How to build a deck planter

This step by step diy article is about how to build a deck planter. Building a deck cabinet is a great opportunity to use your creativity, while enhancing the look of your backyard. As you can see in the woodworking project, an amateur handyman with basic woodworking skills could get the job done in just one day, provided the right plans and techniques are used. Buy the right materials for the job, making sure the lumber is designed for outdoor use, such as: redwood, cedar, pine or pressure treated.

Generally speaking, there are many designs and shapes you could choose from, therefore you have to select the plans that fit you needs and tastes best. If you want just a basic planter, you could build it in several hours, but you should consider building a beautiful deck cabinet with a planter. In this manner, you will keep the expenditures under control, while benefiting from the storage space provided by the cabinet. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a deck planter, you need the following:

Materials

2×2 lumber – FRAME
2×4 lumber – SLATS
1×2 lumber – DOOR FRAME
1×4 lumber – TRIM
2-3” screws – DECKING SCREWS
Hinges

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jig saw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router and 1/4 bit

Tips

Smooth the edges of the wooden boards, with a router
Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Countersink the head of the screws
Align the components before locking them into place
Don’t use lumber that is likely to crack or shrink
Don’t over-tighten the screws to prevent the wood from splitting

Time

One day

Building a deck cabinet with planter

Building the frame of the planter

The first step of this project is to build the frame of the deck planter, using 2×2 lumber. Cut the wooden components at the right size and join them together in a professional manner. In order to get the job done properly, drill several pilot holes before inserting the 3” screws.

Smart Tip: Use a framing square along each corner, to make sure they are right-angled. This aspect is essential for the final look of your project.

Installing the slats

Next, cut the 2×4 or 2×6 slats at the right size and attach them into place, by using decking screws. Pre-drill several holes at both ends of the boards, before driving in the galvanized screws, otherwise the wood might split.

Work with attention and take your time when cutting the boards, in order to build a deck planter with a neat look. Use a circular saw to cut the slats accurately and sand the edges with a sand block.

Attaching the sides of the deck planter

As you can see in the image, you have to build another shelf and to place it in the middle of the deck planter. In addition, place a 2×2 frame at the top of the cabinet, in order to increase the rigidity of the construction.

Align the 2×6 wooden slats properly, before locking them into place with decking screws. In addition, don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws, as to obtain a neat appearance.

Front face of the planter

Afterwards, build the front face of the planter and attach it into place. As you can see in the image, you have to leave enough space for the door of the cabinet. Align the slats with great care and attention, making sure the front face is plumb and properly secured.

Place a small piece of 2×4 lumber at the bottom of the planter, in order to hide the edges of the frame and of the slats. Insert several decking screws or finishing nails, to lock the components into place.

Installing the deck planter door

Next, you have to build the front door of the cabinet and and install it into place, with several metal hinges. Cut the 2×6 slats at the right size, by using a circular saw, and smooth the edges with a sander and 120-grit sandpaper.

Smart Tip: Build a rigid frame for the door, by using 1×2 lumber. Join the components together and drive in 1 1/2 screws trough the frame of the door in the slats.

How to build a deck planter

After you get the job done, you should install the top trim of the cabinet (1×4 lumber), and secure it into place with several finishing nails. Fill the gaps and the holes with wood putty and let the compound dry out for several hours.

Smart Tip: Sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper and round the edges with a router. Apply several coats of wood stain, to protect the deck cabinet from decay and water damage.

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a deck planter and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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