Using cedar fence pickets, you can make these beautiful planters for about $20 each! Our plans include step-by-step diagrams, shopping and cut lists, and dozens of reader submitted photos and success stories.
We also have plans for a taller, more modern planter, a cedar ladder planter (also using cedar fence pickets!) and lots more planter projects here.
Cedar planters are so beautiful - you cannot replicate the natural texture and grain of real wood. But cedar can be expensive. Why not use cedar fence pickets (about $2 for 6 feet each) and build your own for a fraction of the cost?
This was a quick and easy project, and I absolutely love how it turned out! Every time I come home, I admire my planters.
Framed Top Modification
Many of our readers have modified this plan to have a mitered framed top, like this one below by Hillary Louise
To do this modification, simply cut the 2x2 legs 22" long (instead of 23-3/4"). Attach the side panels flush to the tops of the legs in step 2.
You'll need to add a 1x3, 8 feet long, to the shopping list. Cut four 1x3 @ 21" longest point to longest point - both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT parallel. Nail or screw to the top of the planter after you have completed building.
Rectangle Cedar Planter
You can also easily alter the size of the planters up to double the width rectangle shape, without having to add additional legs, as done here.
This is an easy modification - just add a couple more cedar fence pickets and 1x3s to your shopping list. I recommend laying out the cedar fence pickets and measuring how long you need to cut your 1x3s (instead of just doubling the cut list dimensions) because cedar fence pickets can vary in width.
Cedar Fence Picket Planter Plans
The plans for the cedar fence picket planter are below. Please share a photo if you build - we greatly appreciate brag posts.
Preparation
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 5 1/2" wide x 72" long cedar fence pickets
1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 1/2" exterior pocket hole screws
1 1/4" exterior screws or galvanized nails
exterior wood glue
10 - 1x3 @ 17"
5 - 1x2 @ 17"
4 - 2x2 @ 23 3/4"
12 - cedar fence pickets @ 17 3/4" long (shortened by 1/4" from diagrams to allow for saw blade width and dog eared end)
Instructions
Step 1
Start by first building your four panels. I sized this plan to allow for an 1/8" gap between the cedar pickets as they will shrink/expand with moisture and let's just face it - the cedar fence pickets are not going to be perfect! I used 1 1/4" galvanized nails and exterior glue from the insides.
Step 2
On all four of your panels, drill 2 - 1 1/2" pocket holes on the inside, behind each 1x3 on the ends. This will put screws through the fence pickets, 1x3s and then into your legs. Join two of the panels to the legs as shown in diagram.
Step 3
And then add the remaining two panels to create your planters. Adjust for square.
Step 4
Now don't think that this whole planter needs to be filled with dirt!!! Unless you are planning on harvesting potatoes in there! I put my bottom 6" down from the top to keep the planter lighter and use less dirt. Start by attaching cleats to sides at desired height.
Step 5
Comments
Andrew Malizia (not verified)
Wed, 08/08/2012 - 13:07
Neat project Ana. These will
Neat project Ana. These will tie in nicely with my short 30" cedar fence around my front porch I just built. I even have 16" cedar boards leftover from my cuts.
Error: Cutlist: 10 - 1x3 @ 17" (You've listed 1x8)
Thanks again!
In reply to Neat project Ana. These will by Andrew Malizia (not verified)
Ana White
Wed, 08/08/2012 - 15:03
Thanks for the catch!!! Will
Thanks for the catch!!! Will fix now. Thank you!
Kaila (not verified)
Wed, 08/08/2012 - 13:16
Alas...
...Cedar Fence Pickets don't seem to exist in my part of the country! I have a friend that works for Blue and he says they don't actually carry cedar in this region (central PA) in anything but pre-fab fence sections and corner posts. :-(
Guess I'll have to go the more expensive independent store cedar board route for my planters and raised beds.
orangesugar
Thu, 08/09/2012 - 08:24
Neither orange nor blue carry
Neither orange nor blue carry cedar fence pickets in my area (CT), I've looked multiple times.
vic b
Thu, 08/09/2012 - 12:44
cute
cute
Back Woods Woo…
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 22:08
Problem
I have a small problem. I have my 1/8" gap on all sides like the plans say, but as soon as I put my PH screws in the gap goes away. That even after I glued it and nailed it. So my gaps in the middle are no longer 1/8". But it still looks good even with the bigger gap, but I'll post some pictures as soon as I finish it.
Monique (not verified)
Sat, 12/15/2012 - 17:21
Planter Cost
I absolutely love your website. I'm so excited to get started on a few of your plans. You're any inspiration. Is the budget or $20 the cost per planter?
Continued blessings,
Monique
mybartmart
Sun, 04/07/2013 - 13:15
planter trouble
Well for me the 1/8th of an inch over on each end didn't work when attaching the 2x2's it made them buckle a bit inward. I think next time I would just make it flush. They are very sturdy when done and look great in different finishes.
JavaJoe
Wed, 06/11/2014 - 14:29
Smaller, more finished version of these cedar planters
I used the main plan for ideas, but opted to use 3.5 inch pickets instead of the 5.5's, which allowed for a smaller planter that wasn't as big. Also chose to miter 1x3s for the top which I think really finishes it off. Used cedar for everything, including the one bys. Sanded everything with a belt sander to 220 grit.
Assembled using a pneumatic staple gun from the backside, then finished with exterior wood screws so nothing would show.
For the finish, I used minwax golden pecan plus three coats of poly inside and out (much faster to treat all the boards first before cutting and assembling), to keep the rain out! Finished size was about 17x17. Tile spacers work great to keep the gaps even!
Thanks so much for the good idea... the wife loved it which is the most important thing (especially if you want to keep buying new tools LOL!!!)
Angel Rose
Sun, 06/15/2014 - 11:59
Protecting the bottom wood
Made two of these. Love them, but the slats I put in the bottom rotten/molded quickly. What have others used to protect the wood at the bottom or are most people using a plastic inserts?