Plans for a Cedar Planter

Patio planters typically are short or long rectangular shapes, while planters for indoor use normally take on a square shape. Decide whether you want to create a formal- or informal-style planter. A formal style can be created by using knot-free cedar and cutting it on a table saw. A rustic style, on the other, hand is created by using knotty cedar and cutting it on a jigsaw. Regardless of the type of planter, be sure to apply a protective finish before planting the planter.

Measuring tape
Plastic tub, optional
Goggles
Cedar planks
Table saw or jigsaw
Hammer
Wood nails
Deck screws
Drill with 1/16-inch drill bit
Screws
Scrap wood for frame
Scrap wood for wood cleat
Band clamp with wooden wedges
Wood glue
Nail set
Sand paper or planer
Wood putty
Exterior finish such as shellac

Instructions

- 1
  
  A plastic pot can become a simple liner for a cedar planter.
  
  Select the size of the planter based on a free-form style where the planter will be directly filled with soil. Or measure the plastic tub that will be the planter liner to get the dimensions for the wood.
- 2
  
  Larger planters look better if planks are vertical, while smaller planters look more robust with horizontal planks.
  
  Style the planter so that the planks are aligned either horizontally or vertically.
- 3
  
  A table saw gives a formal edge to the wood, while a jigsaw creates a rustic edge.
  
  Cut the planks into the appropriate lengths with a table saw or jigsaw. Taper one edge of each corner piece with a table saw.
- 4
  
  Make sure to measure the wood cleats before nailing to the planks.
  
  Build a frame that will hold the pieces of one side in place. Lay end pieces in frame and place 1/8-inch separators between remaining planks. Create a wood cleat that is 3/4 inch shorter on each end. Place on each end to hold the plank together, and secure with wood screws. Repeat for all remaining panels.
- 5
  
  Thin wedges can be made from scrap wood lying around the wood shop.
  
  Stand up all panels and hold upright using a band clamp. with thin wedges placed in front of each panel. These wedges will help hold the panels in place. Secure the sides together by screwing deck screws into the upper corners of the planter.
- 6
  
  A household drill is all that is needed for drilling the pilot holes.
  
  Drill several 1/16-inch pilot holes along each corner of the planter. Hammer the nails in, but do not go all the way through to the next panel.
- 7
  
  To create a smooth finish, push the nail flush with the wood surface using a nail set.
  
  Remove the band clamp, and take out the screws. Apply wood glue down each joint. Put the planter sides back together, reapply screws, and finish driving the nails through the planter sides. Finish the nails off by pushing them flush into the wood using a nail set.
- 8
  
  The bottom of the planter is secured using simple wood screws.
  
  Measure and cut planks to fit into the bottom of the planter. Secure with wood screws.
- 9
  
  Apply the wood putty with either a putty knife or the human finger.
  
  Fill in nail and screw holes with wood putty. Let dry and sand. Apply an exterior finish to the planter.

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