Both the front and back yard in our new house need a lot of work. We’ve already had 11 trees removed and the stumps grinded down which has ruined the little bit of grass we did have and next spring we are hoping to grade and reseed the entire lawn.
In order to work with what we have, I decided to build a sweet little DIY wood planter box for both the backyard and front steps.
I’m loving the rustic character they add – and they took only 30 minutes to make and came in at the grand sum of $10 a piece!
I picked up all my supplies at my local Home Depot. You’ll need some two 1 x 6 boards and one 2 x 3 board to make this 16 inch planter box.
I had to go during the week sans hubby, so trying to find the correct wood and check that they weren’t warped – all the time trying to keep my toddler happy – was a bit of a challenge. Luckily, the folks that work at the Home Depot are super awesome and helpful!
By the way, this DIY wood planter box was so easy to build that even if you’ve never cut a scrap of wood in your life, it will turn out great for you!
Plus, you can make them in half an hour, which is great, if, like me, you have to get all your work done during naptime!
DIY Wood Planter Box Cut List
- 12 1×6’s cut to 16″ (3 boards per side x 4)
- 4 2×3’s cut to 16″ (to form the inside supports)
Additionally, You Will Need:
- A nail gun (or you can just use brad nails and a hammer)
- A level (to ensure boards are straight)
- Stain (optional)
- Spar varnish (to seal and protect the wood)
Directions to Build the Wood Planter Box:
Take 3 of the 1×6 boards and line them up along one of the 2 x 3’s. Nail into place. Then attach another 2 x 3 to the end and again, nail into place:
I used pennies to space out the boards but it’s up to your whether you want a tight fit or a little gap.
For the second side, attach the 3 1 x 6 boards to the outside edge of the 2 x 3.
Keep repeating this process until your box is built!
Then apply a stain of your choice (or keep it natural) and seal with a Spar Varnish which will provide weather resistance.
You’ll notice there’s no bottom to this planter – it’s more like a sleeve. By all means, flip it over and add one! Personally, I like to just pop pots in there and since no one will see the bottom, it works just fine!
I picked up two beautiful hydrangeas from Home Depot and popped them right in.
The stain is the color Provincial. It’s a perfect warm brown, and the same color we used on our hardwood floors!
The planter box adds the perfect amount of rustic, farmhouse charm our front steps. Aren’t the hydrangeas simply stunning, too?
Of course my DIY wood planter box doesn’t only look great on the front steps. I built a second one and created a little area for myself in the backyard. This would be perfect if you had a patio or a deck, too!
At least that’s one little project I can check off my outdoor list!
Will you be making your own DIY Wood Planter Box? It’s a great first DIY that adds some serious curb appeal!
Wood Planter Box
If you're looking for a classic wood planter to showcase your summer flowers, build it yourself in a few easy steps.
Materials
- 12 1x6's cut to 16" (3 boards per side x 4)
- 4 2x3's cut to 16" (to form the inside supports)
Tools
- A nail gun (or you can just use brad nails and a hammer)
- A level
- Stain for the wood planks
- Wood varnish
Instructions
- Assemble the first side by taking 3 of the 1x6 boards and lining them up along one of the 2 x 3's. Nail into place. Then, attach another 2x3 to the end and again, nail into place. I used pennies to space out the boards but it's up to your whether you want a tight fit or a little gap.
- For the second side, attach the 3 1x6 boards to the outside edge of the 2x3.
- Repeat this process until all sides are built.
- Apply a stain of your choice (or keep it natural) and seal with a varnish to provide weather resistance.
Notes
You'll notice there's no bottom to this planter - it's more like a sleeve. By all means, flip it over and add one! Personally, I like to just pop pots in there since no one will see the bottom.
