How to Make Sturdy Umbrella Stands for Under $15

In this tutorial I will show you how to make sturdy umbrella stands for under $15.

We recently added a pool and deck to our home and added some tables with chairs along with umbrellas to the mix. My concern was the wind, and also what if I wanted to move an umbrella to provide a little shade when I am laying out on the day. A little shade to cover my face for instance.

So I needed something to hold the umbrella and I didn't want to spend $80 on an umbrella holder. I like to MAKE things and I wanted to see if I could get by cheaper.

What you will need.

1. A Pot ( like a flower pot) You can get these at any Lawn and Garden or hardware store, even Wal-Mart. I have seen some for as little as $5 that are plastic.

2. Some PVC pipe. I had some lying around, but you can get a 10' piece for around $4 at your local hardware store. I used 1-1/2 inch pipe

3. A bag of quickcrete. I bought an 80 pound bag that did both of my pots equally. The bag was only $5 at the local hardware store.

4. A hacksaw or other cutting device to cut the pvc pipe with

5. Wheelbarrow or something to mix the concrete in.

6. A Hoe or other garden tool to mix the concrete.

Now lets begin.

Step 1: Cut Your Pipes

I had two pots around the house and I cleaned them out and put my pipe in the pot and marked where I wanted to cut with a marker. For me it was about an inch over the top of the pot.

I used a hacksaw, but you can use anything that will cut the PVC pipe to the length you specified for yourself.

I positioned it in the center and then used painters tape to hold it in place so that I could pour the concrete in the pot around the pipe.

Step 2: Mix the Concrete

With your wheelbarrow or other container to mix concrete in, empty your bag of mix and add water according to the directions on the bag.

I made mine match a consistency of peanut butter.

Step 3: Pour Into the Pots

Next you will pour the concrete into the pots slowly, being careful not to rush. Pour a little on each side of the pipe.

Use a painters stick or something to help spread the concrete around the pipe.

Step 4: After the Pour

After the pour is complete, you can remove the tape and if your mix is good the pipe will not move easily.

Now is a good time to add some marbles or something into the top of the concrete to add flare to your creation.

Step 5: Drill Some Drainage Holes

There may come a time when it rains and will fill it up if its not smooth level with the top of the pot. I took a 1/8th drill bit and drilled several holes to allow the water to drain right down the middle of the pipe and out the bottom.