DIY shallow hanging cedar baskets for Cattleya's

[Keysguy]

I need to get started on this project.
I want to build a dozen or so shallow cedar baskets to move some of my smaller Cattleya's from pots. This should accomplish a couple things, OK, 3.

1) Hanging them will give them better light, less crowding
2) Hanging them will help them dry faster between waterings, and
3) It makes room on my benches for more plants.

I've found a source for 1/2" x 1/2" x 11" cedar sticks so those should be perfect.

I want to use SS wire to stitch the sticks together through drilled holes on the 4 corners and curl at the top to use as attachments for the hanger. I think 12 would be an appropriate gauge for the wire but it's really expensive. Like $90 for 100'.

Anyone have a source that's cheaper or thoughts on going with galvanized in lieu of SS?

I think I need the stainless to combat the corrosive effects of the salt air where I grow but I'm open to ideas.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Get aluminum wire. 16 ga. You can probably go thinner but it’s a good start

[Shadeflower]

I don't think aluminium is strong enough, especially if it is thinner..

I've found metal prices to be hugely variable, it can be as cheap as chips or as expensive as gold.

People that regularly buy metal know where to get it cheap, otherwise it seems rather expensive.

You could always use thin nylon rope. Sailors use it all the time in salt water.

[Keysguy]

You could always use thin nylon rope. Sailors use it all the time in salt water.

Can't do this though with nylon rope.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Keysguy

Can't do this though with nylon rope.

You can if you tie a loop in the top, thread the rope down through the slats and tie a knot at the bottom.

Every basket I've ever purchased used galvanized steel wire. The last time I built any, I used the wire sold for electric livestock fencing.

[Shadeflower]

If I was making them I would use 4 bolts with hooks and probably some fishing line. I think metal clothes hangers would work well too.
I like the idea of looking at animal supplies, they will be priced competitively.

[Ray]

Long, stainless steel eye bolts would be a good idea.

[DirtyCoconuts]

where did you source the cedar strips? that interests me as well as i hate ripping cedar boards down LOL

[Keysguy]

Here DC.

Lot of 100 1/2 x 1/2 x 11 Wood Craft Boards | Etsy

Ray- fencing wire!!!! brilliant!
Also like the idea of maybe a thin SS through bolt. That would probably do a better job holding it together tight.

Hmmmm- decisions, decisions.

Thank you all.

[DirtyCoconuts]

This is cheap and more than strong enough

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-100-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds