Modern DIY Outdoor Planters

by Remi @ TBD•TGG•OhMeOhMy

6 Materials

$50

6 Hours

Medium

These are long, rectangular planter boxes to sit on top of a wall or deck. We weren’t looking for a rustic look, something more sleek and minimal, which is why we chose the longer size. Problem was, we couldn’t find any in the size and length we needed. So, it was time to DIY! Here is our tutorial for our DIY modern outdoor planters. Be sure to click through at the end to see all the photos and steps for this tutorial!

We wanted planters both 4 feet and 8 feet long to fit in sections of our fence between the pillars. (We also made a baby one with the leftover to fit on top of one of the pillars to block the neighbors gardening supplies.) They were designed to be 6 inches wide and 8 inches high. Obviously, you can customize the size planters you want for your space.

SUPPLIES

1″x8″ Tight Knot Cedar (Sides)
1″x6″ Tight Knot Cedar (Bottom & Ends)
2×4 (pressure treated) for bracing
Deck Screws
Exterior Grade Wood Glue
Clamps
Drill
Circular Saw
Sander
Exterior Stain / Sealer (We used Behr – Slate color from Home Depot)

Flex Seal Rubber Coating Spray (Optional)

Cut (or have cut) sides and bottoms to the size you have planned. Add wood glue and clamp together as shown.

Pre drill holes and screw together.

Measure the end pieces for each planter individually, as the wood can vary slightly. Cut to size. Glue and clamp, then pre drill and screw.

Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.

Sand. We used a cordless palm sander and 120 grit paper.

Totally optional step here. We wanted to make the planters as waterproof as we could so that they both lasted longer, and also wouldn’t leak as much all over our pretty new block wall. We sprayed the interior of the planters with 2 coats of Flex Seal. Seems to have done a good job. This stuff reeks folks. LOTS of ventilation, K?