What I used:

2x8s

2x4s

5/4 in. x 6 in deck boards

2.5 inch screws

Paint

If I were to do this again (and buy the material) I would use lighter wood. All of those pressure treated 2x8s added up and my end result was very heavy. Not a big issue, since they won't be moved very often, but definitely something to keep in mind. Again, because I used all materials leftover from our deck and didn't want to spend any additional money, I just went with it.

Step 1: Design and plan

Using what I had on hand, I decided to make my planters 17 inches wide with 2.5 inch feet.

Step 2: Cut material

I used a miter saw to cut my materials. I cut 12 pieces of 2x8 to 17 inches each, and I cut 2 pieces of 2x4 to 24 inches each.

Step 3: Assemble side panels

I laid out three 2x8 pieces and connected them with my 2x4s, leaving that 2.5 inch overhang at the bottom for the feet. I used cardboard to help space my 2x8s, but you don't need to do this - I just liked how it looked with a little space. I connected these using leftover 2.5inch decking screws, and repeated this process two times - one for each side.

Step 4: Connect front and back

Next, I connected the 2x8s for the front and back using the same decking screws.

Step 5: Create base

First I added scrap 2x8s to the front and back panels to support the base. I positioned mine to that the planter would be 10 inches deep, but you can go as far down as you want.

Next, I measured the interior of the planter and cut pieces of decking to fit inside. I notched out the corners to account for the 2x4s, and then laid a filler strip down the middle to make a solid platform.

Step 6: Paint/stain (optional)

I decide to paint mine black to match other accents outside of our home. This step is of course optional. Once the paint was dry, I added some plants and marveled at my work!

My biggest complaint with these is how heavy they are. Again, for a free project I can't complain, but if I were to purchase materials to do this again, I might go with something more lightweight. I'm excited to put some mums in these as we move into fall, but for now they will house these little topiaries.