The Alicia Planter Box Plans

Build an Awesome Addition to the Garden

I love this planter box – tall, wide, and with plenty of room for potted plants on the slatted shelf! The Alicia Planter Box plans can be constructed out of cedar or pressure treated lumber (which can be painted after it has plenty of time to dry!). The box can also be constructed out of regular pine provided the planter box is placed in a covered area and the inside is lined with plastic to keep the untreated wood from rotting.

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (rated for outdoor use) (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 2″ screws (rated for outdoor use)
• 1/4″ wire mesh or “hardware cloth”
• Heavy duty staples
• Weed barrier cloth
• Wood glue (rated for outdoor use)
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×2 at 8′
• 3 – 1×3 at 8′
• 2 – 1×6 at 6′
• 3 – 3×3 posts at 6’*

* 3×3 posts can be created by laminating (gluing them together at the faces, then securing with screws) two 2x4s together, then ripping to the dimensions on the table saw.

Cut List:

• 4 – 3×3 posts at 32″ – Legs
• 2 – 1×6 at 28″ – Top Frame Sides
• 2 – 1×2 at 30-1/2″ – Lower Slat Supports
• 2 – 1×6 at 19″ – Top Frame Ends
• 11 – 1×3 at 19″ – Slats
• 2 – 1×2 at 19″ – Top Trim
• 2 – 1×2 at 28″ – Top Trim

Click on the drawings to enlarge them!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the posts. The decorative edges can be cut in the top by cutting a 45° bevel in each of the four faces, leaving a 1″ square at the top. (See this post on cutting decorative tops on wood posts for a detailed how-to!)

Cut the pieces for the top frame sides and lower slat supports. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces. Secure to the legs – The inside faces with be flush with each other – using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

The lower slat supports will overlap the legs by 1-1/4″ on each side. Secure to the legs using glue and 2″ countersunk screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the top frame ends and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the slats. The slats will be spaced approximately 1/4″ apart. Secure to the supports using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the trim. Align the edge of the trim pieces so they are flush with the inside face of the top frame. Secure to the top frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the mesh 4″ longer and wider than the bottom opening of the frame. Cut a 2″ square out of each corner and fold the sides of the mesh to form a “box”. Secure to the inside of the frame with heavy duty staples. The bottom of the mesh will be flush with the bottom of the frame.

Finish as desired. Line the inside of the planter box with weed cloth to keep the soil from falling through the mesh.

The planter box would be a great addition to a porch, by the front door. It would look equally awesome on a deck or in an existing flower bed! Have any questions about the Alicia Planter Box plans? Let me know at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-04-16 08:00:28.