Youll just needs some 2x4s and cedar fence pickets to build this raised planter with bottom shelf. Its easy to care for plants with the raised height and the bottom shelf adds storage.
This is a free project plan from Ana-White.com, with diagrams, shopping and cut list and lots of real, reader submitted photos.
What kind of wood should I use? Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. Its affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. Its also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!
Can I use hardwoods instead? Yes—just keep in mind theyre heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.
What if my boards are warped? Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.
What wood should I use for outdoor furniture? Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.
Will my wood move or warp after I build? Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber – its all about keeping moisture down indoors.
Do I need a miter saw? A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.
How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw? Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.
Will the store cut my wood? Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.
What screws should I use? We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2″, 1-3/4″. Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.
Do I have to use pocket holes? Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints – like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.
How do I keep things square? Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.
Stain or paint before or after building? A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if youre doing two-tone or detailed finishes.
What type of finish? Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that wont crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.
How to get a smooth finish? Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.
Can I change the size? Many people do, and thats the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.
Are these beginner-friendly? Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.
What tools do I really need? A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.
Do I need a workshop? Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.
What if I mess up? Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!
What can I do to make my projects look more professional? Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.
Ive never built anything before. Where should I start? Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if youre tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.
How long will my furniture last? With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.
How should I care for outdoor furniture? Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.
How about indoor furniture? Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.
Planter boxes are an excellent way to add greenery and beauty to any outdoor space. They allow you to grow plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetables in a contained area that is decorative as well as functional Fence picket planter boxes are especially charming with their rustic, natural wood look. The great news is that they are also very easy and inexpensive to build yourself! In this article, I will provide step-by-step instructions for crafting fence picket planter boxes using simple materials and basic DIY skills.
Why Build with Fence Pickets?
Fence pickets are an ideal material for DIY planter boxes Here are some of the benefits
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Cost-effective – Fence pickets are inexpensive and readily available. You can build planters for just $10-20 each.
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Weather-resistant – Cedar fence pickets are naturally rot-resistant without chemical treatment.
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Rustic aesthetic – The wood grain and varying widths of pickets create a charming, natural look.
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Lightweight – Fence pickets are lighter than typical lumber like 2x4s. Easy for moving and handling.
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Versatile size – Build small or large planters by adjusting picket quantity.
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Simple construction – No fancy tools needed! Just basic DIY skills and common equipment.
Choose Your Planter Box Plans
There are a few design options when crafting fence picket planters. Consider your skill level, space, and plant needs as you select the perfect plans for your project.
Basic Single Box
- Great starter planter project for beginners
- Approx. 20″ tall x 20″ wide x 20″ deep
- Uses just 3 cedar fence pickets and basic lumber
- Video tutorial available
Three-Box Set
- Create a cohesive look with a full set
- Repeat the simple single planter three times
- Arrange together on a patio or in a row
three fence picket planter boxes together
Long Rectangular Trough
- Provide more growing room for plants
- Approximately 5 feet long by 1 foot wide
- Use 6-8 pickets for each long side
Elevated Planter Stand
- Raises box off ground for easier access
- Add legs to basic planter with lumber
- Adjust height as desired
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your own fence picket planter box:
Gather Supplies
- Cedar fence pickets (3 for single box, more for larger sizes)
- 1×2 or 1×3 lumber boards
- Wood screws, nails, or staples
- Wood glue (optional)
- Saw – hand saw, miter saw, or circular saw
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Sandpaper (optional)
Cut Boards to Size
Refer to dimensions on chosen plans. Cut pickets and lumber to required lengths with your saw.
Assemble Side Walls
Attach pickets to lumber boards using wood screws, nails, or staples. Check plans for exact assembly order and placement.
Add Bottom
Cut lumber to fit inside walls. Attach with screws/nails to form bottom. Option to add lining for cleaner look.
Attach Remaining Sides
Complete box frame by securing remaining 1-2 side walls.
Add Trim (optional)
For a finished look, cut and attach trim pieces to top edges with wood glue and nails.
Sand Edges (optional)
Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on pickets or boards. Wipe away dust.
Apply Protective Finish (optional)
Stain, paint, or sealant can be applied for added weather protection and color if desired.
Add Soil and Plants
Line bottom with landscape fabric if desired, then fill your planter box with potting mix and your favorite flowers or veggies.
Design Inspiration
Beyond the basic square design, consider adding these creative touches:
- Fun colors – stain or paint the wood planters in bold hues
- Woven textures – weave strips of bamboo or rattan through picket gaps
- Tapered shape – angle sides outward slightly for unique shape
- Casters – add wheels to make planter portable
- Trellises – give climbing plants a place to grow on back
- Bench planter – attach a seating plank across bottom
The simple fence picket planter box is endlessly customizable to match your unique style. Build one or a collection to beautify your porch, patio, or garden with handcrafted DIY charm and natural materials.
