DIY Raised Planter Box – A Step-by-Step Building Guide

In the magical flavour that is Leap, you may detect yourself wanting an opportunity to either develop or showcase a greenish pollex. Whether you live in wide open spaces or in a tiny urban apartment with a small balcony, one style to fit in a fleck of growing greenery is to build a cute, functional, and fully DIY raised planter box.

What Grows Best in a Raised DIY Planter Box?

A DIY raised planter box tin be an amazing addition to your garden. Besides merely flowers for decoration, they tin can also be used to hold well-nigh anything you can grow in a garden, including spices, fruits, and vegetables.

Some plants practice better in planters than others, however, and beneath are a list of the plants that do the best when grown in a planter.

Foods That Do Best in a Planter:

Basil
Green Beans
Peas
Radishes
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Peppers
Parsley

Flowers That Do Best in a Planter:

Begonia
Celosia
Geraniums
Impatiens
Coleus
Marigolds
Petunia
Salvia
Creeping Phlox
Zinnia

What Kind of Wood Should I Use for a DIY Raised Planter Box?

When it comes to creating your DIY raised planter box, yous will want to make sure that you build information technology out of quality woods. This is considering your planter will likely be spending nigh of its time outside, and it needs to be somewhat resistant to things like insects and the elements.

Additionally, yous need to consider the type of forest you lot build your planter box out of too, every bit this will dictate how sturdy your planter box is, and ultimately, how long it will last. For all-time results yous will want to apply one of the following types of woods to build your planter box.

Cedar
Oak
Redwood

You can also utilise pine to create a DIY raised planter box, but pine should only be used for planters that will be placed indoors.

How Deep Should a Raised Planter Box Be?

Before yous start edifice, you need to accept a programme of how deep your raised planter box will be. Unlike plants will require dissimilar depths of soil in order to grow.

More often than not, most plants will flourish in 6 to 8 inches of soil. There are a few exceptions to this however. Cabbage, for instance, requires at to the lowest degree 10 inches of soil to flourish.

The most difficult plants to grow in a planter are carrots, tomatoes, and peppers, because they need a planter of at least 12 inches to flourish. Non only that, but they also need to exist properly spaced to allow them room to grow. Flowers with big bulbs need a soil depth of at least xiv inches.

So prior to heading to the store to go construction supplies, accept the time to make a listing of all the plants you would like to grow in your planter, and double check the soil depth you demand. This volition permit y'all know how deep to make your planter box.

Why is Soil Depth Important?

The whole reason yous are building a planter is to grow some beautiful flowers and tasty veggies. If the soil in your planter is not deep enough, the plants will be unable to grow proper roots and will not flourish. Improper soil depth will leave y'all with underperforming plants or seeds that don't sprout at all.

How Practise I Know If My Plants Are Cramped?

Do you think that there might be too many plants in your DIY planter? Or perhaps your plants don't have sufficient root infinite in your raised planter box? The number one way to know if your found is experiencing cramped roots is if it starts to accept chronically yellowing leaves, and leaves that are besides small for the constitute.

Y'all may also notice that your plant isn't growing every bit prolifically as information technology did before, and that information technology is wilting.

What Do You Put in the Lesser of a Planter Box?

When a raised planter box is on the alpine or deep side, you lot may demand to put some items in the bottom to get information technology at the right height to found your plants. You accept many options of what you can fill your planter with. Some ideas include:

Crushed Aluminum Cans
Plastic Milk Jugs
Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic Soda Bottles
Empty Potting Soil Numberless
Plastic Garden Liner
Rocks
Pieces of Cement

How to Build a Raised Planter Box for Your Garden

Whether you want a bloom box, an herb garden, or even a place to grow and harvest your very own vegetables, this DIY project allows you lot to do it – and as a raised box plan, it won't impale your back to plant (and/or encourages the kids to garden alongside you lot).

