Jonny Builds has created a fantastic woodworking project for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space with a modern raised bed planter box. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of building your own planter box, perfect for flowers or vegetables.
Materials & Tools
- (11) 1″x3″ aromatic cedar boards
- (3) 1″x3″ boards for legs
- (3) 1″x3″ boards for trim
- Pocket screws (rated for outdoor use)
- Wood glue
- Brad nails
- Sander
- Circular saw or track saw
- Drill
- Clamps
- Staple gun
- Nylon poultry netting
- Polyethylene plastic
- Total Boat Halcyon varnish
Step 1: Prepare Your Boards
Start by cutting your cedar boards to manageable sizes. If you have a jointer, run them over to get a straight edge. Ripping them on the table saw into two-and-a-half-inch planks and planing them down to three-quarters of an inch thick will ensure a smooth finish. However, you can skip these steps if you purchase pre-cut 1″x3″ boards.
Step 2: Glue Up the Panels
Glue up a panel that measures twenty-seven and a half inches wide, using eleven planks glued together. This single panel will provide enough material to cut all four sides of your planter box.
Step 3: Cut the Side Panels
Once the glue has dried, cut the four side panels from the large panel. Use a track saw or circular saw to achieve accurate cuts. Ensure squareness and correct sizing by checking each panel as you go.
Step 4: Create the Legs and Trim
Cut the legs to be inch and a half by inch and a half square. Use the width of the boards you glued together to set the fence on your table saw. Additionally, cut the top trim pieces to match the width of the legs.
Step 5: Mark for Pocket Screws
Before assembly, mark the locations for the pocket screws. These screws are essential for holding the entire planter together. Make sure to use outdoor-rated pocket screws for durability.
Step 6: Assemble the Planter Box
Begin joining the side panels using the pocket screws. Attach the lower trim pieces just flush with the bottom of the side panels using wood glue and brad nails to hold them in place as the glue dries.
Step 7: Add Accent Strips
For a modern touch, add accent strips in descending lengths. Use scrap plywood as spacers to keep the strips evenly spaced while attaching them with glue and brad nails.
Step 8: Prepare the Bottom
Cut strips to fit the bottom opening of the planter. Space them about an inch and a quarter apart to provide support while allowing for drainage.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
Sand the entire planter to a smooth finish and apply Total Boat Halcyon varnish for protection against moisture and UV damage. This will enhance the natural beauty of the cedar.
Step 10: Add Support for Dirt
To support the dirt along the bottom, add a layer of nylon poultry netting mesh and a few layers of polyethylene plastic. This will provide moisture protection and ensure durability.
Step 11: Final Assembly
Poke drainage holes through the bottom layer and your planter is ready for planting! This raised bed is perfect for growing flowers or vegetables, and its modern design will enhance any outdoor space.
Conclusion
Jonny Builds has made it easy to create a stylish and functional raised bed planter box that can fit any outdoor space. With the right materials and tools, anyone can take on this project. You can get the cut list here.