Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
You can turn ordinary 2×4 lumber into a geometric hanging flower basket by cutting about 137 thin wood slices, stacking them in descending rows, and suspending the finished shell from two hanging points. Kristi Linauer’s May 2014 tutorial uses a 19-inch circle to establish the base, wood glue and 3/4-inch brad nails for assembly, and a trimmed replacement coco liner for planting. It is an inexpensive craft project, but it is not a load-rated plan: the tutorial gives no filled-weight measurement, hardware rating, attachment specification, or test data.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the pieced wood basket is—and what the original tutorial leaves open
The project is a sculptural basket made from repeated crosscut slices of 2×4 stock. Rather than bending boards or carving a bowl, you build a flat, layered arrangement that rises into two stepped sides. The visual effect comes from the visible end grain, the staggered rows, and the open spaces between pieces.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Linauer described the project as “So easy! And cheap! And pretty darn fun to make.” That description captures the appeal: the parts are ordinary, the layout is understandable, and the finished form can be left natural or given a decorative finish. Her instructions do not, however, establish a safe maximum load or a tested outdoor lifespan. Treat the design as a craft tutorial that needs your own judgment about lumber condition, fasteners, suspension, weather, and the weight of wet soil and plants.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
Materials and tools
| Item | How it is used | What the tutorial specifies |
|---|---|---|
| 2×4 lumber | Cut into the repeated basket pieces | About 137 slices, each approximately 1/2 inch thick; the author used scraps and estimated a 9-foot board would add about $4 in May 2014 |
| Wood glue | Bonding the layers and base pieces | Used throughout the assembly; glue type is not identified |
| 3/4-inch brad nails | Mechanical fastening of the glued pieces | Driven with a nail gun |
| Eye screws | Attachment points for suspension | Used at two areas; size, thread, and rated capacity are not stated |
| S-hooks and chain | Connect the basket to its hanging point | Used by the author; dimensions and ratings are not stated |
| Replacement coco liner | Holds planting medium inside the wooden shell | A flat liner was trimmed to fit |
| Flowers and growing medium | Finish the planter | Flowers were added after the liner was fitted; filled weight was not measured |
You also need a saw capable of making repeated crosscuts, a sanding method, a work surface large enough for a 19-inch layout circle, a measuring tool, a pencil or marker, and eye and hearing protection appropriate to your tools. The source does not prescribe a particular saw, nail gun, glue brand, liner size, or suspension hardware.
Resolve the piece-size confusion before cutting
A reader asked whether each piece should be 4 or 6 inches long. Linauer clarified that she repeatedly sliced the 2×4 into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. In other words, the 1/2-inch measurement describes the slice thickness, not a separate 4-inch or 6-inch length for each individual piece.
The published instructions do not provide a second dimension for every slice, nor do they give a cutting diagram that assigns a different length to each row. Do not invent a 4-inch or 6-inch cut list and assume it is the author’s plan. Use the tutorial’s repeated-slice method, make enough pieces to sort and replace damaged ones, and dry-fit the layout before committing to glue.
Prepare the 2×4 slices
1. Cut repeated slices
Cut approximately 137 slices from 2×4 lumber, aiming for about 1/2 inch thickness. Consistency matters because large thickness differences make the stepped rows rock, leave uneven glue joints, and change the final height. The source does not state a finished basket height or a tolerance for variation, so keep your cuts as uniform as your equipment safely allows.
2. Sand every edge
Sand the cut edges to remove splinters, as Linauer describes. Round over sharp corners only as much as needed to make handling safe; excessive rounding changes the bearing area between pieces. Brush or vacuum away sanding dust before gluing so debris does not become a weak, gritty joint.
3. Sort before assembly
Set aside pieces with major splits, loose knots, crushed fibers, or badly angled cuts. The tutorial does not state a lumber grade, moisture content, or defect limit. Sorting is therefore a practical quality-control step rather than a published specification. Keep a few sound spare slices available for the layout and for later repairs.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Build the circular base
1. Draw the layout guide
On a flat work surface, draw a circle 19 inches in diameter. This circle is a placement guide, not a piece of wood to be installed. Marking the center and a few evenly spaced reference points can make eyeballing easier while preserving the informal character of the original project.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall2. Place the first 11 pieces
Arrange 11 slices around the circle. Linauer says she eyeballed the spacing, so the source does not provide an angle, gap width, or jig dimension. Keep the pieces balanced around the guide and check that adjacent slices touch or nearly touch where the next layer will bridge them.