A DIY raised planter box is ideal for anyone who is short of space in their garden or doesn't have the space to plant annihilation on the footing. You could even add together this to a big balcony in an flat. If you do accept a larger garden, consider making multiple raised planter boxes by repeating our guide here today.

DIY Raised Flower Box Project for Backyard

DIY Level: Intermediate

Materials you'll need to build the Raised Planter Box:

I (1) 12' 4×iv redwood postal service (or four posts cut to 3' lengths)
Two (ii) 4' 1×eight cedar planks
Ii (2) 2' 1×8 cedar planks
Six (6) 2' 1×4 cedar planks
ii' wide 1/four″ grid hardware cloth (aka wire mesh)
24 (or more than) one-five/8" exterior screws
16 3/8" ten 2" long hex screws and washers
Staple gun, ratchet, sander/sandpaper, exterior woods stain
Landscape fabric (aka weed barrier)
Potting mix or soil + seeds/plants

Equipment Needed:

Chemical compound miter saw (aka "chop saw")
Power drill

How to build the Raised Planter Box: DIY pace by pace project for beginners

Stride i: Measure the woods mail

Begin by measuring your 4×4 mail service into iv equal lengths (if yous oasis't done this already).

Step 2: Cutting the woods

Apply your miter saw to cutting the post into four equal 3' lengths. Repeat the procedure with your other pieces of wood so that you terminate up with two four' lengths of 1×8, two 2' lengths of 1×8, and half dozen 2' lengths of 1×4.

Information technology probably goes without saying, simply remove any type of staple or alien material on the ends of your wood pieces. You want your woods to be in the best condition possible at this indicate in the process, to create the perfect raised planter box for your garden.

Stride 3: Angle cut

If your miter saw cuts angles, you're in luck. Simply measure and marking one" lines from what volition exist the top ends of each of your 4×four posts. Ready your miter saw at a 45" angle, and make four cuts to each post, rotating the mail 90 degrees (to a new side) after each cut.

This adds a overnice finishing touch on to the post-tops, which will be visible with this raised planter box plan design.

If your miter saw doesn't rotate vertically for angle cutting, that's okay. Measure 1" in from the sides of your post, right along the top border.

Set your miter saw horizontally to cut 45 degrees, and then line up the 1" points with the saw and brand your cuts. Do ii opposite sides kickoff, then rotate your mail 90 degrees. Match your saw blade to the outer cut points, and cut the other 2 reverse angles.

Repeat the process described above to complete cut the tops of all four posts.

Step 4: Measure and Mark the Posts

Lay your 4×4 posts downwards and measure 31" from the bottom of each mail service on just ii adjoining sides.

Mark on both sides of the measuring tape for each side.

Marking on both sides of the measuring tape gives y'all two points of reference for levelness. What y'all're marker is the point at which the top of your 1×8 side boards will be attached.

On your two 4' long i×viii boards, you're going to mark two points; these are for the hex screws to attach the side boards to the iv×4 posts. Measure out ane-3/four" in from the sides of your i×8 boards, and 1-3/iv" in from the top/lesser of the boards.

Step four: Drilling

Pace 5: Drilling

Make an "X" to mark the precise points yous'll be predrilling for the hex screws.

Line upwardly the peak edge of the 1×8 lath with the 31" mark that you made on one of your posts. Employ a drill bit of your selection (example uses a one/4″ scrap) and predrill the holes.

Identify a washer then hex screw into each predrilled pigsty.

Tighten up the hex screws with a ratchet until they're pretty tight. Don't overtighten that the cedar board splits, however. That'due south counterproductive. The final thing you want is to ruin your precious work at this indicate, or you'll exist back to foursquare ane. Have your fourth dimension throughout the process and don't rush any phase to ensure you lot create a high-quality DIY raised planter box.

ane-iii/4" is a nice measurement here considering a 4×4 postal service really measures in at 3-1/two", then that makes the hex screws perfectly centered on the mail.

