$23 DIY Cedar Planter Box

2 Materials

$23

3 Hours

Medium

This is an inexpensive yet outdoor-ready cedar planter box that can hold about 3 full bags of potting soil and has about 3 square feet of surface area.

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For this project, all you need as far as lumber is 9 pickets measuring 5/8" x 5 1/2" x 6' and a single 2x4 (8 ft long). You'll also need some brads and a brad nailer or, optionally, just outdoor screws such as decking screws.

Start by ripping the 2x4 in half length-wise. This can be done with a table saw or a circular saw.

Cut all of the 2x2 pieces needed for the project. Cut the following from the 2x2s:

36” (2)
13” (2)
10” (4)
6" (4)

Put the base together by predrilling the holes and using 3-inch screws as shown in the video. Assemble the two 36" pieces with the 13" pieces between them to form a rectangle.

Cut each of the full pickets at this point. Here's the list:

36” (6) - Long siding
17 1/4” (6) - Short siding
16 1/4” (6) - Floor board

With the floor boards cut (the 16 1/4" pieces), attach them to the 2x2 base using 1 1/2" screws. Be sure to predrill the holes, like you see in the video, to avoid splitting the pickets. There should be enough room between the boards for a bit of space. This will provide drainage for the soil.

Next attach the 10" pieces to the corners to create the inner frame. Predrill through the bottom and use the 3" screws to attach each piece.

With the inner frame assembled, you can now attach all of the pickets. Place each of your 36" pieces, starting with the first row being attached to the base. The first row should sit below the base and you can move up from there - this will leave room for the feet. If this is unclear, just check out the video where you can see this in action.

When the long pieces are on, finish up by putting the shorter end pieces on (the 17 1/4" pieces). I used a brad nailer for this but if you don't have one, screws can be used as well.

Add the feet using brads for now.

Next, cut your corner pieces. For this part, you have two options. The easier option is to just cut a picket in half lengthwise and leave square corners. The downside is that you'll have some of the cut sections exposed, which won't look as good as if you use the second method.

The second method involves using a 45 degree cut to hide the exposed edges. It's a tiny bit more work but looks way better. Check out the video to see how this is done.

Whichever method you choose, you'll need to cut the boards to length at this point. You should end up with 8 corner pieces at 18" tall each.

Add your corner pieces using exterior wood screws. If possible, use screws that are 2" in length. I used the 3" screws and they stuck out just a bit.

For the top frame, rip your last picket in half lengthwise.

For the top frame, rip your last picket in half lengthwise. Get the measurement for your width and length just to be safe. You'll want to make the outside measurement for your top frame at least as wide and long as your existing box.

Assemble the top frame with brads and then attach it to your box with brads as well as two screws per side. At this point, I recommend sealing the entire box with water seal - especially the 2x4 pieces. The cedar is a naturally rot and mildew resistant material but it certainly wouldn't do any harm to seal it as well. Also consider adding weed barrier to the inside of the box with some holes poked in the bottom for drainage.

And that's it! Each box holds about three large bags of potting soil and this project can be used for flowers, fruits or vegetables. If you plan on using this for vegetables, however, be sure to use toxin-free finishes and avoid using chemically treated or pressure treated lumber.

Suggested materials:

2x4 (Home Depot)
Cedar Fence Posts (Home Depot)

3 of 4 questions

see previous

Artemis
on Jul 28, 2017
I like the project, but out of curiosity, was there a reason you opted not to buy pressure treated lumber? Also, why rip 2 x 4s, why not buy 2 x 2s? The cost difference is not significant. We have ripped 2 x 4s before because they were on hand, but I've noticed that there is a slight size difference between a 2 x 2 board and a ripped 2 x 4 (of course neither are actually 2" x 2" or 2" x 4"). Also, if the 2 x 4 has any warp, you won't get true to size 2 x 2s along the length of the board.
7
Answer this
- Artemis
  on Jul 29, 2017
  According to the article, arsenic is no longer used (that's the A in CCA) and creosote is still used but only in lumber for telephone poles, bridges, etc. industrial applications. Creosote treated lumber is much darker and pretty easy to spot and you should stay away from it.
  
  I stain my PT planters after I build them so the color is at my whim. Everyone has there own style, so use which ever you prefer. Some cedars are on the endangered list and cypress is particularly endangered. That's why I don't use cypress mulch.
  1
JoLeen Bolton
on Jul 29, 2017
I thought weed barrier blocks weeds, but allows water through, so you wouldn't need to poke holes in it, would you? Love your planter, it's just what I need in my front yard!
1
Answer this
- Patti Sleightholm
  on Aug 10, 2017
  I believe it's the bottom of the planter that you poke holes in for drainage. The weed barrier on the inside bottom is to allow water to drain through the holes but prevent losing the soil through the drainage holes.
  2
Phi28505863
on Jul 29, 2017
Please describe the water sealer" and tell me where to get it.
3
Answer this
- Ski21742414
  on Aug 10, 2017
  I have thought about using linseed oil (not boiled) which is just really flaxseed oil because I don't want to use chemicals...want to grow lettuce in mine.

2 of 22 comments

See previous

Danielle Odin
on Jul 29, 2017
It is much cheaper than the bought one but if a person doesn't have the table saw and all the other tools needed I will be more expensive. When I had all that equipment, it was easy for me to make stuff. But today living in an apartment I would have to buy the ready made.
DiAnn
on Jul 30, 2017
This planter box is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

$23 DIY Cedar Planter Box

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