How to Build a Column Planter

Cut four treated pine base boards with the hand saw with the measurements of 1½ inches in height, 2½ inches in width, and 12 5/8 inches in length. Measure and cut four treated pine top braces ¾ inch in height, 1¾ inch in width and 24¾ inches long. Use the treated pine to make four uprights measuring 1¾-inch in height, 1¾-inch in width and 24 3/8 inches in length. Take the western red cedar and cut 24 slats measuring ½ inch in height, 3½ inches in width and 25¾ inches in length to fit the sides and top of the planter.

Position two of the pine base boards horizontally and crisscross with the remaining two base boards. Leave at least two inches of space for the uprights at all four corners of the base board frame. Drill two pilot holes 1/8-inch at the ends of the crisscrossed pine base boards. Glue the two base boards to the bottom horizontal pine boards. Use the two-inch galvanized screws to secure the two crisscrossed boards to the horizontal boards.

Mark a 3/16-inch line at both ends of the uprights. Draw an angled line with the pencil to create beveled ends. Cut the angled ends with the handsaw. Make two 1/8-inch pilot holes in each corner at the bottom of the uprights. Use two-inch galvanized screws to fasten the uprights to the base boards forming an outward flair.

Set the circular saw at 45-degrees and cut the ends of the top braces. Attach the top braces to the uprights using the two-inch screws. Measure one side of the planter’s frame, both top and bottom. Use these measurements to trim five cedar slats for each side of the planter. Cut the slats with the circular saw still set at 45-degrees.

Place the slates on the planter’s frame. Leave a 3/16-inch space between each slat. Use the drill to make two 1/8-inch pilot holes at each slat end. Secure each slat with wood glue and two one-inch galvanized screws on each end. Take the circular saw and cut the top slats at a 45-degree angle. Attach the slats with one-inch screws.