Step 6: Attach the Boards

In one case both iv' long 1×8 boards are attached to the posts, it's time to attach the two 2' long 1×eight boards. The hex screws that attach these ii 1x8s shouldn't hit the other hex screws. Yous can make certain of this by holding up a 2' lath side by side to the post, and belongings up the hex screw as well.

Although you want these next eight hex screws

Although yous want these next eight hex screws centered on the posts, yous won't be measuring in 1-3/4" from the sides of your boards because you accept to factor in the three/4″ width of the four' board that's already attached to the post.

So your side markings for your ii' long 1×8 cedar boards will be 1-iii/4" from the pinnacle/bottom of your board (same as the 4' lengths) only 2-1/2" in from the sides. (2-one/2" = ane-3/4" [post middle] + 3/4″ [other 1×8 actual width])

Again, marker your drilling points with an "X." Ensure these are accurately measured on either side for all-time results.

Footstep 7: Predrill the Lath

Predrill only through the board at this point (every bit opposed to predrilling through the lath and post together). Although these holes are further from the ends of the two' boards than the holes for the 4' lengths, information technology is still highly recommended to predrill. Cedar is decumbent to splitting, and this actress step doesn't take much time but adds a lot of precision and protection from lath carve up.

Step 8: Attach the Boards to the Posts

When your 2' boards have been predrilled, have a helper hold upward the 4' lath attached to the posts. Align one cease of a 2' board with your 31" height line (or with the 4' board if you prefer; hopefully the alignments are one and the same), and drill a bit into the 4×4 post through the top predrilled hole.

Attach the washer and hex spiral into this predrilled pigsty with a ratchet. Repeat for the other top pigsty, on the contrary side of this ii' board.

At this betoken, you lot should have the top two hex screws holding the 2' board in place while also connecting the posts into a three-sided structure.

Footstep 9: Echo the Process on the Other Board

Measure, then predrill the four holes on your other 2' long i×viii board. You can use the structure as a sort of saw horse, if you'd similar. Merely take care not to drill into any forest that'south already in use or fastened.

Repeat the procedure, on this second ii' board, of attaching just the elevation two hex screws. This stabilizes the structure, making it much easier to install all the lesser hex screws onto a solid construction with the boards accurately in place.

Predrill the posts for the lesser holes on your 2' boards, and so install the lesser four hex screws (ii per board).

Step x: Flip Your Planter Box Over

Measure the width of your planter box; it should be 2' broad. Carefully flip your planter box over so it'due south resting on its post-tops.

Step 11: Set the Hardware Cloth

Take your one/4″ hardware textile (aka "wire mesh") and get it prepare to unroll.

Wear gloves when working with this stuff. It'southward safer, easier, and more efficient. While you lot may be tempted to skip wearing gloves, you'll want to protect your easily when cutting this fabric every bit information technology can hands scratch or injure you lot.

Let for at to the lowest degree 7" of additional length from the inside side of your 4×four posts, and so unroll the hardware textile until it reaches the other ii 4×4 posts. Unroll at least 7" more, so mark your cutting spot. Use wire cutters (aka "tin snips") to cut the hardware cloth.

Step 12: Secure the Hardware Fabric

Throw a few staples from your staple gun to attach your hardware cloth to what will be the lesser edge of your 4' long 1×8 sides. Only staple near the centre of the planter box at this bespeak, merely enough to concord the hardware cloth in place while you work out the corners.

Run your extra hardware cloth up one of the 4×4 posts to determine where you should cut to piece of work around the post.

Brainstorm with a short snip in from the side, upward to the corner of your post.

Step 13: Stop Off Installing the Hardware Cloth

Next, snip from the finish of the hardware textile along the corner of your mail down until you reach the aforementioned horizontal bespeak every bit your first snip (which should exist even with what will be the bottom border of your ane×8 board).

Repeat for the other postal service on this end of the planter box so that you tin can flatten the inner part of the hardware cloth, between the two posts.

Carefully fold the newly cut corner "flap" downward along the mail service, into the inner portion of your planter box.

