Patio Shelves for Plants: Sizes and Pot Counts

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Patio shelves for plants are tall racks that hold many pots in a narrow strip of floor. The three racks compared here are all deep enough for ordinary pots but quite different in width: 45, 31.9 and 56 inches. The main questions are how many pots you really have, how heavy they are when wet, and how far the rack sticks out into the patio. One of the listings contains figures that disagree, so read the selected page before you order.

Quick compare: the products in this guide

Sizes come from the Amazon listings as we read them; check the product page for the current details before you buy.

Product	Listed details	Link
Ekisemio 5 Tier Metal Plant Stand	45 × 9.8 × 48 in; 15 pots per bullet	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
GIOTORENT Plant Stand Indoor, 3-Tier Heavy Duty Metal Shelf	11.4 × 31.9 × 54.7 in; 150 pounds	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
GENTINGBRO Plant Stand Indoor Outdoor 63″ Tall Plant Shelf	56 × 11.8 × 63 in; figures conflict, check the listing	See details on Amazon Affiliate link

Why use a shelf rack on a patio

A patio often has more wall than floor. A rack uses the wall, lifts pots off the ground and brings plants closer to eye level. Raised pots also drain more easily, and the area under them is easier to sweep. A rack can also act as a divider along a railing.

It is a trade, though. A tall rack catches wind. It also casts shade on the lower tiers, so plants on the bottom need to be shade tolerant, or you need to rotate them.

The three racks we compare

Ekisemio five-tier metal rack

This rack is listed at 45 by 9.8 by 48 inches in black metal, with five tiers and a T-shape. A bullet says the rack holds 15 pots, and we did not confirm a load rating, so check the listing for it. The bullets also say it is made from iron with a rust-resistant paint, that one person can assemble it without tools and that the base is reinforced for large pots. It is the most compact in height of the three.

GIOTORENT three-tier metal rack

The GIOTORENT rack is listed at 11.4 by 31.9 by 54.7 inches and has three tiers. The listing gives a load figure of 150 pounds. The bullets also mention side guardrails to keep pots from sliding, hooks for hanging plants or tools, and adjustable feet for uneven ground. For the tier size we use 27.1 by 11.4 inches from a bullet (check the listing).

GENTINGBRO wood rack

The GENTINGBRO rack is listed at 56 by 11.8 by 63 inches and is described as carbonized eucalyptus wood. Its title, bullets and specification fields give tier counts, pot counts and a load figure that do not fit together, so we do not quote them. Check the actual configuration on the page, then ask the seller what the load figure refers to. It also has a built-in hanging feature for trailing plants, according to a bullet.

Matching a rack to your pot count

Count your pots first. Then divide by the number of tiers to see how many sit on each.

• Ekisemio. 15 pots on 5 tiers: 15 divided by 5 equals 3 pots per tier. On a 45 inch wide tier, 45 in divided by 3 equals 15 in per pot, so even large pots fit.
• GIOTORENT. Each tier is 27.1 in long. If you put 3 pots on a tier, 27.1 in divided by 3 equals about 9.03 in per pot. That fits pots up to 9 inches wide, not more. Four pots would be about 6.8 in each, so choose 6 inch pots.
• GENTINGBRO. The listing figures conflict, so we cannot do the division with confidence. Look at the photos and the listed tier count and measure.

The numbers show why a rack with fewer tiers can still hold many plants if the tiers are long.

Wet weight and wind

A rack rated 150 pounds is a limit for the whole unit, and a lot of watered pots add up. That is 30 pounds under the GIOTORENT limit of 150 pounds, which seems fine but leaves a small margin. For the Ekisemio rack, check the listing for a load rating before you load it with 120 pounds of pots.

Wind pushes against the total area of foliage. A rack against a wall is more stable than a free-standing rack in the open. If the wall is a house wall, use a strap or bracket on a stud or a masonry anchor, because tall racks can tip.

Worked example: a 12 by 10 ft patio

The patio is 12 ft wide (144 in) along the house wall and 10 ft deep (120 in) out from the wall. The rack stands against the house wall, centered. We use the Ekisemio rack: 45 in long along the wall and 9.8 in deep.

