A slatted cedar planter for balconies and patios. Finished size 25½ × 13½ × 12 in. About 2–3 hours for a first build, 5 boards to buy.
Quick facts
| Plan | PS-01, in The Garage Starter Collection |
| Level | 1 of 3 (Beginner) |
| Finished size | 25½ × 13½ × 12 in |
| First build | About 2–3 hours |
| Parts / boards / screws | 19 parts, 5 boards to buy, 54 screws |
| Wood | Cedar or exterior-grade pine |
Parts list
| Part | Name | Qty | Board | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Corner post | 4 | 2x2 | 12" |
| B | Long side slat | 4 | 1x6 | 24" |
| C | Short end slat | 4 | 1x6 | 12" |
| D | Floor board | 5 | 1x4 | 11 7/8" |
| E | Floor support cleat | 2 | 1x2 | 21" |
Lengths are finished lengths. Boards are listed by nominal size; see the actual lumber sizes. The plan also gives the shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram.
Materials and tools
Hardware
- Exterior wood screws #8 x 2 in x 32
- Exterior wood screws #8 x 1-1/4 in x 22
- Exterior sealer or oil (optional)
Tools
- Miter saw, circular saw or hand saw
- Drill/driver with a pilot-hole and countersink bit
- Tape measure, speed square and pencil
- Clamps (two or more)
- 80 and 120 grit sandpaper
What the plan includes
- Shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram, so you buy once
- Dimensioned drawings and an exploded view with lettered parts
- Step-by-step assembly, with a 3D view of every step
- Square Checks: the exact numbers to measure as you build
- Cut tags and a maker’s label to print
- A Letter edition to print and a Phone Edition to read in the garage
Before you build
- Wet soil is heavy. Put the planter where it will live before you fill it, and do not move it when full.
- Keep the 1/2" gaps between the floor boards: they let water drain and help the wood last.
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when cutting, and a dust mask when sanding.
- Always pre-drill before driving screws near the end of a board, to avoid splitting the wood.
- Clamp or firmly hold the workpiece before cutting and keep your hands out of the cut line.
- This plan has been modeled and cross-checked in 3D, but it has not yet been physically built and tested. Dry-fit the parts before you drive screws and use the Square Checks as you go.
Our plans are modeled and checked in 3D and have not yet been built and tested. Dry-fit before you drive screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Patio Planter Box take to build?
We estimate 2–3 hours for a first build.
How many boards do I need for the Patio Planter Box?
The shopping list in the plan is 5 boards, listed by length, with a cutting diagram.
What wood is the Patio Planter Box made from?
Cedar or exterior-grade pine.
What size is the Patio Planter Box?
The finished size is 25½ × 13½ × 12 in.
Get the Patio Planter Box plan
The Patio Planter Box is plan PS-01 in The Garage Starter Collection: 12 beginner plans, 4 guides and a Start Here guide. One payment of $27, instant download, 14-day money-back guarantee.
See the collectionNew to this? Try the free Box Ledge Shelf plan first, or read how to read a cut list.