Curve the thin portion of the flap and so that it touches the side board.

Once the flap is folded and in identify on the inside of your planter box, staple the edges of your hardware cloth all the mode upward to the 4×4 post. Repeat for the other flap on this side of your box.

With your hardware cloth stapled into identify, you can more easily work with the inner portion, between the two posts. Fold it then it volition tuck upwards within the planter box.

Push the hardware cloth down so the fold is even with what will be the lesser edge of your raised planter box.

Footstep fourteen: Echo the Steps on the Other End

This is what your box will look like at this betoken. Repeat all these steps for the other end of your box, so that you lot can flip your box back to upright and go along working on information technology that way.

Considering yous don't want massive amounts of extra hardware cloth poking out of your box, to rust, snag, or crusade hurt, it'due south time to trim. We'll beginning with the kickoff folded flaps near the box postal service. Y'all simply need to go along enough to staple deeply, about two".

Step 15: Trim the Flaps on All Iv Posts

Trim the flap to almost two" loftier, and throw the remainder away. Repeat for the flaps on all iv posts.

Staple what'south left of the flaps securely to the posts or planter side boards.

If the ends of your hardware material are short enough (annihilation shorter than 4" is probably fine), go ahead and staple it to the 1×viii finish boards.

If the ends of your hardware cloth are longer than you want, information technology might be easier (and less sharp) to only fold them over and staple them. Nosotros establish it easiest to carefully tip the planter on its side to do this.

Fold the ends of the hardware material over and then that the ends are sandwiched between the rest of the hardware cloth and the side board. Staple in place.

Step sixteen: Installing the Cedar Boards for Support

When the hardware fabric is completely secured and in identify, information technology'south time to support it with some 1×4 cedar boards. Flip your planter box over to residual on its post-tops. Lay out your 6 1×4 boards evenly.

Predrill each 1×4 support lath every bit information technology rests in identify on the bottom of the 1x8s. The hardware material will be sandwiched betwixt these two boards.

Grab some exterior screws. We had 1-5/8" handy then used those, but anything over 1-1/4" would probably exist fine.

Screw in your screws to the predrilled holes.

Footstep 17: Sand Down Any Rough Spots

Sand any obvious rough spots, such as the ends of your 1×4 boards.

If y'all want to sand the post-tops (which is recommended), information technology might piece of work well to utilise an older flake of sandpaper, so you smoothen the forest just don't have off too much of your cuts.

Lightly sand all other edges and corners and surfaces every bit you want.

Congratulations! It'southward congenital! The hard part is definitely over. Withal, there are a few more steps to become in our DIY raised planter box, and and then your piece of work will be completed.

Step eighteen: Treat the Wood

Although you've (hopefully) used outdoor-friendly wood, similar cedar and fir, y'all'll nonetheless practice well to care for the woods to withstand the elements and last longer. We used Australian timber oil in Mahogany Flame to stain and protect this planter box. Let information technology dry, so move information technology to the identify in your thou, balcony, or deck that you lot program on using the raised planter box.

Step 19: Add Breathable Mural Material

Cut, fold, and staple breathable mural cloth (aka "weed bulwark") to the inside of your planter box. Make sure you fit this well to avoid any weeds from growing and damaging the plants you lot program to add to your raised planter box.

Although this pace (calculation landscape cloth) is optional, doing then will assistance to keep your soil in the box while assuasive excess moisture out of the box.

Pace twenty: Add Potting Mix or Soil

Grab a big handbag of potting mix or soil of your choice.

Fill your planter box about two/3 full. Make sure you distribute the soil evenly throughout the raised planter box, and then in that location are no gaps or thinner areas.

Step 21: The Terminal Step – Add Flowers, Herbs, or Plants to Your Raised Planter Box

At this point, the raised planter box is yours to exercise with what y'all want. Throw some vegetable seeds in there, establish a few flowers, section out some herb plots, whatever. Equally for our raised planter box, it was to be a blossom box shared by two of our young daughters, who wanted their spaces divided and designated with rocks they had painted during the "boring" part of the construction.

