How to Build a Successful Garden Box

Garden boxes, or planters, make eye-catching additions to virtually any patio or deck. Placed at corners, they can help define boundaries. When grouped together, they create the effect of a compact garden. They can also be moved around for added visual appeal. Build your own garden box and use a standard-size, plastic trash can liner to help protect the wood.

4 weather-resistant wood pieces such as oak, teak, redwood or cedar, 16 1/4-inch by 3/4-inch by 11 1/2-inch (for the sides)
4 pieces of wood, 14-inch by 2-inch by 3/4-inch (for the top)
1 piece of wood, 7 3/4-inch by 7 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch (for the bottom)
Finish nails
Miter box
Table saw
Wood glue
Screws (optional)
Square
Drill
Silicone sealer
Sandpaper
Paint (optional)
Polyurethane
Plastic trash can (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Set the miter gauge at 45 degrees to cut the miters for the 14-inch by 2-inch by 3/4-inch top pieces.
- 2
  Set the dado to "7/8 inch" on the table saw. Cut the bottom of each of the four top pieces of wood.
- 3
  Glue the four top pieces together. Nail or screw them together to provide extra strength. Use a square to ensure they fit together accurately. Allow the glue to dry completely. Clamp the pieces, if desired.
- 4
  Cut the bottom of the four side pieces at a 45-degree angle, just as you cut the top pieces. Hold the top and side pieces together to ensure they slide together. A little big of "wiggle" is OK, as you will secure them tightly.
- 5
  Glue and nail the four side pieces to the four top pieces of the garden box.
- 6
  Drill at least eight holes into the bottom piece for drainage.
- 7
  Turn the box upside down and nail the bottom piece into place.
- 8
  Caulk the joints with a silicone sealer.
- 9
  
  Plant flowers and trailing vinca in your garden box to add pizazz to your deck or patio.
  
  Sand the garden box. Decorate it with several coats of outdoor paint or clear polyurethane, if desired.
- 10
  Slide a plastic trash can liner inside the box, if desired.

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