Pin For Later! Dimensions
Planter is 32″ tall x 48″ wide x 24″ deep. Soil depth up to 11″
- 8 – 5-1/2″ wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (can be dogeared)
- 5 – 2×4 @ 8 feet long or stud length
- 2-1/2″ exterior rated self tapping star bit wood screws (about 50)
- 1-5/8″ exterior rated self tapping star bit wood screws (about 80)
- liner or landscaping fabric, may need staples to secure in place
Cut List
- 4 – 2×4 @ 30-1/2″ – legs
- 4 – 2×4 @ 21″ – end frame
- 4 – 2×4 @ 45″ – side frame
- 4 – cedar fence pickets @ 46-3/4″ – sides
- 10 – cedar fence pickets @ 21″ – ends and bottom shelf
- 6 – cedar fence pickets @ 20-3/8″ – inside bottom
Build two of the leg frames, using the longer screws to attach, two screws per joint
Attach the two leg sets together with the longer 2×4 boards.
Use the shorter screws to attach the long cedar fence pickets to the legs. If there is extra space, leave in the center – the fence pickets may expand with moisture, so an expansion gap is good.
Add the end pieces, screw at a slight angle to go into the 2×4 legs.
Attach the tops with the longer screws.
Add the shelf boards to the bottom shelf and attach with the shorter screws.
Repeat for the bottom of the planter.
Cover the inside of the planter with a landscaping fabric to contain soil. If the fabric liner is water tight, cut a few holes to allow water drainage. Project Type
What kind of wood should I use? Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. Its affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. Its also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!
Can I use hardwoods instead? Yes—just keep in mind theyre heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.
What if my boards are warped? Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.
What wood should I use for outdoor furniture? Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.
Will my wood move or warp after I build? Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber – its all about keeping moisture down indoors.
Do I need a miter saw? A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.
How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw? Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.
Will the store cut my wood? Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.
What screws should I use? We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2″, 1-3/4″. Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.
Do I have to use pocket holes? Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints – like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.
How do I keep things square? Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.
Stain or paint before or after building? A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if youre doing two-tone or detailed finishes.
What type of finish? Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that wont crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.
How to get a smooth finish? Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.
Can I change the size? Many people do, and thats the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.
Are these beginner-friendly? Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.
Can I sell what I build? Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.
What tools do I really need? A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.
Do I need a workshop? Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.
What if I mess up? Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!
What can I do to make my projects look more professional? Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.
Ive never built anything before. Where should I start? Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if youre tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.
How long will my furniture last? With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.
How should I care for outdoor furniture? Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.
How about indoor furniture? Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.
Want to Build with Confidence?
Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.
Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
The $8 Scalloped Picket Planter – Low Cost High Profit
FAQ
Can you build a fence picket planter box?
Constructing DIY planter boxes from basic fence pickets is a budget-friendly project that yields beautiful results. With simple tools and basic carpentry skills, you can create custom planters perfect for your space. This article provides step-by-step instructions to build your own fence picket planter box using easy-to-follow plans We’ll cover
How many pickets are in a planter box?
Cut four pickets into three sections each that measure: 36″, 18″, and 18″. Make sure that the “dog ear” end of the pickets are for the 18″ pieces. The 36″ pieces are for the front and back of the planter box. The 18″ pieces without the “dog ears” are for the ends of the planter box.
How do you attach fence pickets to a planter?
Add the fence picket panels to the sides of the planter first. Set the panels so they are 1/4″ below the top of the planter. Use wood glue and finish nails to secure them to the inside of the planter frame. Center 3 panels inside the front of the planter. Secure as above.
Are pickets good for planter boxes?
While the pickets are thinner than the traditional lumber that you would normally use to build planter boxes, they are sturdy and much less expensive. Each of the plans I reviewed had some good elements, but also a few negative ones. So I took the strengths of each plan and modified the weaknesses.
How much does it cost to build a planter box?
This is our easiest to build DIY planter box. It is made primarily with cedar fence pickets, so the cost is between $10 and $20 per planter. You’ll just need a few basic tools to construct. Free plans by Ana-White.com If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Can you use a picket on a cedar fence?
Cedar fence pickets are readily available at home improvement stores. They have a smooth finish on one side perfect for facing outward on your planter. Redwood and cedar also withstand wet soil without warping. For structural framing like legs or edging, use furring strips or 1×2 boards. Opt for cedar or pressure-treated pine to reduce rot.