This budget-friendly woodworking project was created by Nathan from Nathan Builds. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to construct raised cedar planters that cost about five dollars each. Perfect for any outdoor space, these planters are not only easy to make but also durable thanks to the cedar wood’s natural resistance to rot.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Cedar fence pickets (about two per planter)
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Table saw
- Power drill
- Nail gun (optional)
- Hand saw (if preferred)
- Planer (optional)
- Garden fabric or small stones (for drainage)
Step 1: Prepare the Legs
Start by gluing together and clamping two pieces of cedar fence pickets. These will serve as the legs for your planters. Each box will need about two pickets, which typically cost around two dollars and fifty cents each at your local home improvement store.
Step 2: Smooth the Edges
Once the glue has dried, use a planer to smooth out the laminated pieces that will become the legs. This step is completely optional and can be skipped if you don’t have a planer or want to save time.
Step 3: Cut the Pickets to Size
Cut all the pickets down to length. The short sides and bottom slats should be eight inches long, while the long sides will be approximately four feet each. Although power tools are used in this project, you can absolutely complete it with just a handsaw if you prefer.
Step 4: Assemble the Box Sides
Gluing and nailing the four sides of the boxes together is next. You can choose to only clamp them if you prefer not to use nails. To hide the tops of the legs from view, use an extra leg as a spacer while attaching the legs.
Step 5: Cut Out Corners for the Legs
Use a pull saw to cut out the corners of the bottom pieces so that they fit around the legs. It’s best to use saws with finer teeth for cutting cedar.
Step 6: Attach the Bottom Slats
Next, glue down the bottom slats. Make sure the boards are placed with the sides that are more likely to bow facing downward. Leave some space between each board for expansion and contraction, and to allow water to flow out.
Step 7: Secure Everything in Place
Place some heavy items in the box to hold everything snug while the glue dries. Afterward, use a plane to level off the corner joints for a nice finish. This step is also optional but can be quite satisfying!
Step 8: Add Drainage
Finally, glue some garden fabric to the bottom of the boxes to prevent soil from falling through while allowing water to drain. Alternatively, you can place small stones at the bottom to keep the soil in.
Final Thoughts
This project is not only fun but also quick to complete—taking just a few hours to build two boxes. The cedar wood ensures durability, making these planters a long-lasting addition to your garden. After filling them with soil, you’ll have sturdy planters ready to showcase your favorite plants.