They chose a diversity of flowers to incorporate – marigolds, petunias, pansies, geraniums, zinnias – and placed them lovingly and carefully. The raised planter box design is fantastic for this!

The great thing about a raised planter box is that yous tin easily move it around your garden or add information technology to a balcony or patio if y'all are short on infinite. If you find that your plants aren't getting enough sunlight in their current location later a curt while, merely move information technology elsewhere in your garden. Some people like to focus on seasonal flowers, and a few times a twelvemonth they'll completely redesign the raised planter box to keep up with the current season.

When all is said and done, it might look a hodge-podge this twelvemonth, only the raised flower planter box is a pride and joy to all members of our family. Information technology's the perfect style to teach your kids nearly gardening and looking later plants, and they'll love checking on the progress of their work during the upcoming weeks and months.

We love how it brightens up a currently colorless corner of our yard. Of course, y'all could opt for even brighter blooms in your DIY raised planter box, which will presently brand it a focal point in your garden.

The box is tucked away between a backyard shed and some raspberry bushes. The mahogany flame hue looks fresh and bright in this setting.

Next, we volition run a baste hose discreetly upwardly into the box so the flowers have an actual shot at life. Otherwise, well-intentioned equally nosotros all are effectually here, relying on manual watering methods, in that location's really no promise for flora survival.

This is a wonderful addition to a backyard, a front yard, a side yard, or even a deck or balcony. The raised planter box design is like shooting fish in a barrel on one'south back and only different plenty from other flower beds or herb or vegetable gardens that it'south heart-catching and a care for to look at. We remember this is a wonderful projection for the whole family to be involved in, and kids will love having their own section of your new raised planter box to look after by themselves. While information technology may look like there were a lot of steps involved, yous'll exist pleased with how quickly everything comes together in your new DIY raised planter box this year. We promise you enjoy making your ain and growing the things you love.

FAQs

Do Planter Boxes Demand to Be Lined?

If your planter is fabricated of wood or metallic, y'all will demand to line it. You tin can line a planter box with plastic garden liner or concrete.

Should I Put Rocks in the Lesser of a DIY Raised Planter Box?

It is suggested that you have a layer of rocks at the lesser of your planter to keep h2o from leaking out. You need at least one stone at the bottom of your planter to block the drain pigsty and keep the soil in the planter.

How Do I Proceed a Wooden Planter From Rotting?

You can go along a wooden planter from rotting by lining the planter with plastic. This keeps water and fungus from coming into contact with the wood. You can also treat your wood to lengthen its life.

Do All Raised Planter Boxes Need Drainage Holes?

While most plants exercise need drainage holes to stay healthy, it is non required for all planters to accept drainage holes. If you are in dubiety whether or non your institute needs drainage holes, it'south e'er better to just make some than adventure going without.

Tin can I Employ Activated Charcoal in a DIY Raised Planter Box?

Yeah! Activated charcoal is great for plant wellness. It helps to enrich the soil and rids of its impurities.

Is it Cheaper to Build Your Own Raised Planter Box?

Purchasing a planter box tin can oftentimes be an expensive endeavor. This is particularly true when you are looking for a larger planter, or one to fill a specific space. For this reason it is typically much cheaper to build your own planter box.

Is It Like shooting fish in a barrel to Build a Raised Planter Box?

Building a planter box, while not easy, is actually not that difficult. Those who are experienced in cut forest will find that the project takes them less than an hour.

Raised Planter Box: Final Thoughts

As you tin can see, a DIY raised planter box is an amazing addition to your home. Not only can it grow almost any constitute yous tin can think of, but the fact that you are edifice it yourself ways that it will fit in perfectly into the aesthetic of your backyard.

Building a DIY raised planter box isn't difficult, so there'due south no reason to hesitate. Head over to your local hardware shop and commencement building your DIY planter today so you tin can have the garden of your dreams

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