This project was built and designed by Zach from Bear Mountain Builds. It’s a smart and good-looking planter box made from cedar, featuring a movable platform that can accommodate different pot sizes with ease.
The build is simple, the materials are affordable, and the result is a clean, outdoor-ready planter with flexibility built right in. Whether you’re placing it on a patio or in a garden, this planter adds both function and style.
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A Functional and Versatile Design
Zach designed this planter to stand about three feet tall, with enough space inside to fit pots up to 13 inches in diameter. That means it works for everything from nursery pots and hanging planters to five-gallon buckets.
The standout feature is the adjustable platform. With a quick change of position, you can raise or lower the pot inside the planter, helping you control visibility, watering, or sun exposure based on the plant’s needs.
Materials That Make Sense
The main materials used are cedar fence pickets and cut-down 2x6s to make 2×2 framing pieces. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and great for outdoor use, plus it’s lightweight and easy to work with.
If you’re building for outdoor use, Zach recommends pressure-treated lumber for the frame. For indoor or covered patio applications, untreated wood is fine. The key is selecting materials based on where the planter will live.
Cutting and Building the Frame
The project begins with breaking down the lumber into usable lengths. Using a table saw with a thin kerf blade helps make clean cuts while minimizing waste—especially helpful when working with fence pickets that can be a little inconsistent.
Instead of pocket holes, Zach uses a simpler joinery method: pre-drilling through the vertical frame legs and attaching cross pieces with screws and waterproof glue. This makes the structure strong and reliable, even with treated wood that doesn’t always work well with pocket screws.
Making the Adjustable Platform
The adjustable platform is built as a square frame that supports the pot from below. It sits inside the main structure and can be raised or lowered depending on your pot size.
Zach attaches the frame using end grain screws and glue. He uses a custom-made hole guide to drill evenly spaced supports, which makes it easy to reposition the platform as needed without guesswork.
This quick-adjust design is what sets the planter apart—it makes swapping out different pots or adjusting growing height fast and simple.
Choosing and Installing the Siding
The planter is finished with cedar slats on all four sides. Zach talks through different siding options, from budget-grade cedar to smoother planed stock, depending on your desired finish.
Slats are attached with consistent spacing to allow for airflow and drainage. Spacers help keep those gaps even, and a brad nailer makes the process quick and clean.
The slats give the project a sharp, modern look, while also covering the frame and giving the box structure and stability.
Adding the Top Trim
With the sides complete, a final layer of cedar trim is added to the top of the planter box. This optional step gives the project a polished, finished look and hides any exposed edges from the side slats.
Zach uses mitered corners for the trim, which creates clean joints at each corner and pulls the design together visually. Even a simple planter can look high-end with a few thoughtful finishing touches like this.
Sealing and Protecting the Cedar
To protect the wood from sun and rain, Zach finishes the planter with oil-based spar urethane. This type of finish is ideal for outdoor projects—it not only seals the wood but also enhances the natural color and grain of the cedar.
The deep reds and light brown tones of the cedar come to life with a single coat, and additional coats improve water resistance over time. Zach recommends reapplying the finish every year or so to keep it looking great.
Built to Last and Easy to Customize
This planter box is a great project for anyone looking to add a custom touch to their garden without overcomplicating the build. The materials are easy to source, the tools are basic, and the process is straightforward.
Zach’s design allows for easy customization. You can adjust the size, siding style, or even paint or stain it to match other outdoor furniture. The adjustable platform feature also gives you flexibility throughout the growing season.
A Great Weekend Build for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re new to woodworking or just want a fast project with practical value, this planter box fits the bill. It’s compact, customizable, and designed with long-term use in mind.
Zach’s clear explanations and efficient build style make the process easy to follow. And by sticking with cedar and common fasteners, the project stays affordable without sacrificing durability.
Get Zach’s plans here: https://www.bearmountainbuilds.com/products/adjustable-cedar-planter-box.