How to Build a Planter Box

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a planter box. If you want to learn more about building a nice and tall planter box for your backyard, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. Work with attention and don’t forget to adjust the design and the size of the planter to suit your needs. In addition, take a close look over the rest of the planter plans.

There are many planter box plans to choose from, so make sure you take into account several projects before starting the actual construction of the structure. Invest in high-quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the planter will be exposed to bad weather. Leave no gaps between the components and smooth or round the exposed edges, in order to add character to the woodworking project. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Planter box plans

Building a planter box

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 7″ long, 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 29 1/4″ long FRAME
• B – 8 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 29 1/4″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 29 1/4″ long WALLS
• C – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 13″ long TRIMS
• D – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 13″ long TRIMS
• E – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 13″ TRIMS

• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Planter plans – List
• Flower box plans
• Wooden planter plans

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How to Build a Planter Box

Building the frame of the planter

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the planter box. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to secure 2×4 supports to the 2×2 legs.

Top Tip: Cut the supports at the right size, drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled.

Attaching the exterior slats

Continue the garden project by attaching the slats to the exterior of the planter box frame. Work with attention and adjust the size of the slats to the right dimensions. As you can notice, you need to use 1×4 slats for the center components and 1×6 slats for the rest of the components.

In addition, cut one edge of the corner slats at 45 degrees, by using a nice circular saw. Attach the slats to the structure and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ galvanized screws.

Attaching the trims

In order to enhance the look of the planter box, we recommend you to attach trims to the bottom and the the top of the structure. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees.

Use 1×6 slats for the bottom trims and 1×3 slats for the top trims. Attach the trims into place and lock them with finishing nails. Add waterproof glue to enhance the rigidity of the bonds.

Attaching the top trims

In addition, we suggest you to pay attention to the following finishing touch. Cut four components at the size described in the image and secure them into place with finishing nails.

Cut both ends of the slats at 45 degrees and make sure there are no gaps between them. Round the exposed edges with a router and remove the residues with a cleaner. Don’t forget to adjust the width of the 1×4 slats to 3″.

Fitting the cleats

Fit 1×1 cleats on both sides of the interior frame of the planter box. Make sure you adjust the height at which you place the cleats, according to the dimensions of the plastic container. Secure the cleats to the slats with 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the bottom slats

Afterwards, attach two pieces of 1×4 lumber on top of the cleats, making sure you leave no space between them. Work with attention and remember that you don’t need to lock them into place with galvanized screws. Just align them at both ends and the cleats will be enough to support the weight of the flower container.

How to build a planter box

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the bar from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the planter box in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a planter box. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

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