How to Build a Planter Box
In this tutorial, I share how to make a planter from fence boards while repurposing scrap wood to build a planter box with legs. I share how to use picket fence wood to build a planter box. We used fence boards for this planter box DIY project because fence pickets are much cheaper than other pressure-treated wood. Each fence board planter box DIY costs around $10 to make (keep in mind that the price of wood is constantly changing). Keep reading and watch the video to see these how to make these Fence Board Planter Boxes!
What kind of wood should I use for a planter box?
We used pressure-treated wood for our planter boxes to withstand the harsh Florida sun and elements. Keep in mind if you plan to plant edible items in your planter, it is not recommended to use pressure-treated wood because chemicals can seep into the soil. Also, keep in mind that we did not plant directly in this planter (we used plastic pots and placed the pot inside the wood planter).
We used pressure-treated fence pickets for the outside of the planter boxes because it was the cheapest way to build these boxes. Fence wood is currently $1.25 for each board so it costs around $10 to make one of these planter boxes.
Do planter boxes need to be lined?
We did not line our planter box since we planned to keep our plants in a plastic pot.
How do you seal untreated wood for planter boxes?
You can seal untreated wood with an outdoor stain and water-based polyurethane. Keep in mind that you may have to reapply the polyurethane over time to keep the wood protected and looking nice.
What do you put on the bottom of a planter box?
We kept the bottom of our planter box open. you can add a bottom to your planter box but I’d recommend drilling holes in the bottom for drainage and applying water-based polyurethane to protect the bottom.
How do you make a planter box with fence boards?
I share how to make a planter box with fence boards in this tutorial. Keep reading to learn how to make a planter box with fence boards!
How to Build a Planter Box with Fence Pickets
Supplies:
- Pressure Treated Wood (2) – 2″ x 3″ x 8′
- Pressure Treated Fence Pickets (6) – 5/8″ x 5.5″ x 6′
- Power Drill or hammer/nail gun
- Screws or nails
- Table Saw or Circular Saw
- Wood Stain
- Water-Based Polyurethane
- Brushes/Sponges/Rags
- Dropcloth
Directions:
- Gather supplies listed above.
- Cut the wood to size for your planter box. I’m including the measurements for our planter box in the next step.
- Cut the 2″ x 3″ x 8′ wood into 4 pieces that are 16″ long and the fence pickets into 10 pieces that are 18″ long and take 2 of them and rip them in half lengthwise.
- Position (2) 2″ x 3″ x 16″ parallel to each other and position one of the 18″ fence pickets between the 2″ x 3″‘s, making sure the edges are flush before nailing them into place.
- Position one more of the 18″ fence pickets and the 18″ ripped piece between the 2″ x 3″‘s, making sure the edges are flush before nailing them into place. This should allow for feet to protrude about 2″. Then repeat step 4 and the first part of step 5 for the second side.
- Position the 2 completed side pieces on their side parallel to each other and attach (2) 18″ fence pickets and 1 ripped 18″ fence picket.
- Flip the box over and repeat step 6.
- We chose to keep our plants in a pot so we did not build a bottom for our planter. Since the feet are very low to the ground, you can’t even tell our plants are in plastic containers!
- Stain the wood your desired color. I used a Golden Oak wood stain. Staining fence boards is difficult because the wood grain is very rough, so I sprayed the wood with water and that helped the wood to soak up the stain.
- Use a water-based polyurethane on top of the stain for added resistance to outdoor elements.
Wrap up for How to Build a Planter Box
I hope you enjoyed learning this Simple Planter Box tutorial and are inspired to build a DIY Planter Box! This DIY wood planter window box is an easy beginner project for those learning wood-working skills. We didn’t add trim or decor to our planter box project and it still looks beautiful and adds curb appeal to our home.
Be sure to check out how to build a Window Box in this tutorial.
Print the Instructions and Watch the Video to Make a Planter Box
Supplies
- 2 Pressure Treated Wood 2" x 3" x 8'
- 6 Pressure Treated Fence Pickets 5/8" x 5.5" x 6'
- Power Drill or hammer/nail gun
- Screws or nails
- Table Saw or Circular Saw
- Wood Stain
- Water-Based Polyurethane
- Brushes/Sponges/Rags
- Dropcloth
Instructions
- Gather supplies listed above.
- Cut the wood to size for your planter box. I'm including the measurements for our planter box in the next step.
- Cut the 2" x 3" x 8' wood into 4 pieces that are 16" long and the fence pickets into 10 pieces that are 18" long and take 2 of them and rip them in half lengthwise.
- Position (2) 2" x 3" x 16" parallel to each other and position one of the 18" fence pickets between the 2" x 3"'s, making sure the edges are flush before nailing them into place.
- Position one more of the 18" fence pickets and the 18" ripped piece between the 2" x 3"'s, making sure the edges are flush before nailing them into place. This should allow for feet to protrude about 2".
- Then repeat step 4 and the first part of step 5 for the second side.
- Position the 2 completed side pieces on their side parallel to each other and attach (2) 18" fence pickets and 1 ripped 18" fence picket.
- Flip the box over and repeat step 6.
- We chose to keep our plants in a pot so we did not build a bottom for our planter. Since the feet are very low to the ground, you can't even tell our plants are in plastic containers!
- Stain the wood your desired color. I used a Golden Oak wood stain. Staining fence boards is difficult because the wood grain is very rough, so I sprayed the wood with water and that helped the wood to soak up the stain.
- Use a water-based polyurethane on top of the stain for added resistance to outdoor elements.
Video
Pin this Fence Board Planter Boxes DIY tutorial for later…
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