Free Plans: Build Robin’s Planter Boxes

Beautiful and Easy to Build Planter Boxes

I was really excited when my cousin (whom I idolized as a kid!) contacted me and asked me to draw up some planter boxes for her deck. I was actually looking for an idea to build a few for myself so I think I’ll copy her – just like when we were kids!! The free plans to build Robin’s planter boxes feature a tall, slatted planter with top and trim detail. The boxes would be fabulous in cedar or treated wood, and can be finished to match or contrast with any decor!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ screws for outdoor use or 1-1/2″ brad nails
• Spar varnish, if desired

Lumber:

Lumber is for ONE planter box –

• 2 – 1×2 at 8′
• 4 – 1×3 at 8′
• 8 – 1×6 at 8′
• 3/4″ plywood at 2′ x 2′

Cut list:

• 3 – 1×2 at 20-1/2″ – Base
• 2 – 1×2 at 22-1/2″ – Base
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 22-1/2″ x 23-1/2″ – Bottom
• 4 – 1×3 at 24″ – Narrower Panel Support
• 4 – 1×3 at 26-1/2″ – Wider Panel Support
• 10 – 1×6 (ripped to 4-1/2″ wide) at 35-1/4″ – Narrower Panel Planks
• 10 – 1×6 (ripped to 5″ wide) at 35-1/4″ – Wider Panel Planks
• 2 – 1×2 at 24″ – Lower Top Trim
• 2 – 1×2 at 26-1/2″ – Lower Top Trim
• 2 – 1×3 at 22-1/2″ – Upper Top Trim
• 2 – 1×3 at 28-1/2″ – Upper Top Trim

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Notes about the project:

Cedar or pressure treated pine can be used for this project. If using cedar, use treated pine plywood for the bottom.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the base and the bottom. Secure the 1×2 pieces to the bottom using countersunk 1-1/4″ screws or 1-1/4″ brad nails. Use a paddle bit or hole saw to drill a few drainage holes in the bottom.

 

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side panels. Rip the boards on the table saw, and secure the support pieces as shown. The supports will overlap the planks by 3/4″ on each end. Use countersunk 1-1/4″  screws or 1-1/4″ brad nails either from the outside through the support into the planks or on the inside through the planks into the supports.

Step Three

Attach the narrower panels to the bottom first, using countersunk 1-1/4″ screws or 1-1/4″ brad nails then attach the wider panels. Secure with countersunk screws or brad nails through the end planks into the side of the end planks on the narrower panels. Also, place a few screws or nails through the wider support into the narrower support.

 

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the lower trim. Secure to the panels using countersunk screws or brad nails. The top edge of the trim will be flush with the top edge of the panels.

 

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the upper trim. Secure to the panels using countersunk screws or brad nails. The upper trim will sit directly on the top edge of the lower trim and panels.

 

Finish if desired with spar varnish.

Have questions about the free plans to build Robin’s planter boxes? Leave a comment below!