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Easy Build DIY Planter Box

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Submitted by Ana White on Sun, 05/17/2020 - 12:42
Difficulty
Beginner
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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 few basic tools to construct.  Free plans by Ana-White.com

diy planter box

DIY Planter Box Features

  • Simple modern farmhouse design, perfect for decks, front porches, or bringing structure to your outdoor space
  • Paint or stain any color you like
  • Easy to build design uses just a few basic tools
  • Optimized plans leave you minimal scraps to deal with later
  • Built primarily with cedar fence pickets, so naturally rot resistant and inexpensive

Video Tutorial to Build These DIY Planter Boxes

Dimensions
dimensions for diy planter box
About 20" tall, wide and deep

Preparation

Shopping List

3 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets, not dogeared, 72" long

1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long (can use furring strips, I did)

3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long (can use furring strips, I did)

1" and 1-1/4" brad nails or staples

Cut List

6 - Cedar Fence Pickets cut at 18" long

6 - Cedar Fence Pickets cut at 17" long

4 - 1x2 @ 18-1/2" long

4 - 1x3 @ 18-1/2" long

Remainder of cuts should be cut to fit the project while you are building it

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

diy planter box step 1

Build four legs with one each, 1x2 and 1x3, nailing together with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.  A spacer block can help by holding up the 1x3 unsupported side as you nail.

Step 2

diy planter box step 2

Take two of the legs and place 1x3 face down on your work surface.

Lay out the 18" cedar fence pickets on top.

Attach with 1" brad nails, starting at the top and working down.

Repeat for both sides.

Step 3

diy planter box step 3

Rotate the sides vertical, and attach the 17" fence pickets to the inside with the 1" nails.

Step 4

diy planter box step 4

Repeat for remaining side.

Step 5

diy planter box step 5

Measure and cut the trim pieces from 1x2s for the top.  Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 6

diy planter box step 6

Measure and cut two 1x2s to fit inside the planter.  Attach at the height you would like to add a bottom with 1-1/4" brad nails into the leg corners.

Step 7

diy planter box step 7

Cut slats and lay inside the planter on the cleats.  Attach with brad nails to the side cleats.

Project Type
Planters, Garden Beds, and Greenhouses
Room
Outdoor
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

AnnaL

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 10:00

Very easy, fun project. The planters are sturdy and look great. I lined mine with heavy duty plastic liner (with a few holes in it) so that I could plant right into the box. Very happy with the final product.

rcarlson21

Sat, 01/23/2021 - 18:11

How long do you think these would last out in the weather? I know I can stain/paint every piece before building it, but I was hoping to avoid that lol and just paint it after building.