Looking to add a touch of charm to your outdoor space? This easy DIY wood planter box is the perfect beginner-friendly project. With just three core tools and budget-friendly materials, you can create a beautiful planter that brings warmth and character to your porch or garden.
I’d been wanting to add interest to my front porch stoop for a while but couldn’t find a tall, narrow planter that fit the space. Small spaces demand customized solutions, so I decided to make my own. This planter is simple to build, forgiving in its dimensions, and a great way to use up scrap wood.
This project uses only a few tools and mostly straight cuts (the optional “X” sides require angled cuts). If you’re new to DIY, it’s a friendly first build. I built these using a popular cedar planter plan as a starting point and adjusted the measurements and details for my narrow porch. Below are the materials, tools, cut list, and a clear step-by-step guide to help you build one planter box. Read through all steps before you start.
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Materials Needed for Your DIY Wood Planter Box
Note: quantities below build one planter. Double everything if building two.
- 2 – 1 x 6 boards @ 8 feet long – for the side panels (I used premium pine and supplemented with scrap boards)
- 1 – 2 x 2 board @ 8 feet long – for the planter legs/feet
- 2 – 1 x 3 boards @ 8 feet long – for top and bottom trim on each side panel
- 2 – 1 x 2 boards @ 8 feet long – for the decorative “X” on the sides and for the bottom slats if desired
- 1¼ inch brad nails for nailing trim
- 2 inch wood screws
- 1¼ inch pocket hole screws for joining panels to legs
- Sandpaper or a hand sander
- Wood glue
- Paint or stain and brushes/rollers for finishing
- Outdoor water sealer for protection
- Safety eyewear
- Scrap wood for cleats and the internal floor
Tools Needed
- Compound miter saw (sliding miter saw recommended for easier cutting)
- Kreg Jig or another pocket-hole system
- Power drill with driver bits
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Brad nailer or hammer and brad nails
- Hand sander or sanding block
Cut List
Note: These cuts are for reference. Plan to measure and test-fit as you proceed.
- Sides: Cut the 1 x 6 board into 8 pieces at 17 3/4 inches each.
- Legs: Cut the 2 x 2 board into 4 pieces at 23 1/4 inches each.
- Side trim: Cut the 1 x 3 boards into 16 pieces at 11 inches each.
- Cleats: Cut two cleats from scrap boards about 8 inches long.
- Bottom: Cut 1 x 2 strips or a scrap plywood piece to fit the inside as the planter floor (roughly 11 inches wide for this build).
- Optional X pieces: Cut 1 x 2 boards to fit the side panels. I used 15° and 36° miter angles for my X shapes; your angles will vary with your final box dimensions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Wood Planter
1. Cut boards from the first four bullets above
Start by cutting the boards you listed. Use the first cut board as your template for the rest so the pieces are consistent. Label pieces as you go to avoid confusion during assembly.
2. Create the first side panel
Place two 1 x 6 boards side by side and attach a 1 x 3 trim piece across the top and bottom (flush with the edges). I doubled the 1 x 3 pieces for depth to match the corner legs. Use a brad nailer or small finish nails to secure the trim from the front.
3. Secure the 1 x 3 pieces from the back
Flip the panel and drive 1¼ inch wood screws through the 1 x 6 into the 1 x 3 to make the trim extra secure. Take care not to screw through the front face—use the right screw length so the tip doesn’t break through.
4. Drill pocket holes to attach panels to the legs
Use a pocket-hole jig to add two pocket holes to the back of each panel, just underneath the top and bottom trim. Set your jig for 3/4 inch stock so the pockets are positioned and drilled correctly.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 for the remaining panels
Make a total of four side panels using the same process so all sides are consistent.
6. Attach panels to the legs (two panels per assembly)
Measure up about 4 inches from the bottom of each 2 x 2 leg and attach a panel to two legs using wood glue and 1¼ inch pocket hole screws. Assemble two matching half-boxes this way.
7. Add cleats for the bottom
Attach cleats inside each half-box to support the planter floor. I measured my cleats based on the plant height I intended to use; adjust cleat placement to suit your plant size. Screw the cleats securely into the legs and panel interiors.
8. Join the final two panels to close the box
Attach the remaining two panels to complete the rectangular box. Apply wood glue at the joints and drive pocket hole screws to make a solid frame. Check that the box is square before final tightening.
9. Make and install the floor
For the floor, either cut multiple 1 x 2 slats to fit across the cleats or trim a piece of plywood to fit snugly inside. Place the floor pieces on the cleats and secure them with screws or nails.
10. Optional: Add decorative X’s to the sides
If you want a farmhouse look, add the decorative X pieces cut from 1 x 2 boards. Dry-fit first and trim angles to match your exact panel dimensions before gluing and nailing them in place.
11. Finish with paint, stain, and sealer
Sand all surfaces smooth, remove dust, and apply your chosen finish. A paint, stain, or gray wash can give the look you want; finish with an outdoor water sealer to protect the wood from moisture, mold, and rot. Let the finish cure fully before adding soil and plants.
As a final touch, I used a faux evergreen in one planter so it looks good year-round without maintenance. I placed some real potting soil around the base to make it look more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Wood Planters
Q: What type of wood is best for a DIY wood planter?
A: Cedar and redwood are excellent because they resist rot and insects naturally. Pine works fine if you seal and maintain it. If you use treated lumber, ensure it’s safe for planting use.
Q: Do I need to seal my planter?
A: Sealing outdoors extends the life of your planter by protecting it from moisture and mildew. Use a water-based, non-toxic exterior sealer if you intend to grow edibles.
Q: Can I line the planter?
A: You can add a plastic liner with drainage holes or landscape fabric to protect the wood and help retain soil. Ensure drainage to avoid water pooling against the wood.
Have you built your own wood planter? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!
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