This step by step woodworking project is about wooden planter box made from 2x4s plans. I have designed this square planter box so you can build it with stock 2x4s. In addition, the best part of this design is that you can customize it to suit your needs. If you like the easy to follow design, this project shouldn’t take more than one weekend to make. See my other DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Planter Box – Video
Made from this plan
Planter Box made from 2x4s Plans
Materials
- A – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20″ long, 10 pieces – 18″ long SLATS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 17″ long, 4 pieces – 20 1/2″ long BRACES
- C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14″ long, 4 pieces – 14 1/2″ long BOTTOM
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/2″ long TRIMS
- 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 3 1/2″ screws
- stain
- wood filler , wood glue
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Weekend
How to build a square planter box from 2x4s
The first step of the project is to build the sides for the square planter box. Lay the vertical slats on a level surface and leave no gaps between them. Align the edges with attention and then attach the 2×4 braces, as shown in the diagram. Leave 1 1/2″ overhangs on both sides of the braces. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the braces to the slats.
Next, assemble the other sides for the planter box. Use the same techniques described above to assemble the panels.
The next step of the project is to assemble the planter box. Align the edges with attention and make sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes through the green braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular ones. In addition, lock the adjacent slats together tightly with 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the slats for a professional result.
Fit the 2×4 cleats to the interior of the planter box, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the cleats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
Fit the 2×4 slats to the interior of the planter box to create the bottom. Leave no gaps between the slats and secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.
Use 2×4 lumber for the top trims. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the trims and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the trims and fill the holes with wood putty.
Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the planter box and to protect the components from decay. Add hooks and other accessories to the workbench to make the most of it.
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3 comments
Plans are wrong you need 10 pieces 18” long not 4! 3 on each of 2 sides and 2 on other 2 sides so that’s 10! Not 4
The plans are ok, the cut list was wrong. I’ve updated it. Thank you for letting me know.
I’m seriously thinking about making this planter it looks really nice. Do you think a quart of stain would be adequate or should I get more? I’m also looking to use pocket holes as much as possible to tie this all together. Do you think that would work well?