30 Amazing Cedar Fence Picket Projects with Free Plans!

Reader submitted photo by jean

My love of cedar fence pickets started about 15 years ago.  I couldn't believe the store was selling CEDAR boards in a 1x6 size for less than $2 a board.  I bought as many as I could fit in my small car, and we drove home with the windows open the smell of cedar was so strong.

I built so many projects with those fence pickets - the first was garden beds (that we STILL USE TODAY).  

Cedar fence pickets are a gift to us DIYers!  They offer a range of benefits for building projects. Here are a few:

  • Durable: Cedar is a very durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This means that cedar fence pickets can last for many years without requiring much maintenance.
  • Beautiful: Cedar has a beautiful, natural look that can enhance the overall appearance of your property. Cedar fence pickets can be left unstained to develop a natural patina, or they can be stained or painted to match your desired aesthetic.
  • Weather resistance: Cedar is naturally resistant to weather damage, including moisture and UV rays. This means that cedar fence pickets are less likely to warp, split, or crack over time.
  • Cost-effective: Cedar fence pickets are often more affordable than other types of wood, such as redwood or teak. This makes them a cost-effective option for homeowners who want the look and durability of wood but are working with a limited budget.
  • Eco-friendly: Cedar is a renewable resource that is grown sustainably in many parts of the world. Choosing cedar fence pickets can be an eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on the environment.
  • Easy to Find - cedar fence pickets are sold all over, you can find them at just about any hardware store.
  • Easy to work with - the soft cedar wood is so easy to cut and drill into.

Overall, cedar fence pickets can provide an attractive, durable, and cost-effective solution for building all kinds of projects, and we are excited to share with you 30 - yes, 30! - cedar fence picket projects.


 

 


1. Nesting Grill Station

DIY NESTING GRILL STATION DIY

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 

 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x lumber and cedar fence pickets

 

It’s an outdoor console, grill station, bar table, all-in-one that can be configured in endless ways to suit your space and your gathering.

 

 


 


 

 


2. Modern Outdoor Cedar Storage Bench

diy outdoor cedar storage bench plans

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x and 1x lumber + cedar fence pickets

 

Do you need some outdoor storage that looks nice and doubles as seating?  For about $40 you can build this cedar outdoor storage bench!

 

 


 


 

 


3. Cedar Fence Picket Sandbox

CEDAR FENCE PICKET SAND BOX

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Build your own cedar sandbox for less!  The secret?  Use cedar fence pickets.  This beginner friendly plan has minimal cuts and is very easy to assemble!

 

 


 


 

 


4. Easy Build Lemonade Stand

easy to build diy lemonade stand with cedar fence pickets

Image Credit: Reader Build using Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Cicular saw, drill or nailer, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 1x lumber and cedar fence pickets

 

Super easy to build Lemonade Stand uses cedar fence pickets to keep the cost down, the kids will love it!

 

 


 


 

 


5. Modular Outdoor Seating

modular outdoor seating

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

These plans are super simple - just 2x4 frames that you add cushions to the top of.  The tops are cedar, but the inexpensive fence picket version.

 

 


 


 

 


6. Simple Crate Toybox

cedar toybox

Image Credit: Reader Build by Kassidy_D

Download Plans Here

 

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x material, cedar fence pickets, plywood and casters

 

Need more toy or blanket storage? Build a wood toy box in no time. Simply add casters to roll it away, customize with any paint or stain, add handles - make it your own!

 

 


 


 

 


7. Small Cedar Shed

diy small cedar shed

Image Credit: Reader build using Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Advanced
Tools Needed: Miter saw or Cicular saw, drill, measuring tape, nailer, sander, kreg jig, level
Materials: 2x, 1x material, plywood, cedar fence pickets, roofing shingles, door hardware

 

Build your own cedar shed to store lawn mowers, tools, trash cans, or just extra things.  We love that it's like an outdoor closet.

