How to Make Planter Boxes

Overview

Planters are an ideal addition to any landscape or garden, whether you are attaching them below a window or keeping them on a patio. They can be used to grow everything from herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Building a planter requires a good amount of materials, some time and patience. The key thing to keep in mind when building a planter box is to make sure you measure everything correctly, and to firmly secure the wood together to make it last for years.

Step 1

Put on the protective eyewear, heavy-duty work gloves and dust mask before you begin working in order to protect yourself. Use the circular or table saw to cut two 30-inch-long pieces from the 6 foot x 1 inch x 8 inch wooden board for the front and back of the planter box.

Step 2

Cut one 30-inch long piece from the 4 foot x 1 inch x 8 inch wooden board for the bottom of the planter box. Place the saw's bevel at 10 degrees and tear the wood so it is 5 inches wide at its widest part.

Step 3

Cut two parts from the wooden scrap boards for the sides of the planter box that measure 5 7/8 inches wide and 6 3/8 inches tall. Trim the wooden pieces so they taper from 5 7/8 inches at the top to 5 inches at the bottom.

Step 4

Lay out the wooden pieces for the planter box and practice fitting them together, making adjustments as needed by trimming along edges.

Step 5

Use wood glue and clamps to secure the wooden planter box pieces together. If necessary, pre-drill countersink holes through the front and back pieces. Use the 1 1/2 inch screws to screw the pieces together.

Step 6

Create drainage holes in the bottom of the planter box by using the drill to make about eight 1/8-inch holes around the edges and the middle of the bottom of the box.

Step 7

Stain and seal the planter box if desired, or paint it to match your house, garden and give it a personalized touch.