This project was built and designed by Marcus from Salty Woodworking. It’s a simple planter box made from fence pickets that’s affordable to build and easy to sell.
Planter season is a great time for woodworkers to turn small builds into real profit. With just a few tools and budget-friendly lumber, this project offers a rewarding way to produce attractive outdoor decor without a big investment.
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A Smart, Seasonal Build
Marcus designed this planter with entryways and patios in mind—places where a well-placed fern or potted plant can create a welcoming atmosphere. The project is especially popular in early spring when homeowners are refreshing their outdoor spaces.
The box can be made from either cedar or pressure-treated pickets. Cedar is more rot-resistant and ideal for long-term durability, but pressure-treated boards keep the cost under $10 depending on your region.
Simple Tools, Solid Results
One of the best things about this build is that it’s beginner-friendly. No table saw or jointer is required—just a saw, a brad nailer or screws, and some basic measuring tools.
A circular saw or handsaw can handle all the necessary cuts. A square and tape measure help keep everything aligned, and safety gear like glasses and hearing protection are always good practice.
Cleaning Up the Material
While it’s optional, Marcus runs his pickets through a planer before cutting. This step helps remove rough saw marks and reveals the natural color of the wood, giving the final product a cleaner look.
Each board is trimmed at the ends before being measured and cut to length. Using a consistent cut list makes it easy to build multiples in one session—great for fulfilling orders or stocking up for a local market.
Step-by-Step Assembly
The first step in assembly is building the two long sides. Marcus glues and nails three horizontal pickets to two vertical leg boards, forming a basic wall panel.
This process is repeated to create a matching second side. Once both are built, shorter boards are added between them to form the front and back panels of the planter box.
Next comes the top rim, which frames the upper edge of the box. Marcus recommends using simple butt joints instead of mitered corners. Butt joints hold up better in outdoor conditions and won’t split or separate as easily with moisture exposure.
Building for Function
Before finishing, Marcus drills drainage holes into the bottom of the box—one in each corner. This step is crucial for preventing standing water, which can damage both the wood and any plants inside.
The base of the planter can either be filled with soil or used to hold potted plants. This gives the customer flexibility and makes it easier to replace or rearrange plants as needed.
Selling and Pricing
This style of planter sells well, especially in pairs. Marcus typically prices them at $50 each or $100 per set, giving customers a discount for buying more than one.
With a materials cost of around $10 per planter (even less if using pressure-treated wood), the profit margin is strong. It’s easy to see how building several in a day could become a solid source of side income.
Standing Out in the Market
Planters like this are highly marketable on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, craft fairs, or roadside sales. They’re also customizable—customers may request different heights, finishes, or even logos for special orders.
As a bonus, Marcus suggests showing off the planters with real plants in your product photos. This makes it easier for buyers to imagine how they’ll look in their own yard or entryway.
Learning by Doing
Beyond the money, this build teaches valuable lessons in measuring, cutting, and assembly. It’s a great confidence-builder for newer woodworkers who want to gain skills while producing something useful.
It also lays the groundwork for more advanced outdoor projects, like benches, raised beds, or even outdoor furniture. Starting with a simple planter is a smart way to build momentum in the shop.
A Fun, Profitable Spring Project
Whether you’re looking to fill your porch with handmade decor or make some extra money, this picket planter is worth your time. It’s quick to build, easy to replicate, and brings satisfaction with every finished piece.
Add some soil, drop in a few flowers, and you’ve got something that brightens a space and brings in some cash.
Get Marcus’s plans here: https://www.saltywoodworking.net/projects/this-is-the-easiest-way-to-make-money-woodworking/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Marcus really nailed the sweet spot with this design—simple enough for beginners but polished enough to command good money. Fence pickets are one of those underrated materials that can look surprisingly refined with just a little cleanup. Running them through a planer like he does makes a huge difference in the final appearance, transforming rough lumber into something that looks intentional and crafted.
The butt joint approach for the top rim is smart thinking for outdoor projects. I’ve seen too many mitered planters fall apart after a season or two of weather exposure. Those 45-degree cuts look fancy, but they’re just asking for trouble when moisture gets involved. Simple joints that rely on mechanical fasteners rather than perfect glue lines will serve customers much better in the long run.
Don’t skip those drainage holes—they’re absolutely critical. Even if customers plan to use potted plants inside, water has a way of accumulating from rain or overwatering. Four corner holes usually do the trick, but drilling them at a slight upward angle can help prevent soil from washing out if someone does fill the box directly.
The pricing strategy here is spot-on too. At $50 each with materials under $10, you’re looking at solid margins that still feel reasonable to customers. Spring really is prime time for these builds—people are thinking about their outdoor spaces and have gardening on the brain.