This step-by-step woodworking project is about outdoor planter plans. In this article we show you how to choose the right design for your needs, as well as how to build it by yourself in just a day. If you follow our tips and buy proper materials, you can get the job done in a professional manner, even if you don’t have expertise in the field. A large wooden planter would add character to any deck or patio, as it has a rustic appearance and a neat look.
Use the right carpentry techniques, if you want to obtain a planter with professional look. Therefore, you need to drill pilot holes before inserting the wood screws in the lumber, to prevent the slats from splitting. Join the components together using pocket holes, as they conceal the head of the screws. Apply a good glue to the joints, in order to enhance the bond of the planter. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber 28” long LEGS
- B – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber 16 1/2” long SUPPORTS
- C – 12 pieces of 1×6 lumber 18 1/2” long PANELS
- D – 4 pieces of 22” nails FLOORING
Tools
- Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
- Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
- Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
- 4 Hours
Large planter plans
Large-planter-plans
A large wooden planter will add character to your backyard, if you choose the plans and its design with great care and attention. In addition, this woodworking project is straightforward, as any amateur handyman can get the job done easily, if the right materials and techniques are used.
Top Tip: In order to obtain a neat look, we recommend you to join the wooden components with pocket holes. Whenever this is not possible, countersink the head of the screws and fill it later with wood putty.
Outdoor planter plans
Corner posts plans
Build the four corner legs of the wooden planter. As you can see in the image, you have to cut the 4×4 lumber at about 28”, using a good miter saw. Afterwards, install post caps using wood dowels and wood glue.
Sand the edges of the posts with a sander or round the edges with a router and a 1/4” bit. Make sure the four legs are equal in size and shape, as to obtain a symmetrical look.
Installing-the-side-supports-planter-box
The next step of the project is to install the supports to the posts, as in he free plans. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to place the components on a level surface, before installing the 1×4 components.
Drill pilot holes at both hands of the supports and insert the 2 1/2” wood screws. Make sure there is enough space to attach the slats to the supports, otherwise you would have to install them on the inside face of the planter.
Attaching-the-side-slats-to-panels
Continue the project by installing the cedar slats, in this case 1×6 boards. You could also use 1×4 slats, therefore you should take the decision according to your tastes. In order to secure the slats into place, you could either insert the nails from the inside of the outdoor planter, or drill pilot holes in the boards and drive in teh screws.
Top Tip: Countersink the head of the screws, in order to obtain a neat look.
Large planter plans
Afterwards, install the rest of the side panels, in the same manner described above. Work with great care and attention, if you want to obtain a professional result. Plumb the side panels using a spirit level, making sure they are also horizontal.
Tip Top: Measure the diagonals of the planter, in order to make sure the corners are square. Leave small gaps between the slats, if they are not perfectly dry.
Installing the cleats
The next step of this project is to install the floor of the planter. Therefore, we have to install first the cleats, that will support the 1×4 slats. That is why, you need to install another pair of 1×4 lumber on two opposite sides of the planter.
Top Tip: Work with great judgement and with attention, as it is easy to make a mistake during the project. Measure the components properly, before cutting them at the right size.
Attaching the flooring
Continue the construction of the planter, by installing the 1×4 slats. As you can see in the image, you need to leave about 1-2” between the slats. In this manner, you let the water to drain properly, as well as you save material.
Top Tip: Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats before driving in the 2 1/2” wood screws. As you can see this step is very easy even for beginners, if you use the right techniques.
Outdoor planter plans
After assembling the large wooden planter, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with a good wood filler and let the compound to dry out properly. Next, sand the whole wooden surface with medium-grit sander, along the wood grain.
Top Tip: Protect the lumber for rot, by applying several coats of wood stain or of paint. Fit a plastic planter inside on the wooden flooring.
This woodworking project is about free outdoor planter plans. If you need more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.
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