• Depth axis, floor left. The rack uses 9.8 in of depth. 120 in minus 9.8 in equals 110.2 in of open floor in front of the rack.
• Width axis, wall left. 144 in minus 45 in equals 99 in in total. Centered, that is 99 in divided by 2 equals 49.5 in on each side.
• Walkway test. We use 36 in as a planning yardstick for a path. 49.5 in minus 36 in equals 13.5 in more than needed, so a path along the wall on either side works.
• Table check. A bistro table 24 in across needs 24 in plus chairs. 110.2 in of open depth is more than enough for a table and a person walking behind it.

If you instead want the 56 inch wide wooden rack, then 144 in minus 56 in equals 88 in in total, or 44 in on each side. That still clears the 36 in yardstick.

Placement, light and watering

Put the rack where the strongest light falls on the top tiers. Place shade plants and herbs that cope with partial sun on the lower tiers. If the rack stands against a south-facing wall, the wall may radiate heat in the afternoon. Water in the morning, so that foliage dries before the evening. Use saucers on the lower tiers to catch drips. Otherwise, water from upper pots falls on lower pots.

A rack with a solid shelf collects water, and a slatted shelf allows drainage. Metal slats dry faster than wood. A wooden rack should be oiled or sealed once a year, if the maker recommends it.

Metal versus wood

Metal racks, such as the Ekisemio and GIOTORENT, resist rot and take thin tubing, which means a slim silhouette. Their coatings can chip and rust at the scratch. The GIOTORENT listing mentions waterproof powder coating, and the Ekisemio listing mentions rust-resistant paint.

A wood rack, such as the GENTINGBRO, looks warmer and suits a natural garden. The listing says carbonized eucalyptus, which has been heat treated. Wood still needs care in rain and sun, and the listing notes that you should avoid prolonged harsh weather.

Hanging features

The GIOTORENT rack has hooks and the GENTINGBRO listing describes a hanging planter feature. Hooks are useful for trailing plants, watering cans or small tools. Hanging weight pulls on the frame, so keep it light and balanced on both sides.

Who should buy patio shelves for plants

• Small patio owners. The rack uses vertical space.
• People with many small pots. Long tiers hold rows of herbs or succulents.
• Renters. A freestanding rack needs no drilling, except for an anti-tip strap.

Who should skip it

• Those with only a few big planters. A rack is overkill.
• Anyone in a very windy, exposed spot who cannot secure a tall rack.
• People who want a certain wood rack load. The GENTINGBRO figures conflict.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying by the pot-count claim. Titles and bullets give pot counts, but the tier size decides what fits.
• Ignoring the depth. A rack that is 11.8 in deep still needs room for the pots to overhang.
• Skipping the strap. Tall racks can tip.
• Using no saucers. Water drips down and stains.

Checklist before you buy

• Count your pots and their diameters.
• Measure the wall and depth.
• Read the load limit and see if the numbers agree.
• Decide on metal or wood.
• Plan a way to anchor the rack.

Keep reading

These guides cover related picks and sizing checks for a small space.

• Outdoor Patio Plant Stands: How to Choose
• Three Tier Plant Shelf: Sizes and Layouts
• Flower Pot Stand Outdoor: Sizes, Load, Rust

Frequently asked questions

How many pots will a patio plant rack hold?

It depends on the tier length and pot size. The Ekisemio listing says 15 pots, and the other two listings give counts that need checking. Divide the tier length by the pot diameter to check.

Are metal or wood racks better outdoors?

Metal resists rot, and wood looks warmer. Both need care. Check coatings on metal and sealing on wood.

How deep are these racks?

They are listed at 9.8, 11.4 and 11.8 inches deep, so they sit close to a wall.

Do I need to anchor a tall plant rack?

Yes, in wind or if children and pets are around. Use a strap or bracket on the wall.

Can I trust the GENTINGBRO load number?

We would not, since its title, tier field and load field disagree. Ask the seller.

Products worth checking

We have not tested these products. Sizes and features come from the Amazon listings as we read them; where a listing does not say, we say so.

Specifications come from the Amazon listings as we read them for this guide. Product details and availability can change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.

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