This step by step woodworking project is about wishing well planter plans. If you want to enhance the look of your garden with a small planter and you want an unique design, building a mini wooden well might fit your needs perfectly. Anyone with basic woodworking skills can get the job done easily, as the building process doesn’t require an extensive expertise in working with lumber. Nevertheless, there are a few aspects you should take into account, before beginning the project.
On one hand, we recommend you to buy quality materials, as the well will look good and be very durable, on the long run. Check if the boards are in a good condition, before buying the materials, otherwise you won’t be able to get a nice result. Always align the boards and drill pilot holes, before driving in the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Add wood glue to the edges, to enhance the bond of the joints. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 12 pieces of 2×2 12”, 6 pieces of 2×2 lumber 9”, 6 pieces of 2×2 lumber 15” BASE
- B – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 29” long EXTENDED PALINGS
- C – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber 11 1/2” long – one end cut at 45º RAFTERS
- D – 10 pieces of 1×3 lumber 12” long ROOFING SLATS
- E – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber 12 1/4” long, 4 pieces of 1×2 6 1/4” – 45º cut at both end TRIMS
- F – 1 pieces of 1/2″ dowel 14” long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber 5” long SPINDLE
- G – 3 sq ft of tar paper, 3 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
- H – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber 14”, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber 17” – cut at 45º at both ends BASE TRIMS
- 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
- 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 6′
- 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8′
- 1 piece of 1/2″ dowel – 2′
- 3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 2″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- 3 sq ft of tar paper, 3 sq ft of asphalt shingles
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
Small wishing well plans
wishing-well-planter-plans
Building a wishing well is a pretty straight forward woodworking project, if the right plans and carpentry techniques are used. Make sure you double check all the measurements, before making the actual cuts, otherwise the components might not fit together.
Top Tip: Use a miter saw to make all the angle cuts, as you will get the job done quickly and accurately. Attach the trims into place and secure them into place with finish nails.
Wishing well planter plans
Well-base-plans
The first step of the project is to build the base of the wishing well planter. In order or get beautiful result, we recommend you to use 2×2 lumber. Cut the components at the right size and build the small frames. Afterwards, place them one on top of the other and drive in 2” screws.
Make sure you align the components at both ends and you pre-drill the lumber, before diving in the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.
Installing-the-extended-slats
The next step of the project is to build the extended palings and to secure them into place. As you should easily see in the plans, we recommend you to cut the top of the palings at 45º, as to get a dramatic effect.
Center the extended palings on the inside faces of the planter and lock it into place with 2” screws. Don’t forget to plumb the palings with a spirit level, before driving in the galvanized wood screws.
Attaching-the-rafters
Afterwards, build the rafters from 1×2 lumber and secure them to the palings, with 2 1/2” wood screws. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to cut one end of the rafters at 45º. Afterwards, place them on top of the palings and align them at both ends.
Dill pilot holes trough the rafters and drive in the wood screws into place, as in the image. Add wood glue, if you want to enhance the bond of the joint.
Installing the roofing
Continue the project with installing the 1×3 roofing slats. Cut the boards at the right size, using a miter saw and fit them on top of the rafters. Align the slats at both ends and start the installation from top to bottom. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and insert the 2” wood screws.
Top Tip: As you can see in the image, you should adjust the width of the last slat, otherwise it won’t fit into place. Use a circular or a table saw to perform the cuts.
Installing the trims
The next step is to hide the edges of the roof by fitting the trims, as in the plans. Cut the trims from 1×3 lumber, as to conceal both the rafters and the roofing lats. On the other hand, use 1×2 lumber to build the braces.
Use 1 1/4” finish nails to secure the trims into place, otherwise you won’t get a professional result. Drive nails trough the braces into the 1×3 trims, to make the whole structure rigid.
Installing the roof
Afterwards, cover the whole surface of the roof with tar paper and install asphalt shingles, starting with the bottom up to top. Alternatively, you could install wooden shingles, if you want to give your project a rustic appearance.
Top Tip: In addition, you could enhance the look of the wishing well, by installing 1×3 trims on top of the base. Cut the ends of the components at 45º, in order to get a symmetrical look.
Installing the spindle
If you really want to build a small wishing well that stands out, you should install a spindle, using our free plans. First of all, you need to drill 1/2 holes in both palings and fit the round spindle (you can build it from a 1/2″ dowel – you can find it at any diy store).
Build a handle from 1×2 lumber and secure it to the spindle with 1 1/4” screws. At the other end, install a round washer, made out of 1×3 lumber. Use a hole saw drill bit, to make the circular holes.
Wishing well planter plans
Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with a good wood filler and let it dry out for a couple of hours. Afterwards, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, along the wood grain.
Top Tip: Clean the residues with a dry cloth, before applying the primer and the coats of stain. Choose the products carefully, if you will place the small well in your garden.
This project was about wishing well planter plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects.
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17 comments
These all look very easy, thank you for sharing.
I found that all the information I needed to build this wishing well was complete and I look forward to building this project.
Thanks for the complete list of materials.
Jim
That’s awesome! Let e know how it comes out!
Why can’t I print these plans for hubby?
Because you don’t read the FAQs
Hi
An absolute stunning project. This will definitely my next project.
Thank you.
You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing your projects.
What are the finished measurements? please
What is the material list? The list of materials before they are cut to size?
Yes, the materials list is the shopping list.
So how much material do i need? There is not a shopping list on this set of plans. Im sorry i should’ve said where is the material list?
I’ve added the materials list to the project.
On the base of the well can i use pocket holes to secure the 2×2’s or is that not enough? I cant wait to start this one i love your plans.
Yes, you can use pocket holes. I will work great. Looking forward to your project 🙂
I have not received any plans for awhile I didn’t know what happened I hope to be able to get your plans again .
I do not see any available plans to download on this page. Where might they be?
See the blog FAQs, that’s why I made that page.