Here's how to make sturdy raised planters or garden beds quickly - use corrugated metal with 2x4s and cedar fence pickets. These garden beds can be placed on a deck, patio, or even lawn! You can modify to different sizes and styles easily.
This is a free project plan that shows you how to build your own corrugated metal raised planters, with step by step plans, video, and lots of photos.
Why I Built this Project
I wanted some easy to access planters on my back porch for growing vegetables, so I could just snip what I need for a meal or homemade salsa whenever I need it! For about $20 a planter, I was able to make these!
You could dress them up with more wood paneling, make them different sizes - this is just a starting point!
Why We Love this Corrugated Panel and Wood Planter
- Quick and easy to build
- Budget friendly
- Small footprint
- Can be used on deck or added to a garden or greenhouse
- Only need basic tools to assemble
- Grow my own food
- Easy to modify for size and height
- Visually appealing
How I Built this Project
I found these 3' panels of corrugated metal that worked perfect for this project. I appreciated that I didn't have to cut the metal. I started by cutting my 2x4's and fence pickets according to the plan.
Then just lay two of the 2x4's on their side, apply glue and begin attaching the fence pickets with screws. Be sure to keep them flush to top and sides and then just work your way down adding the other pickets. Make 2 of these.
I went with three rows of fence pickets, but you probably could get away with two.
If you are going to add a stain or outdoor paint, this is the time to sand it all down and get the wood portion finished. Once the legs are done. I also drilled holes in the bottom of the metal for water drainage before adding it to the frame. I just set the panel on top of a 2x4 scrap piece to drill into.
Holes for water drainage in the bottom.
Next, you will set the metal inside of each frame. I used clamps to keep it in place and then I predrilled holes through the metal where I wanted the screws to go and attached it with some metal lathe screws.
You could also using roofing screws here.
The metal roofing is surprisingly strong and structural! I was expecting to have to add bracing at the bottom, but the metal screws hold well!
Once the planter was built, I added some landscape cloth to the bottom and filled with dirt.
It took about 1.5 cubic feet of dirt to fill.
I love how this planter is right on my deck!
Watch! Build Video for This Project
Variations to this Metal Roofing Planter
If you love the simplicity of this project, but want to change it up, here are a few ideas:
Taller: Increase the height, but add additional support to the legs.
Longer: Use longer pieces of tin, but support the middle with middle legs. You may need to run leg cross bracing at angles between the outside legs and center legs, especially if you increase the overall height.
Refined: If you are looking for a more attractive planter, for about $10 more, you can enclose the front and back with more cedar fence pickets.
Free Plans to Build Your Own Corrugated Panel and Wood Planter
Ready to build this yourself? Here's the free plans, enjoy!
Preparation
- 1 -2x4 @ 8 feet long (choose red toned or treated for longer lasting)
- 2 - 72" x 5-1/2" wide Cedar Fence Pickets (not dog eared)
- Metal roofing 26" wide x 36" long shown in the plans. 36" wide panels can also be used, will be a deeper raised bed, or could potentially go wider with the cedar fence pickets
- 24 - 1-1/2" self tapping exterior star bit screws
- 16 - 1-1/4" metal lathe or metal roofing screws
- Landscaping fabric and soil
- 4 - 2x4 @ 20"
- 6 - Pickets @ 18"
Instructions
Step 1
Build the legs for the ends using the 1-1/2" wood screws and wood glue.
Step 2
Add the metal roofing tin to the center, screwing securely to the legs.
