DIY Cedar-Lined Planter

Start by cutting down your 1X3 boards to the length you want the planter to be, then attaching cedar boards to the back of them to create a side panel. I just used wood glue and nails to attach the boards. The cedar panels should interlock so that there are no gaps between them.

Make two long panels, then use the same method to make two shorter panels for the other sides.

Once you have all four panels built, cut your 2X2 boards down to the height of the planter (mine is 24"), then attach them to either side of the short panels. You can use pocket holes, or simply long screws to drill them directly into the 1X2 support boards.

Once you've got the legs attached to the short sides, do the same thing to attach the long sides and create a box. You might need a second set of hands here to help hold everything up!

Now you're ready for the finishing touches!

Add 1X2 boards along the bottom of the planter to create slats (for drainage and to support your plants), then add a support board on either side of the planter near the top to create the bench. Again, the board can be attached with just wood glue and nails or screws.

Once you have the supports in place, attach 1X2 boards directly to the support board to create the bench. I just used a scrap piece of the cedar as my spacer to create a slatted look.

I also added some 1X2 boards along the top for trim - this helps hide the support boards and makes everything look a little more finished.

Once the planter is built, you can paint or stain the wood - I recommend leaving the cedar boards alone, though!

Finally you're ready to add plants to either side of the bench (I simply set them in the holes in the pots they came in) and enjoy your bench!

You can see more details on this project on the full blog post right here.