How to Make Outdoor Planters

Planters can brighten up any landscape. Placed around your house, along a driveway, or on a patio, they provide a bed for flowers, perennials or even vegetables. Building planters requires only some basic tools and carpentry skills, so it's a way for the average homeowner to add some style to their home without a lot of expense.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Circular saw
• 1 by 10 inch pressure treated lumber
• Drill
• 1 by 4 inch pressure treated lumber
• Nails
• Hammer

1. 
    
   Base of the planter

   Make the base of the planter by cutting a 3-feet long piece of 1 by 10 inch lumber with your circular saw. Drill a series of small holes, spaced out about 10 inches, to allow for drainage. Cut two 10 inch pieces of 1 by 4 inch board and nail them to the bottom, perpendicular to the long edge of the board. These act as feet for the planter, allowing water to drain out of the planter.

2. 
    
   Adding the sides

   Make the sides of the planter by cutting two 3-feet long pieces of 1 by 10 inch board. Nail the pieces to the base so they extend up vertically.

3. 
    
   Adding the end pieces to the planter

   Add the end pieces to the planter by cutting two 11-1/2 inch pieces of 1 by 10 inch board. Nail these to the ends of the planter, nailing them to both the base and the sides.

4. Move the planter to where you want it and fill with potting soil. Start planting.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint or stain your planters if you want them to match your home or decor.

References

• Carpentry; Leonard Kohl; 2003

Resources

• Tips for using planters