 

 


 


 

 


8. Modern Cedar Playhouse

diy modern cedar playhouse

Image Credit: Spruc'd Premium Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Advanced
Tools Needed: Miter saw or Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander, level
Materials: 2x lumber, cedar fence pickets, metal roofing

 

Build a modern playhouse! Premium plan includes floor framing and recommendations for use as a treehouse, playhouse built on the ground, or on a playhouse platform.  Plans are designed to work with off the shelf 8′ metal roofing, you can also use 8′ greenhouse panels.

 

 


 


 

 


9. Cedar Vertical Tiered Ladder Planter

vertical ladder planter

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular or miter saw, drill, nailer, measuring tape 
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Here’s a way to garden even if you have minimal space - a vertical garden ladder planter!  It's perfect for tiny backyards or a patio or balcony - even if you live in a small apartment in the city.

 

 


 


 

 


10. Tall Wood Planter All Sizes

tall wood planter

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: Cicular Saw, drill, nailer, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 1 x material and cedar fence pickets

 

This plan uses inexpensive cedar fence pickets and easy cutting to keep the cost and time investment down.  Cool, modern design with tapered sides to add style to your outdoor space.

 

 


 


 

 


11. Easy Build Box Planter

easy build planter box

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, nailer, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 1x material and cedar fence pickets

 

This is our easiest to build DIY planter box.  It is made primarily with cedar fence pickets, so the cost is between $10 and $20 per planter.  You'll just need a couple basic tools to construct. PLUS, easy to modify for any size!

 

 


 


 

 


12. Privacy Planter

diy privacy planter

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Simple to build planter with tall back can add privacy to your space or hide unattractive objects.  Built using 2x4s and cedar fence pickets.  

 

 


 


 

 


13. Narrow Raised Garden Bed

diy raised garden bed

Image Credit: Reader Build Jessica 9777 from an Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape
Materials: 1x material, cedar fence pickets and garden stakes

 

Easy and inexpensive DIY cedar rasied garden beds. These narrow width beds use less material to keep costs down!

 

 


 


 

 


14. Double Width Garden Bed

double width diy garden bed

Image Credit: Reader Build by Daises and Crazies from an Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Want a larger garden bed? Here's a great, step by step plan that optimizes materials and makes it easy to build.  This cedar bed is 6 feet long and 3 feet wide, perfect for two rows of plantings, all easily accessible.

 

 


 


 

 


15. Cedar Tiered Flower Planter

diy cedar tiered planter

Image Credit: Reader Build from Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw or miter saw, nailer, measuring tape
Materials: 1 x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Make your own vertical tiered planter for flowers or herbs using cedar fence pickets!

 

 


 


 

 


16. Fence Picket Planter

reclaimed fence picket planter

Image Credit: Reader Build Hillary Louise from Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, kreg jig, measuring tape
Materials:

1 x + 2 x  material and cedar fence pickets

 

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 and build your own for a fraction of the cost?

 

 


 


 

 


17. Frame and Panel Planters

tall panel planter diy

Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic Build from Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, nailer, kreg jig, measuring tape
Materials: 1x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Want to make your front porch a little prettier, without breaking the bank?  Build your own cedar planters.  The secret?  Use cedar fence pickets to cut the costs. 

 

 


 


 

 


18. Raised Plant Stand

small raised plant stand

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2 x material and cedar fence pickets

 

These plant stands are easy to make and have a modern look.  The plants are elevated, so easier to care for.  It's perfect for cascading plants too. 

 

 


 


 

 


19. Cedar Fence Picket Raised Planter with Shelf

cedar picket raised planter with shelf

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

You'll just needs some 2x4s and cedar fence pickets to build this raised planter with bottom shelf.  It's easy to care for plants with the raised height and the bottom shelf adds storage.  

 

 


 


 

 


20. Raised Planter Box

raised planter box

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 1 x + 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Raised beds for gardening can be so expensive!  Here's a quick and easy DIY to build your own for about $20 each!  The secret? Use inexpensive cedar fence pickets for the sides.  