3. Add 11 pieces over the gaps
Place another 11 slices over the spaces between the first group. This second ring begins the interlocking base. Rotate or nudge pieces until the arrangement is stable and the overall footprint remains close to the 19-inch guide.
4. Glue and nail the base
Apply wood glue at the contact areas, then fasten the pieces with 3/4-inch brad nails using a nail gun, following the author’s method. Keep hands clear of the nail path, clamp or brace unstable pieces, and verify that nail length will not punch through the visible side. The tutorial does not give a nail-spacing schedule, so use enough fasteners to hold each joint while avoiding splits near an edge.
Stack the stepped sides
First side: ten descending rows
Build the first side upward from the shared base. Linauer describes 10 rows, with one fewer piece in each later row. The exact piece count in every row is not listed, so establish each row by dry-fitting it against the preceding one rather than relying on an invented numerical chart.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Shift the pieces beginning with row five
Starting with row five, shift the pieces so the assembly develops distinct front and back sides. Each middle piece rests only halfway on the wood below. That half-bearing arrangement creates the stepped outline, but it also makes accurate placement and complete glue contact especially important. Work slowly, keep the shifts consistent from one piece to the next, and wipe away squeeze-out before it hardens on visible faces.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Flip the work and build the opposite side
After completing the first side, turn the work over and build the other side from the shared base row. The two sides use that first row together; they are not two completely independent baskets. When both sides are assembled, Linauer counts 19 rows in the completed structure.
Because the tutorial does not publish a full-scale template, row spacing, final height, and exact top opening are outcomes of your slice thickness and placement. Dry-fit several rows before gluing so you can correct drift while the pieces are still movable.
Attach the hanging hardware conservatively
Linauer used eye screws, S-hooks, and chain connected at two areas rather than concentrating the load on one top piece. The intention was to distribute hanging weight. The tutorial does not identify screw diameter, thread length, chain gauge, S-hook rating, wood species, anchor method, or the weight of a planted basket.
That missing information matters because a filled planter can be substantially heavier than the empty wood shell. Wet growing medium, retained water, and mature plants all add load, while outdoor moisture can weaken wood and accelerate corrosion. A commenter reported that their own basket broke after it was filled and hung. That is an individual account, not a controlled test or a failure rate, but it is a reason to inspect every joint and choose a suspension point that can safely support the actual installed load.
Before hanging
- Inspect the top pieces for splits, loose glue joints, and nail blow-through.
- Check that eye screws are seated in sound wood rather than a narrow edge or a visible crack.
- Use suspension components whose marked working capacities exceed the complete wet load; the tutorial does not provide those ratings, so they must come from the hardware manufacturer and your installation conditions.
- Hang the basket temporarily at a low height over a clear area and look for spreading, twisting, or joint movement before placing it where a fall could injure someone or damage property.
- Recheck the attachment after watering and after the first periods of wind or rain.
These checks do not turn the project into a tested or certified system. They are prudent steps because the original instructions provide no engineering data.
Fit the liner and plant it
Trim a flat replacement coco liner
The author used a flat replacement coco liner and cut it down to fit the wooden basket. Place the dry liner inside the shell first, mark where it bunches or rises above the rim, and trim gradually. A liner that is too small can expose soil through gaps; one that is too large can force the sides apart.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Account for drainage and water
The tutorial names the liner but does not specify drainage holes, a saucer, soil volume, or watering practice. Follow the liner maker’s directions for drainage, and remember that retained water increases weight. Do not allow a liner or pot to press outward so hard that it pries against the stepped joints.
Recommended Free Tools
Add flowers after the fit is stable
Linauer added flowers after trimming the liner. Test the empty liner and the unplanted basket first, then add growing medium and plants in a way that keeps the load centered. Avoid using the planter as a substitute for a rated hanging container when the support point, building attachment, or weather exposure is uncertain.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a finish without overstating the original instructions
Linauer left the wood natural and said she had not decided whether to paint it or apply a clear sealer. She noted that it would need to be sealed somehow to last longer outdoors, but she did not name a product or provide application directions. No particular finish can therefore be presented as her tested solution.
If you want a painted basket
- Let the wood reach a stable, dry condition and brush off dust.
- Test your intended exterior wood coating on a spare slice so you can see how it changes the end grain and whether the glue joints remain acceptable.
