How to Build a Large Planter
Container gardens are a fun and texturally interesting way to put your plants on center stage. Building a large planter that will brighten your entryway, patio or yard is a great way to save money on your gardening decor. This large, tapered planter box is so easy to make that you will want to make one for every uninteresting area of your landscape. The plan can be adjusted to make a series of different-sized planters for everywhere, easily. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3/4 inch pressure treated sheet wood
- Table saw
- Tilt table
- Miter saw
- Dado blade
- Weatherproof wood glue
- Carpenter's square
- Wood clamps
- Stainless steel screws
- Drill
- Stain, paint and sealer (if desired)
Instructions
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1
Cut four side pieces out of 3/4-inch wood that measure 23 inches by 32 1/2 inches with a table saw on a tilt table set at zero.
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2
Set your table tilt to 44 3/4 degrees, attach a miter saw to the table, set the miter gauge to 85 degrees and cut compound miters along the 32 1/2-inch lengths of the side boards.
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3
Cut four pieces of the 3/4-inch wood that measure 2 inches by 24 inches with the table saw with the table set at zero tilt, for the top framing pieces.
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4
Set the miter gauge of your miter saw to 45 degrees and cut corner miters on the four top framing pieces.
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5
Place a dado blade set to cut a 7/8-inch wide by 1/2-inch deep cut, in the table saw and cut a rabbet along the inside edges of the four top pieces. The pieces should fit on the assembled sides with 1 inch hanging over the sides.
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6
Assemble the four top pieces by running a 3/8-inch bead of weatherproof wood glue along the angled cut edges, pressing them together and squaring them with a square to assure accuracy. Use wood clamps to hold the pieces together while they dry.
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7
Set your tilt table to 5 degrees and cut a 15 1/2-by-15 1/2-inch square for your planter bottom with your miter saw.
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8
Assemble the four side pieces by applying a 3/8-inch bead of weatherproof wood glue along the 32 1/2-inch sides and pressing them together. Use a square to check the assembly and then clamp the assembly with wood clamps at the top and bottom of each joint.
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9
Allow the top and side assemblies to dry overnight.
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10
Place a 3/8-inch bead of weatherproof wood glue along the edges of the bottom piece edges and position it into the side assembly.
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11
Reinforce the planter bottom by screwing two stainless steel screws through each side into the wooden bottom, approximately 1 inch from each corner, with a drill.
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12
Place a 3/8-inch bead of glue in the top assembly dado and position it on the top of the planter sides.
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13
Stain, paint and seal your planter to match your decor with a finishing product formulated for treated wood and outdoor conditions.
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Tips & Warnings
The finished height of the planter is more than 32 inches. You may want to cut a false bottom and install it with additional glue and screws to reduce the amount of topsoil needed.
If you are placing this planter box in your garden, as a focal feature, you do not need a bottom piece.
These plans can be increased or decreased in size easily.
Always wear safety goggles when operating saws.
