Outdoor Pot Holder Buying Guide for Patios

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Quick answer

An outdoor pot holder is a stand that holds a planter off the ground so water drains, air reaches the base and the floor stays clean. The listings include three products: an AZADESJET adjustable stand that is 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.9 in, fits pots of 8 in to 12 in and states 200 lb, an Airpark adjustable stand that is 9.96 x 9.96 x 8.56 in and also states 200 lb, and an Atpddpey 3-tier rack that is 20 x 20 x 28 in with 9.06 in trays that state 22 lb each. The most important check is the width of your pot base against the stand. Measure the base, not the rim, because most pots are narrower at the bottom.

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
Plant Stand Indoor Adjustable, Metal Modern Indoor Plant Stand, Heavy Duty…	8.5 x 8.5 x 8.9 in; states 200 lb	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
Plant Stand indoor outdoor-3 Tier black Tall Metal Flower Pot Holder 9in Wide…	20 x 20 x 28 in; states 22 lb per tray	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
Airpark Plant Stand Indoor Adjustable, Metal Modern Plant Stands, Heavy Duty…	9.96 x 9.96 x 8.56 in; states 200 lb	See details on Amazon Affiliate link

Why a pot holder matters outdoors

A pot sitting flat on a patio or balcony floor traps water under the base. That water can stain the floor, rot a wooden deck and leave the roots in soggy soil. A holder raises the pot a few inches, so water runs out and air moves under it. It also makes room for a small saucer or drip tray.

A holder also protects the pot. A ceramic pot on concrete can crack in winter if water freezes under it. A raised pot drains better and is less likely to freeze solid.

There is a trade-off. A raised pot is a little taller and can catch more wind. A large pot with wet soil on a small metal stand is heavy, so the stand must be stable and set on a level floor.

Three outdoor pot holders compared

AZADESJET adjustable stand

The listing is 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.9 in, weighs 0.4 kg and states a 200 lb load. The bullets say it expands from 8 in to 12 in to fit different pots, that you can flip it to choose two lift heights of about 5.4 in or 2.9 in, and that it has a triangle structure and non-slip feet. They also say assembly takes about a minute with no tools. It is a good choice when you have a few pots in different sizes.

Airpark adjustable stand

This listing is 9.96 x 9.96 x 8.56 in, weighs 430 g and states 200 lb. It also adjusts from 8 in to 12 in and flips between two heights. The listing says it is made of iron and uses a triangle design, and that you tighten screws with a hexagonal screwdriver. It fits pots of 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 in. The two stands are close in design, and the main difference is the footprint and the screw assembly.

Atpddpey 3-tier rack

The Atpddpey listing is 20 x 20 x 28 in, weighs 1.96 kg and has three tiers. The bullets say each tray is 9.06 in inside diameter and holds up to 22 lb, the maximum height is 31.1 in, and no screws are needed. The load per tray is far lower than the adjustable stands, so it is a rack for small pots, not heavy planters. A spiral arrangement helps each plant get light.

How to choose

Pot base width

Measure the base of the pot, not the rim. The adjustable stands cover 8 in to 12 in. A pot with a 7 in base is too small. A pot with a 13 in base is too large. The 3-tier rack has 9.06 in trays, so it suits pots with a base up to about 8.5 in.

Height

The adjustable stands lift a pot about 2.9 in or 5.4 in. That is enough for drainage. A taller stand, such as the 3-tier rack, is for display.

Load

The adjustable stands both state 200 lb. A 12 in pot with wet soil can weigh 25 lb to 40 lb as a rough guide, well within the limit. The rack states 22 lb per tray, so a 9 in pot with wet soil, at about 12 lb to 15 lb, is fine, but two stacked pots on one tray are not.

Floor and wind

Non-slip pads keep the stand from sliding and protect the floor. Check the pads after rain, since wet feet slide more easily.

Material

Both adjustable stands are metal. A matte black finish is common. Check for chips, because rust can stain a pale floor.

Sizing example: a patio with three pots

Here is the arithmetic worked through. You have three large planters with 10 in bases on a patio 96 in wide.

