Building a planter box on a deck is a great way to add some extra usable space, both for you and your plants. The trickiest part will be installing a drain system to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged or moldy. With proper planning and attention to detail, though, you can create a beautiful piece of furniture that will last for many years to come. A deck planter box is an item that makes gardening in areas where there’s no room for a full-scale garden much easier. When you build a box on your deck, you can grow whatever plants you like without worrying about taking up space in the yard or digging up the landscape around your house. Building a planter box on that deck gives you quick access to fresh food whenever you want it, and it’s something that can be done without hiring any contractors.
I love how my deck looks with plants lining the perimeter, but I don’t want to take up the limited floor space with planters. One of the best ways to maximize your deck space is by adding a DIY planter box on it. Building a DIY planter box is a simple project that even a beginner can tackle with confidence! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your very own planter box in no time:
Materials and designs may vary, but the assembly process is pretty much the same.
Materials and designs may vary, but the assembly process is pretty much the same. Some materials you may use include wood, metal or plastic. The design of your planter box can be either a DIY project or pre-made. Assembly involves cutting, drilling and assembling pieces together to create your planter box.
You will need to measure the space where you plan to install your planters before you purchase materials.
- You will need to measure the space where you plan to install your planters before you purchase materials.
- Measure the height, width and depth of the space.
- The dimensions of each planter box should be roughly equal with a total area that is slightly larger than one square foot (1 square meter).
Select a stain or other finish that will match your deck, or use an exterior, water-based paint to make your planters pop.
Stain and paint are the two most common finishes for planters, but there are other options available. For example, you could use a water-based paint or stain to make your planters pop. A finish like this will be good for waterproofing and protection from the elements, but it won’t be as lasting or durable as a traditional oil-based paint or stain.
Exterior paints and stains are typically made with synthetic resins, so they’re more resistant to UV damage than oil-based products. In addition to being easier to clean up if they get spilled on your deck (which is highly likely), exterior finishes also dry faster than their oil-based counterparts—so you can enjoy your beautiful new planters right away.
Whatever material you decide to use, be sure all ends are cut at 45-degree angles to prevent water from pooling in the corners.
Whatever material you decide to use, be sure all ends are cut at 45-degree angles to prevent water from pooling in the corners. A miter saw or circular saw is ideal for cutting the wood and PVC into pieces, but a jigsaw can also be used to cut out holes for drainage pipes and a handsaw works well for cutting PVC pipe.
Cut the pieces that will make up the planter box sides and drill pocket holes on the inside face of each piece.
- Using a jig saw, cut the sides of the planter box.
- Using a drill, drill pocket holes on the inside face of each side piece. I recommend using a Kreg Jig for this step and using 1-1/2” pocket hole screws to attach them together.
- Cut two pieces at 45 degrees in length (with one end measuring 22” long) and these will be used as support braces for attaching to bottom pieces later on in this project.
- Measure out each piece as you go along so that they fit properly together when they are attached with screws or glue later on in this project.
Place pocket hole screws into each pocket hole and then attach one side of the planter box to a bottom piece.
Now you’re ready to attach the sides to the bottom. You can do this by using pocket hole screws and wood glue, or if you prefer, use long screws that are long enough to go through both pieces of wood.
Drill pilot holes through each of the bottom pieces and into the sides of the planter box.
Drill pilot holes in each of the bottom pieces and into the sides of the planter box. This will prevent them from splitting when you screw them together, and it makes for a more secure structure that all your hard work isn’t going to be wasted on.
For added strength, you can use wood glue along with your screws.
For added strength, you can use wood glue along with your screws. This will also help seal any cracks and keep moisture out. If you’re using a wood glue that needs to be heated up and applied to the joint, use a hot glue gun or a glue stick. Make sure the surface of both pieces is clean before applying the adhesive to ensure that it adheres properly.
Use pocket hole screws and wood glue to attach another bottom piece to the other side of your planter box.
Use a pocket hole jig, or special screws and jig, to attach another bottom piece to the other side of your planter box.
Pocket hole screws are used for attaching two pieces of wood together. The screw has a round head that allows it to sink into one piece of wood, while its shank remains above that piece and extends into the second piece. Because the screw is sunken into both pieces, they are held together at twice their thickness. This makes them stronger than nails—and no drilling is necessary.
Attach the last two sides of the planter box frame using pocket hole screws.
The last two sides of the planter box frame will be attached using pocket hole screws.
First, attach one side to the bottom of your frame. Use two pocket hole screws in each corner and make sure they are placed at least 1 inch from each edge.
Next, attach another side to your top row of boards that have been screwed into place. This should be placed directly across from the first side you just attached so that these two pieces come together to form an “L” shape for your planter box frame’s front. Again, use 2 pocket hole screws in each corner and make sure that all holes are pre-drilled before attaching each board for extra stability.
Building a DIY planter box is a simple project that even a beginner can tackle with confidence.
Building a DIY planter box is a simple project that even a beginner can tackle with confidence! A planter box is the perfect way to add storage and greenery to your deck. It’s also a great way to store extra gardening supplies. A basic wooden planter box can be made from scrap materials in your garage or shed, but you can buy pre-made garden boxes at most home stores for convenience if you prefer.
A wooden planter box can be built from cedar, pressure treated wood or other options like redwood or cypress. You’ll need lumber such as 2x4s and 2x6s for framing, plywood for the panels and cut pieces of 1/2″ thick foam insulation board as padding between each layer of boards so that moisture can drain through them without rotting away at their core after being exposed out in elements outside (the idea being similar concept behind using straw bales).
If using metal mesh instead then make sure it has holes small enough so insects cannot climb through yet big enough so water drains properly – this may require attaching two layers together with screws first before attaching them permanently onto sides once mounted securely into place properly level ground surface underneath decking surface area where they rest upon floor joists below construction site location requirements access point distance above ground level ground level elevation needs created within its designated space boundaries.
Final words
To wrap up, let’s review. First, be sure to measure the area where you plan to place your planter box and select the appropriate materials. Make sure all the surface edges of your wood pieces are cut 45 degrees so that water doesn’t pool in the corners. Use pocket hole screws and wood glue for added strength as you assemble each piece of your DIY planter box together. Finally, apply a stain or paint finish as desired.