- Coat accessible faces before final assembly only if you can maintain clean glue-contact areas; otherwise assemble first and protect the finished surfaces afterward.
- Follow the coating manufacturer’s surface-preparation, drying, and recoat instructions rather than assuming a decorative paint alone waterproofs the joints.
- Inspect the finish each season for cracking, peeling, or exposed end grain, especially where water can sit around the liner.
Painting changes appearance but does not establish a load rating or correct weak construction. A clear finish likewise cannot compensate for cracked slices, inadequate suspension hardware, or a basket that is overloaded.
Historical cost and what it does—and does not—tell you
Linauer estimated about $17 for the basket, coco liner, and flowers in May 2014. She estimated that buying a 9-foot 2×4 instead of using scraps would add about $4. Those are the author’s historical estimates, not current prices and not a reproducible budget. Lumber, plants, liners, fasteners, and chain vary by location, season, quality, and quantity, so price the materials locally before starting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Figure in the tutorial | Qualification |
|---|---|
| About $17 | Linauer’s May 2014 estimate including liner and flowers |
| About $4 additional | Linauer’s May 2014 estimate for a 9-foot 2×4 when scraps were unavailable |
Troubleshoot the build as you go
The slices rock or leave large gaps
Stop before gluing the next row. Re-sort pieces by thickness, replace badly angled cuts, and use the layout circle and the previous row as references. Large gaps are usually easier to correct during dry fit than with hardened glue and nails.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
The rows drift to one side
Measure from the centerline or circle edge after each row. Small shifts accumulate, especially once the middle pieces begin resting halfway on the row below. Remove and reset a row while the adhesive is workable rather than forcing the upper rows to compensate.
A brad splits a piece
Do not leave a visibly split slice in a structural location. Remove it if possible, replace it with a sound spare, and keep nail placement away from narrow edges. The source does not specify predrilling or an alternative fastener, so any change should be tested on scrap first.
The liner will not sit flat
Mark high spots, trim in small increments, and check that the liner is not pushing the side pieces outward. If the liner is substantially undersized, choose a better-fitting liner rather than stretching it until the basket distorts.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The basket sways or twists when suspended
Lower it immediately and inspect both hanging areas, the eye screws, the chain connections, and the top rows. Sway can expose a loose joint that was not obvious while the basket was on the bench. Do not solve movement by simply adding more plant weight or by assuming the two-point arrangement has a known capacity.
Adapt the idea without claiming a performance comparison
| Adaptation choice | Useful when | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Use clean scrap 2×4s | You already have sound, dry stock | Mixed thicknesses and defects can make uniform rows harder |
| Buy a single 9-foot 2×4 | You need predictable stock and enough slices | The original $4 add-on estimate is historical and no longer a current price |
| Leave wood natural | You want visible grain and the published look | Outdoor durability remains unresolved without a protective system |
| Paint or seal | You want color or additional surface protection | Finish choice and application were not specified or tested in the tutorial |
| Change the liner shape | The available liner does not match your opening | Fit must not force the stepped sides apart, and a different liner may change water retention and weight |
These are design decisions, not validated versions of the basket. The source offers no engineered comparison, so it would be misleading to call one adaptation stronger, safer, or longer-lasting without testing it.
Maintenance for an outdoor installation
- Inspect the wood, glue joints, nails, eye screws, S-hooks, and chain before each growing season and after severe weather.
- Look underneath the liner for trapped moisture, soft wood, mildew, or swelling.
- Keep the basket’s actual wet weight in mind when changing plants or adding decorative objects.
- Replace the basket rather than patching a major split in a load-bearing piece.
- Take it down during conditions that could impose unusual wind or impact loads if your hanging location allows.
The original project does not state an expected service life. A finish, sheltered location, and careful watering may influence durability, but none provides a guaranteed lifespan or safe capacity.
Bottom line for a painter or DIY maker
This pieced wood hanging flower basket is a distinctive way to turn repeated 1/2-inch 2×4 slices into a stepped planter, with a simple 19-inch base layout and a low historical material estimate. Its appeal is visual and hands-on, not engineered. Build the rows patiently, fit the liner without spreading the sides, and treat the two-point suspension as a design intention rather than proof of strength. If you paint or seal the basket, present the finish as your own adaptation, and keep inspecting the wood and hardware for as long as it is carrying a wet planter overhead.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
