Cedar Fence Picket Raised Planter with Shelf

raised planter box diy
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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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.  

This is a free project plan from Ana-White.com, with diagrams, shopping and cut list and lots of real, reader submitted photos.

Build by Family_DIYnamic + Build Video 

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Cedar Fence Picket Raised Planter with Shelf

Dimensions
dimensions for planter box diy
Planter is 32" tall x 48" wide x 24" deep. Soil depth up to 11"

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 8 - 5-1/2" wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (can be dogeared)
  • 5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long or stud length
  • 2-1/2" exterior rated self tapping star bit wood screws (about 50)
  • 1-5/8" exterior rated self tapping star bit wood screws (about 80)
  • liner or landscaping fabric, may need staples to secure in place

 

Cut List
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 30-1/2" - legs
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 21" - end frame
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 45" - side frame
  • 4 - cedar fence pickets @ 46-3/4" - sides
  • 10 - cedar fence pickets @ 21" - ends and bottom shelf
  • 6 - cedar fence pickets @ 20-3/8" - inside bottom

 

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Miter Saw

Instructions

Step 1

Build two of the leg frames, using the longer screws to attach, two screws per joint

Step 2

Attach the two leg sets together with the longer 2x4 boards.

Step 3

Use the shorter screws to attach the long cedar fence pickets to the legs.  If there is extra space, leave in the center - the fence pickets may expand with moisture, so an expansion gap is good.

Step 4

Add the end pieces, screw at a slight angle to go into the 2x4 legs.

Step 5

Attach the tops with the longer screws.

Step 6

Add the shelf boards to the bottom shelf and attach with the shorter screws.

Repeat for the bottom of the planter.  

Cover the inside of the planter with a landscaping fabric to contain soil.  If the fabric liner is water tight, cut a few holes to allow water drainage.