. I always wondered how to hollow out a stump and now I know and the end result is something I would definitely use in my home.
I love this! Now, I just need to find a beautiful tree stump. Ryobi tools are the best. They are pretty much all we use over here. I didn't know they had a chainsaw! We will have to look into that if our other one ever gives out.
Ahhh I love this! I've always wanted to do a planter or even a table like this! So cool!
Stacy, I LOVE this!! Great idea. I wanna use a chainsaw now ;)
This is seriously awesome. Totally planning to make it. Pinning.
What a great project to add to my list! Love what you were able to accomplish - thanks for sharing your resources.
This turned out great! I really like the contrast between the modern, metal legs and the earthy stump. What a great project :)
Where did you purchase the legs from? Really nice project!
I can't remember because it was so long ago but it was either etsy or eBay. You can find people who make and sell them for a decent price. Otherwise they can be pretty pricy.
Okay I dug around a bit and looked at my order histories on both sites. It was on eBay and here is the guy I bought them from: http://www.ebay.com/usr/omjsupply?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2754
When I bought them they were $19 and now they are selling for $24. You may be able to find a better deal.
Love Love Love - what a beautiful accent for your home and I adore that it's a natural up-cycle too. Thank you for sharing - Gorgeous!
What a genius idea Stacy! I would have never thought to put this together!
Love it! We have tree stumps from last winter's storms and I've had an idea in my head for something similar, but nowhere near as cool as yours turned out! Great job!
This is awesome Stacy!! I love it!
Seriously Stacy, this is one of the coolest projects I have seen in a long time! I LOVE it..... and will be making one! Can you share where you found the feet?
PS: Ryobi Rocks!!!!
~ KIM ;)
Stacy, this planter is FANTASTIC!!! I may have been a little too giddy when I saw it but wow! Great job!
Woah, that is so cool. And check you out with the power tools!
This is gorgeous!!
I love this so much! It's awesome!
You always have the coolest planters!! I love this idea- especially the hairpin leg addition!
Oh my goodness, I just love this! I have 2 stumps sitting at the side of my house. I need to do this! Pinned!
Wow, that's absolutely gorgeous! The color of the wood, the hairpin legs... perfection!
You are so clever, Stacey!! This is so cool. Thanks for the detailed tutorial I totally want to do this!
That is gorgeous, Stacy!! It looks like a high end piece from a fancy store. LOVE the rustic-ness of it!
Love this! It is so pretty!
i love this! Did you do any thing to the out side of the stump?
Hello there. I'm an art and design student from the Philippines. Your innovative and super creative DIY stuff has inspired me to make something great out of my free weekends and summer vacation. I accidentally stumbled on your website and lucky me, I've found a treasure trove of wonderful DIY ideas. Your site has now been saved as a favorite. Please keep on doing what you do best. God bless and good luck.
I love log planters. For those who do not have access to equipment, I sell small planters on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/217700676/a-true-conversation-piece-rustic-log?ref=shop_home_active_7
This is gorgeous. I love your taste in pairing rustic with modern. Quick question- did you line the inside with anything after sealing or put anything on the bottom? I see you drilled a drainage hole but don't have a drip pan underneath. How do you avoid water dripping on your floor? Thanks for any info you can provide! LOVE IT!!!!
I second this question!
I only watered once a week with about 1 cup of water. So it doesn't leak. But if I water any plant more than that (if it needs a good soak) then I carry it to the sink to water it and let it drip there before putting it back in it's place.
i love this. I would buy it if you had them for sale! Great job!
Ah! I love you took it mid century instead of the normal rustic route. I feel like I see mid century everywhere lately, in a few pieces mixed into fairly traditional homes.
http://www.alittledailyhappiness.com/mid-century-modern-combinations/
Hi, really like your planter. It looks great. Can you tell me where you purchased the metal legs for your tree stump planter?
Thanks,
I am in awe. That thing is fantastic. I want one but I kill plants so it wouldn't look that awesome for long ha
Hello!
I love your modern wood planter! How much do you charge?
I've been holding on to a tree stump for ages but didn't know how to fix it into a planter. Now I do thanks to you. I'm sure it won't be as great as yours but if it looks near the same I'll be happy. I'm so thrilled. Thank you.
that is a real good idea i have some Boxelder stumps in my back yeard now I know what to do with them thank you.
Did you have a powerful drill to start the first hole? I have a pretty decent drill working with a pine tree and I can not get it started.
Love the planter!
But I really want to know where you got the legs for it. I need table height ones, maybe you can send me in the right direction?
Thanks
Thank you so much for all the explanation and photos. I can't wait to make mine.
I love, love, love this project. This planter turned out fabulous. Happy 2018
I love this idea, I will be looking for large cutup firewood on side of road. Then do this. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much what an amazing project and I also love the contrast of metal on wood! I was looking for an easier way to hollow out a log without just using a chisel and you have achieved that for me. I used to do metal smithing. In order to make a bowl out of copper you need a dome shape to form the copper. That was what I was looking to do but now when I'm done, I'm gonna make me a planter. Well done.
OMG! I have found a beautiful tree stump at work that I really wanted to do somethng with. This is perfect! Its quite large so i am going to hollow out one side and make the other side into a coffee table! Thanks for the inspo and tips. xx
Love this planter.
Very cool thanks!
I love your ideas,and inexpensive, I'm a amateur gardener, like trying things, I'm using some of yourideas.
Your did a terrific job. You left out, As how you removed the wood from the center core. Did you grill more 1 1/4” holes and use a
Chisel? To go to the 6” depths did you tier down with the 1 1/4” bit and chisel.
Hope you respond back to me. Jerry
Did I miss the part when you finished sealing, did you add potting soil?
where diid you purchase the legs?