This modern Redwood planter box was designed by Steve Ramsey from Woodworking for Mere Mortals, and it’s a fantastic way to enhance your garden space. You can easily create this eye-catching planter using materials you can find at your local home center.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 8 pieces of 2x4s for the legs
- Redwood garden edging (about ¼ inch thick)
- 3-inch deck screws
- Wood glue
- Router for chamfering edges
- Drill and drill press
- Clamps
- Saw (miter saw recommended)
- Stain and sealer (water-based recommended)
Step 1: Create the Legs
Start by laminating together eight 2x4s to make four sturdy posts. Clamp two pairs together for efficiency.
Step 2: Prepare the Cross Pieces
Cut grooves in the edges of the cross pieces for the slats to slide into. The grooves should be about ¾ of an inch deep and ¼ of an inch wide.
Step 3: Choose Your Slats
For the slats, use Redwood garden edging, which is inexpensive and found in the garden department. These slats are typically a little less than 3.5 inches wide, so you might need to rip them down to fit your design.
Step 4: Assemble the Structure
Drill counterbore holes into the posts to attach the cross pieces. These holes should be half the depth of the posts.
Step 5: Addressing Mistakes
It’s common to encounter mistakes during assembly. For example, if your drilled holes are too far apart, you can either plug them with dowels or adjust your design. In this case, Steve decided to glue strips onto the tops of the cross pieces to widen them.
Step 6: Adding Decorative Elements
Using a router, add a decorative chamfer along the edges and ends of the posts for a polished look.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Now it’s time to assemble the planter. The slats should float loosely in their grooves to allow for expansion and contraction when wet. Secure the cross pieces with glue and screws.
Step 8: Adding the Top Frame
For the top frame, resaw a 2×4 into two thinner pieces and make 45° miters on the ends. Glue the frame together first, then attach it to the top of the planter.
Step 9: Construct the Base
For the base, you can use any leftover boards. Simply drop them in place and cut notches as needed. There’s no need to screw them in.
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Finally, apply a water-based stain and sealer for protection. If you want to adjust the height of the planter, you can add 2x4s to the bottom.
If you’re interested in making your own planter box, Steve has a set of plans available on a pay-what-you-want basis at https://shopwwmm.com/products/springtime-planter-box.