• Stands. Three AZADESJET or Airpark stands in a row, each about 9 in to 10 in wide.
• Floor used. Three stands at 8.5 x 8.5 in are 72 sq in each, so about 217 sq in in total, or 1.5 sq ft.
• Row width. Three stands with 6 in gaps: 3 x 8.5 + 2 x 6 = 37.5 in. Pots with 10 in bases are wider than the stand at its smallest setting, so extend each stand to 10 in. The row becomes 3 x 10 + 2 x 6 = 42 in, which leaves 54 in of a 96 in wall.
• Weight. A 12 in pot with wet soil is about 30 lb as a rough guide, so three pots weigh about 90 lb. Each stand carries 30 lb, which is 15 percent of its stated 200 lb.
• Height gained. Using the taller position of 5.4 in lifts each pot to the height that a small saucer needs.

In this plan the three stands take about 1.5 sq ft and each pot sits in the open air. If you replaced them with a 3-tier rack, you would get more pots but only small ones, since each tray is limited to 22 lb.

Adjustable stand or fixed rack

An adjustable stand is a single-pot tool. It does one thing: it lifts one pot and stays out of the way. Its strength is that it fits several pot sizes, so if you change planters next year, the stand still works. Its weakness is that it adds almost no display value, because the pot sits only a few inches higher.

A tiered rack is the opposite. It adds height and a display, and you can put several small pots in one place. But each tray has a small size and a small load, and it takes far more floor than a low stand. If your goal is drainage and floor protection for big pots, pick adjustable stands. If your goal is to show small flowers at several heights, pick a rack. Many patios end up with both.

Choosing the height for the pot

A low lift of about 2.9 in is enough to let water drain and air move, and it keeps the pot close to the ground, which is more stable in wind. The higher lift of about 5.4 in lets you slide a shallow saucer or a ground sprinkler tray under the pot, and it brings the plant closer to eye level. As a rule of thumb, use the low setting on windy open balconies and the high setting under a covered porch where wind is not a problem.

If your pot has drainage holes on the sides as well as the base, check that the stand does not block them. The legs of an adjustable stand are at the corners, so a round base sits on four points, and the holes in the middle remain open.

Winter and storage

In a cold climate, water that freezes under a pot can crack it. A stand that raises the pot reduces that risk, but it does not remove it. Empty or move pots that are not frost-proof before the first hard freeze. Stands themselves can stay outside, but wipe them dry, and store them under cover if you can. Adjustable stands that fold or flip flat take almost no space in a closet.

Setting up an outdoor pot holder

Check the level

Place the stand on a flat spot and check that it does not rock. A shim under one foot can fix a small tilt.

Center the pot

Center the base on the stand. A pot that sits off center puts weight on one leg and can tip.

Use a saucer if needed

If you do not want water on a deck, put a saucer on the stand and put the pot on top. Empty it after rain.

Clean and inspect

Wipe the stand each season and check for chips. Touch up with outdoor metal paint.

Who should buy an outdoor pot holder

• Owners of a few large planters who want better drainage.
• Renters with a deck or balcony floor they want to keep clean.
• Anyone with mixed pot sizes, since adjustable stands fit several.

Who should skip it

• People with very small pots. A 4 in pot is lost on an 8 in stand.
• Windy rooftops, where a raised pot with tall plants can tip.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Measuring the rim. The base is what sits on the stand.
• Putting two pots on one 22 lb tray. The rack is for small pots.
• Ignoring the floor. Pads help, but check them after rain.
• Using a stand on a slope. A tilt puts load on one leg.

Keep reading

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

• Outdoor Patio Plant Stands: How to Choose
• Outdoor Sofa: Frame, Wicker and Patio Size Compared
• Outdoor Patio Chairs: Size, Rating and Stacking

Frequently asked questions

What size pot fits an adjustable pot holder?

The AZADESJET and Airpark listings say 8 in to 12 in. Measure your pot base, not the rim.

How much weight can an outdoor pot holder hold?

The AZADESJET and Airpark stands each state 200 lb. The Atpddpey rack states 22 lb per tray.

Do I need a saucer with a pot holder?

It depends on your floor. On wood or tile, a saucer protects the surface. On bare ground, it is not needed.

How high should a pot holder lift a pot?

The adjustable stands lift about 2.9 in or 5.4 in. That is enough for drainage.

Can I use the same holder indoors?

Yes. All three listings say indoor and outdoor use. Use a tray under the pot indoors.

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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