How to Build a Curved Wall Planter

Many people have an area at the front or side of their house that is bare and could use a little something to spice it up. A curved wall planter can add a lot of character and dimension to the area. Adding some colorful plants will make your house something to admire. Follow these steps to build a curved wall planter.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Cleats and screws
• Compass
• Saber saw and shovel
• Gravel and concrete
• Bricks
• Metal ties
• Row-lock headers
• Masonry waterproofing compound
• Top soil

Instructions

1. Design a template for your curved wall planter. Cut a 1/2 inch thick piece of plywood into two pieces: 24x48 and 24x96. Connect the pieces end to end using cleats and screws. The finished piece will be 24x144.

2. Draw a baseline on the template two inches from the long edge. Measure from the baseline to the other end and find four radial points. From each radius center draw two curved lines using a compass. If you don't have a compass, use a pencil and string. Cut out the area using a saber saw.

3. Set the two outside pieces of the plywood (the templates) about eight inches apart on the ground where you will build the wall planter. Stake the templates down firmly in place so the template does not move as you dig the footing.

4. Dig a trench for the footing of the curved wall planter. In cold climates, dig at least six inches below where the ground freezes. Dig in the template and the straight end of the planter. Lay two inches of gravel to help with drainage and pour concrete over the top so that is two inches below the grade. Allow it to dry for two days.

5. Lay the bricks using the template as your guide. Stagger the bricks by laying the first row vertically and the second horizontally. From the first row of bricks and every two rows after that, add metal ties at 24 inch intervals.

6. Finish the planter by topping off the wall with row-lock headers. Cover the inside of the planter with a waterproof compound that is used for masonry. Put about six inches of gravel in the planter for drainage and then cover with top soil.