 

 


 


 

 


21. Tomato Cage Planter

diy tomato cage planter

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, meauring tape
Materials: 2x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Build your own tomato cage planters! Built using cedar fence pickets, this is an inexpensive and easy build to help you grow tomatoes this summer.  

 

 


 


 

 


22. Large Milk Crate

large milk crate diy

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, nailer, measuring tape, sander
Materials: 1 x material and cedar fence pickets

 

Build your own wooden milk crates using cedar fence pickets for about $10.  This super easy tutorial is easy to customize in size.  

 

 


 


 

 


23. House Number Vertical Planter

vertical house number planter

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Cicular saw, nailer, measuring tape, sander
Materials: Cedar fence pickets

 

You'll just need a cedar fence picket and some house numbers to build this beautiful house numbers planter! 

 

 


 


 

 


24. Wood Bird Feeder

diy bird feeder

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, drill, measuring tape
Materials: Cedar fence picket and 52 oz bottle

 

Free plans to build your own wood bird feeder.  Self feeds using an recycled orange juice bottle.  Can be hung or set on a surface.  Build using one cedar fence picket.

 

 


 


 

 


25. Tapered Crate

tapered crate

Image Credit: Reader Build  DMCARWIN from an Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular or miter saw, nailer, measuring tape
Materials: Cedar Fence Picket

 

These cute little planters would be beautiful, inexpensive centerpieces for a wedding. Or consider building a planter and filling it with gardening supplies to give as a gift. Or how about using it as an Easter Basket? Of course, you could just use it for storage around your home too! The possibilities are endless.

 

 


 


 

 


26. Herb Garden Planter

herb garden diy

Image Credit: Reader Build Sue Hill from an Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Circular saw, nailer or drill, measuring tape
Materials: Cedar fence picket

 

Free plans to build a DIY Kitchen Herb Garden Planter from a cedar fence picket! 

 

 


 


 

 


27. 2x4 Framed Lemonade Stand

lemonade stand plans

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape measure, saw, drill, sander
Materials: 2x4s, cedar fence pickets, self tapping screws

 

My original cedar fence picket lemonade stand held up well and has been super popular, so I wanted to create a similar design with a 2x4 frame and run the cedar fence pickets horizontal instead of vertical.  This version is about a foot smaller in size, and so durable, you could leave it up all summer long as a pretend play toy.  

 

 


 


 

 


28. Cedar Fence Picket Birdhouse

diy birdhouse plans

Image Credit: Reader Submitted Photo by MMTRUNCALE

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Miter saw, Brad Nailer, Drill with hole saw
Materials: 1 cedar fence picket and brad nails

This is one of my favorite plans to recommend for new or young woodworkers.  Using just one cedar fence picket, you can make your own birdhouse that will last and needs no finish.  Give this one a try!

 

 


 


 

 


29. Modern Chicken Coop

small modern chicken coop

Image Credit: Ana White Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Advanced
Tools Needed: Miter saw, Pocket hole jig, drill, staple gun, circular saw
Materials: 2x4s, cedar fence pickets, 3/4" plywood, chicken wire, one sheet of tin

I built this chicken coop with plywood sides and ended up having alot of waste - so I went back to the drawing board and made this a cedar fence picket project!  This makes it easier to build and less expensive.  This coop is for smaller properties, and can hold 2-4 chickens.  It's designed to work with just one sheet of tin - so no cutting metal to roof it.

 

 


 


 

 


30. Mud Kitchen

diy mud kitchen

Image Credit: Reader Submitted Photo by NOYEHX4 

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Miter saw, drill, measuring tape, jigsaw
Materials: 2x2s, 2x4s, cedar fence pickets, self tapping screws

 

Kids love water and mud!  A mud kitchen is a way to encourage outdoor creative play, but keep it centralized and somewhat organized.  This mud kitchen is one of my daughter's most favorite plans.  We switched the hose up for a play sink with water pump, and it's one of the best yard toys we have.  If you have a toddler, build this!

 


 

30 Amazing Cedar Fence Picket Projects with Free Plans!