Looking for an easy weekend project? Check out this simple planter box that you can make with just a miter saw and a finishing nail gun! This free plan includes a cut list and instructions for building your own beautiful DIY planter box. This is a great project for anyone new to power tools and looks beautiful on your front porch.

Watch my video to learn how to make an easy DIY planter box

What you'll need

(5) 1x4x8 pieces of treated lumber (I used MicroPro Sienna from Home Depot Canada)
(3) 2x2x8 pieces of treated lumber
30” of 1x2 scrap lumber (I used stakes from Home Depot)
wood glue
measuring tape
miter saw
finishing nail gun
2" brad nails

How to build the planter box

To begin, cut the lumber according to the cut list below using a miter saw.

Cut List

(20) 1x4 at 16” long
(4) 1x4 at 15” long (short side measurement) with 45 degree angled ends
(4) 2x2 at 20” long
(4) 2x2 at 16” long
(2) 2x2 at 12” long
(3) scrap wood at 15” long (for interior brace)

I'm using a 7.25" miter saw, which is a little small but it does the job! I have to cut the 45 degree angled end pieces twice, flipping my piece to cut all the way through.

Making the sides of the planter

Next, lay (5) 16” 1x4s together with their long sides butted up against eachother. Place one 16” 2x2 on top of the 1x4s on each side as shown above. Nail those in place with a brad nailer (finishing nail gun) and 2" brad nails. I'm putting about 9 nails on each side. Repeat to create two sides of the planter.

Creating the DIY planter box

Now, lay 5 more 16” 1x4s together and rest one of the finished side panels on top, butting it up to the edge. Nail in place. Repeat by adding the other finished side panel to the other side.

Next, lay the final 5 16” 1x4s together and place the 3 attached side panels on top. Nail in place.

Adding the legs

Now, add the 20” 2x2 leg pieces to each outside corner of the planter with wood glue and brad nails, ensuring the top edge is flush with the planter.

Making the platform in the planter box

Next, create a platform inside the planter a few inches from the bottom by nailing the 12” 2x2s to two sides inside the planter and nailing the 3 scrap wood pieces evenly spaced on top.

Adding the top trim

Finish the planter by attaching the 4 angled 15” long 1x4s to the top of the planter with brad nails. I find it works best to put these in place first, and ensure they're lined up nicely on top of the planter. Then, nail the corners of the trim to the planter first, and put a final nail through the corners horizontally to hold them together.

Adding strength to the planter

You can strengthen the planter by adding more nails to the ends of the 1x4s from the outside.

You can place a planter up to 14" in diameter inside these planter boxes. The ones I'm using here are 12" in diameter.

I made two of these DIY planter boxes, and I think they look so gorgeous on the back porch at our Little Lake House!

Tips and tricks

It's not usually necessary, but you can sand the ends of the lumber after it's cut for a smoother look
Adding wood glue to all the joins can add even more strength to the planter
These can also be made from cedar wood, reclaimed wood... try out different materials for a different look!

Printable instructions

DIY Planter Box with 2 tools

Yield: Makes one planter box

Active Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $40

Make a beautiful wooden planter box using two tools only. This is a great project for a beginner power tool user!

Materials

(5) 1x4x8 pieces of MicroPro Sienna treated lumber
(3) 2x2x8 pieces of MicroPro Sienna treated lumber
30” of 1x2 scrap lumber (I used stakes from Home Depot)
wood glue

Tools

miter saw
finishing nail gun
2" brad nails

Instructions

Begin by using a miter saw to cut all of the lumber according to this cut list:

(20) 1x4 at 16” long
(4) 1x4 at 15” long (short side measurement) with 45 degree angled ends
(4) 2x2 at 20” long
(4) 2x2 at 16” long
(2) 2x2 at 12” long
(3) scrap wood at 15” long (for interior brace)

Lay (5) 16” 1x4s together and place one 16” 2x2s on top & on each side. Nail those in place with a brad nailer. Repeat to create two sides of the planter.
Lay 5 more 16” 1x4s together and rest one of the finished side panels on top, butting it up to the edge. Nail in place. Repeat by adding the other finished side panel to the other side.
Lay the final 5 16” 1x4s together and place the 3 attached side panels on top, nail in place.
Add the 20” 2x2s to each outside corner of the planter with wood glue and brad nails, ensuring the top edge is flush with the planter.
Create a platform inside the planter a few inches from the bottom by nailing the 12” 2x2s to two sides inside the planter and nailing the 3 scrap wood pieces evenly spaced on top.
Finish the planter by attaching the 4 angled 15” long 1x4s to the top of the planter with brad nails.
You can strengthen the planter by adding more nails to the ends of the 1x4s from the outside.

So there you have it! A simple, step-by-step guide on how to build a DIY planter box using only 2 tools. I hope you’ll give this project a try – it’s really easy and fun, not to mention the end result is pretty impressive. If you do make one, be sure to let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram (@thediymommy). I can’t wait to see your creations!