homestead.fyi / TOWER

Vertical Tower

A 5 ft vertical tower of 4 in PVC with 24 net-pot sites, strapped to a 4x4 post on a 2x4 base over a collection tote.

Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
24Sites
72 inHeight
24 x 24 inFootprint
4 to 6 hrBuild time
~$297.83Materials, part estimate

Drawings All dimensions in inches

3D viewfinished
3D view
Front elevation
Front elevation 24 in 78 1/4 in
Right elevation
Right elevation 24 in 78 1/4 in
Plan viewfrom above
Plan view 24 in 24 in

Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted

QtyStockLengthPartCut
12x424Base fronton edge
12x424Base backon edge
12x421Base lefton edge
12x421Base righton edge
14x4 PT72Post

Cut list: sheet goods

PartStockSizeNote
Base top3/4 ply24 x 24cut to 24 x 24

Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim

2x4 x 8 ft
Base front 24Base back 24Base left 21Base right 21
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Post 72

Sheet cutting diagrams Dashed = openings to cut out

Sheet 1: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ft
Base top24 x 24

Shopping list $263.83 checked / $34.00 estimated

ItemStoreQtyEachLineNote
2x4x8 stud, SPFHome Depot1$4.15$4.15see lumber cutting diagram
4x4x8 ground-contact pressure-treatedHome Depot1$11.28$11.28see lumber cutting diagram
23/32 in (3/4 in) CDX plywood, 4x8 sheetLowe's1$46.57$46.57see sheet cutting diagrams
4 in PVC pipe, 10 ftHome Depot1$30.96$30.96cut to 60 in; the rest is spare
4 in PVC end capHome Depot2$3.98$7.96
Submersible pump, 250 gphHappy Hydro or Amazon1$28.95$28.95
18 gal storage tote with lid (Rubbermaid Roughneck, from a 6-pack at $105.19)Home Depot1$17.53$17.53collection tote
3 in net pots, 25 packAC Infinity or Garden Supply Guys1$16.99$16.99
2-3/4 in hole sawHome Depot1$22.00$22.00
3/4 in PVC fittings, assortedHome Depot1$12.00$12.00tubing
Hydroponic nutrient: General Hydroponics Flora trio, 1 quart eachPremier Hydro Shop1$44.84$44.84
Black spray paint 12 oz (Rust-Oleum)Home Depot1$6.98$6.98
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 5 lb boxHome Depot1$29.97$29.97
UV zip ties 11 in, 100 ct (also used for tie wire)Home Depot1$17.65$17.65straps
Total before tax~$297.83
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.

Build steps

  1. Build the base: a 24 in square of 2x4s on edge with a 3/4 in plywood top. Screw a 4x4 post, 72 in tall, to the middle of the top.
  2. Cut a 4 in PVC pipe to 60 in. Mark 24 sites in a spiral, one every 2.5 in around and 2.5 in up, and cut each with a 2-3/4 in hole saw, angled upward 30°.
  3. Cap the bottom of the pipe with a slip cap drilled for a drain, and the top with a drip cap that spreads the water over the pipe's inside.
  4. Strap the pipe to the post at three heights. Set a tote with a lid in the base, with the pump and the water line to the top.
  5. Plant lettuce, strawberries, herbs and chard in net pots, with a little clay pebbles around each seedling.

Before you start