How to Make Cedar Railing Planters

Cedar railing planters could be installed on this porch railing.

Planters mounted on deck or patio railings are functional and decorative, since they add color and also enhance privacy. Railing planters liven up an area and make lounging outdoors even more pleasurable. Mount several planters strategically on your railing; you might plant tall foliage or flowers in them to block out the curious gazes of people on the street. Cedar is a good choice for planters because it is naturally rot and decay resistant and has the ability to withstand the natural elements for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pen
• ¾- to 1-inch thick cedar boards
• Handsaw
• Sandpaper
• Drilling machine
• 1-inch galvanized wood screws
• Paintbrush
• Paint
• Hardware hooks

Instructions

1. Check the railing to make sure it is sturdy enough to support the planter's weight. Consider the width of the railing as an aspect of its strength and as a visual element in comparison with the proposed size of the planter. Generally, a railing planter is three feet long and six inches high, but you can alter the measurements to your needs. Also keep in mind the mature size of the container flowers or foliage you wish to plant, when deciding on the dimensions of the planter.

2. Cut the ¾- to 1-inch thick cedar board into five pieces with a handsaw. You will need two long boards for the front of the railing planter and the back, two identical short side boards, and a board for the base that is as long as the front board but equal in width to the sides. Sand each board to make it smooth.

3. Hold the base firmly and drill rows of 1-inch-wide drainage holes into it. Space the rows eight to ten inches apart. Rub sandpaper directly over the drainage holes to remove sharp edges.

4. Lay the base on a flat surface, and hold the front against one of its long sides, making sure the joint is neat and flush. Drill it into place with a row of 1-inch galvanized wood screws four to five inches apart. Hold the back against the other long edge of the base and drill it into place with the wood screws.

5. Insert a sidepiece between the short edges of the long boards. Align it so its top is in line with the tops of the other pieces, and check the joints so they are flush. Drill it in place with galvanized wood screws. Repeat the same procedure to attach the second sidepiece to the other side.

6. Hold the planter and check the joints to make sure they are stable. Reinforce any weak joint by drilling additional woodscrews in place. Paint the railing planter to make it brighter, or apply a coat of clear acrylic paint to maintain its natural wood color. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly before filling the planter with soil and plants.

7. Hang the planter from the railing with hardware hooks.

References

• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association: Building a Cedar Window Box
• Western Red Cedar Lumber: Railing Planter