Looking for a super simple and affordable planter box project? This easy planter box design was created by Brady Hommel, and it costs less than five dollars to make! This guide will take you through the steps to create a stylish and functional planter box that can be customized to fit any size you want.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 2 pressure-treated fence pickets (6 feet long, 5/8 inch thick)
- Wood glue
- 1-inch brad nails
- Miter saw
- Brad nailer
- Wet rag (for cleanup)
Step 1: Cutting the Pickets
Start by cutting your fence pickets. With both pickets stacked on top of each other at the miter saw, cut:
- 4 pieces at 11 inches (these will be the side panels)
- 4 pieces at 9 ¾ inches (these will be the inner panels)
- 4 pieces at 13 inches (these will be used for the legs and top trim)
Step 2: Ripping Strips
Next, take two of your 13-inch pieces and rip them into one and a quarter inch strips. You should have eight strips that are 13 inches long and one and a quarter inch wide. For the remaining two 13-inch boards, rip them into four two-inch strips.
Step 3: Assembling the Panels
Using the brad nailer with one-inch brad nails, take two of your 11-inch pieces and apply a bead of wood glue down each side. Attach a 13-inch strip to each side, ensuring they are flush with the edges. Use a wet rag to clean any excess glue that squeezes out. Repeat this to create a second panel.
Step 4: Fitting the Inner Panels
Now, take your 9 ¾ inch pieces which will fit inside the panels. Attach one of the 13-inch strips to one of the panels, making it flush on the outside. Mark the inner edge with a pencil and repeat for the other panel. Glue along the marked lines and attach the inner panels using brad nails.
Step 5: Final Assembly
For the last panel, glue it to both sides at the same time. Ensure you use exterior grade wood glue for durability. Now, take four more pieces ripped down to an inch and a quarter and cut 45-degree miters on them. These will serve as the trim pieces.
Step 6: Adding the Trim
Attach the trim pieces around the top of the planter box. These should overlap slightly, so mock it up first to see where you need to glue. This step really adds a finished look to your planter box.
Step 7: Optional Bottom Panel
Although many prefer to leave the bottom open, Brady suggests adding a bottom panel for added stability. You can rip a piece of wood down the middle and nail it to the base of the planter. This step is optional but can provide a solid foundation for your plants.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
For finishing, Brady leaves the wood natural, allowing it to weather to a natural brown color over time. This gives the planter a rustic look while allowing customers the option to stain or paint it to their liking.
Brady Hommel has demonstrated that creating a stylish planter box can be both simple and budget-friendly. With just a couple of fence pickets, some glue, and nails, anyone can build their own planter to enhance their outdoor space. You can get the plans here.
Video