Build a raised planter
Make a freestanding wooden planter with legs, a supported floor, and drainage.
Build & make · 1 weekend · Medium
Before you start
Before cutting, read the tool instructions and use the specified eye, hearing and dust protection. Clamp supported stock and keep hands clear of blades. Do not fill a rocking or damaged planter, move it while full, or use its rim as a seat.
Tools and materials
- Cedar wall and cap stock; cedar or treated-pine legs/rails; treated-pine floor stock — use the linked cutting list
- Saw, supported work surface, clamps, square, tape measure and pencil
- Drill/driver, ¼-in bit, socket; 2-in and 2½-in deck screws; four 5/16×2½-in galvanized lags and washers
- 6d galvanized finish nails, hammer, exterior wood glue, construction adhesive, stapler and liner
- Sander, 100/150-grit abrasives, suitable exterior finish, brush and tool-required protective equipment
Check the problem
Check the location
Choose firm, level ground with working room and sunlight suited to your plants. Avoid balconies, roofs and surfaces with uncertain load capacity.
Use the matching plan
Keep the cutting list and all three assembly drawings together. Do not scale the structure or mix details from other designs.
Check material suitability
Match outdoor fasteners to the chosen wood. For edible plants, verify the wood, liner and finish are suitable; a liner alone does not establish suitability.
Steps
Prepare the parts
Use the linked A–M cutting list. Caps G/H are fit-to-assembly; check actual stock before cutting.
Assemble the wall frames
Make five frames: two A/B, two C/D, one E/F. Join with exterior glue and 6d galvanized finish nails. Fit and nail G/H caps with their inner edges flush.
Join the frames
Glue and clamp the stack: E/F below C/D below A/B. Keep corners aligned while the adhesive sets.
Attach the four legs
Set each leg top ¾ inch below the rim. Use construction adhesive and 2-inch deck screws in Drawing 2’s arrangement.
Install the floor rails
Position rail bottoms 11 inches above the feet. Follow Drawing 3: adhesive, 2½-inch deck screws, and four washer-backed 5/16×2½-inch lags; use the specified ¼-inch pilots, 2½ inches deep.
Fit the floor and drainage liner
Arrange K/L/M slats on the rails as drawn and adhere them. Staple in the liner; slit it over floor gaps so water drains. The illustration shows the floor before lining.
Finish and allow curing
Apply an appropriate exterior finish following its label. Allow finish and adhesives to cure before use.
Inspect before filling
Check four-foot stability, all joints, and floor support. After adhesives and finish cure, add suitable container growing mix and water gently. Stop for rocking, splitting, sagging or blocked drainage. Do not move it full.
Four feet stable; joints secure; floor supported; drainage open; no splitting, sagging or movement during filling.
Tips
Fit caps to the assembly
Check the assembled frame before cutting the cap pieces.
Check the actual labels
Use material and fastener instructions for compatibility, curing and intended use.
Keep inspection simple
Recheck feet, rails and joints periodically. Empty the planter before moving or repairing it.