Cedar Planter Box
A weather-resistant planter with drainage slots and feet that lift it off the deck. Cedar resists rot without chemical treatment.
Difficulty Beginner Category Outdoor Time 100 min Cost $30 Primary wood Cedar
01Materials
- 1×6 cedar, 12 ft
- 2×2 cedar, 6 ft (feet)
- 1-5/8 in exterior screws
- Landscape fabric
- Exterior wood glue
02Cut List
| # | Part | Dimension | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 4 × 1×6 | 24 in | long sides |
| 02 | 4 × 1×6 | 10.5 in | short sides |
| 03 | 3 × 1×6 | 21 in | floor boards (spaced for drainage) |
| 04 | 2 × 2×2 | 12 in | feet |
03Tools
- Circular saw
- Drill/driver
- Speed square
- Tape measure
- Clamps
04Build Steps
- Cut the sides and floor. Cut the long and short side boards plus three floor boards. The floor boards sit on cleats with gaps between them.
- Build the four walls. Screw two long and two short boards into a square, staggering the corner joints.
- Add the floor. Screw the floor boards across the bottom with 1/4 in gaps, then line the inside with landscape fabric.
- Attach the feet. Fasten the 2×2 feet to the bottom corners to keep the box off wet ground.
- Finish. Sand edges and leave cedar natural or seal with a non-toxic exterior finish.
Safety First
- Drill drainage gaps before filling; standing water rots the floor.
- Support long boards when cutting so they do not bind the blade.
05Pro Tips
- Leave a 1/4 in gap between floor boards for drainage.
- Pre-drill cedar to prevent splitting at the ends.
