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  • Writer's pictureFabulously Shabby

How-To Build A Planter Box

Skill Level: Intermediate

Estimated Time: 2 hrs (not including paint or stain time)

Project ID: 20-0004




Equipment:


Material List:


Cut List:


Alternatives for the Top Assembly:

If you do not have a table saw to rip the 5 1/2" in half for the top of the planter here are some other options.

Option A : You can use 1"x 2" board instead for the Top Front/Back and Top Sides. Material Adjustment: Add one more 1" x 2" x 8' and remove one 5 1/2" x 6' fence picket.


Option B : You can use a 3.5 fence picket instead for the Top Front/Back and Top Sides. Material Adjustment: Add one more 3x 1/2" x 6' fence picket and remove one 5 1/2" x 6' fence picket. 3/4 in. Zinc Plated Corner Braces (4-Pack)




Instructions


Step 1: (OPPTIONAL STEP) Plane the Fence Picket 5 1/2" to provide a smooth even surface. If you are following the alternates for the Top Assembly include them in this step as well.

Step 2: Using the 1" x 2" Board layout pattern, cut the 1"x 2" and label the parts (I use making tape and write on the part description).

Option A: If you are using 1"x 2" as a substitute for the Top Front/Back and Top Sides then factor those cuts into this step.

  • Top Sides -- 2 pc @ 12 1/2"

  • Top Front/Back -- 2 pc @12"

1" x 2" Layout Pattern: ** The Side Frame represents the Interior Support Pieces as well.


Step 3: Using the Fence Picket 5 1/2" layout pattern, cut the 5 1/2" Fence Pickets and label the parts. Option A or B: Exclude the cuts for the Top Sides 1 pc @ 11", Top Front/Back 1 pc @14"

Fence Picket 5 1/2" Layout Pattern:


Step 4: Using the Fence Picket 3 1/2" layout pattern, cut the 3 1/2" Fence Pickets and label the parts. **TIP: If you want to save on wood, instead of using the 3 1/2" Fence Pickets, you can use the leftover 5 1/2" Fence Pickets and cut two pieces at 9".

Option B: If you are using Fence Picket 3 1/2" as a substitute for the for the Top Front/Back and Top Sides then factor those cuts in this step. Top Sides 2 pc * 11", Top Front/Back 2 pc @14 1/2"


Fence Picket 3 1/2" Layout Pattern:


Step 5: (OPPTIONAL STEP) Sand the exterior facing pieces using a 120 grit and work your way to 220. Sand the following pieces; Panel Front/Back, Panel Side, Top Side, Top Front/Back.


Step 6: For the Top Assembly, assemble the Top Sides and Top Front/Back with wood glue and use the corner clamps to keep the pieces together while the glue dries. If you are following option A or B then you will want to do this step.

** If you have a industrial stapler you can use that on the under side face where the wood butts together, this will help keep the pieces together while the glue dries.


Step 7: For the Inner Frame Assembly, you will need the following items for this step.

  • 4 pcs Side Frame

  • 2 pcs Bottom Frame

  • 4 pcs 1-1/4" KREG Screws

  • 1 KREG Pocket Hole Jig Kit

  • Drill

Drill holes in the bottom frame using the KREG Easy-Set Drill Bit and Stop Collar follow the instructions provided with your KREG jig. Connect the Bottom Frame and Side Frame Screw using the 1-1/4" KREG screw.

This link provides information on how to select the correct pocket hole screw. https://learn.kregtool.com/learn/how-to-select-right-pocket-hole-screw/


Step 8: Attach the Interior Frame Support to the Inner Frame Assembly, you will need the following items for this step.

  • 2 pcs Interior Frame Support

  • 2 pcs Inner Frame Assembly

  • 4 pcs 1 1/4" Screws

  • Drill

  • 3/32" Drill Bit

  • Screwdriver Bit

On the Inner Frame Assembly (on the opposite side of the KREG holes) drill holes 3 3/4" from the base and 3/4" from the outer edge of the frame using 3/32" drill bit. Attach the Interior Frame Support to the Inner Frame Assembly using a #8 1 1/4" screws.


Step 9: Attach the Side Panels to the Inner Frame Assembly you will need the following items for this step.

  • 4 pcs Side Panel

  • 2 pcs Inner Frame Assembly

  • 16 pcs 1" Screws

  • Drill

  • 3/32" Drill Bit

  • Screwdriver Bit

Drill holes 1/4" from the from the outer edge of the side panel using 3/32"drill bit. Attach Side Panel to the Inner Frame Assembly (the KREG hole side) using a #8 1" screws.


Step 10: To create Planter Assembly, attach the Front / Back Panels to the Inner Frame Assembly you will need the following items for this step.

  • 4 pcs Front/Back Panel

  • 2 pcs Inner Frame Assembly

  • 16 pcs 1" Screws

  • Drill

  • 3/32" Drill Bit

  • Screwdriver Bit

Drill holes about 1/4" from the from the outer edge of the side panel using 3/32"drill bit. Attach Front / Back Panel to the Inner Frame Assembly using a #8 1"screws.


Step 11: Attach the Interior Base to the Planter Assembly you will need the following items for this step.

  • 3 pcs Interior Base

  • 1 pc Planter Assembly

  • 6 pcs 1 1/4" Screws

  • Drill

  • 3/32" Drill Bit

  • Screwdriver Bit

Drill holes about 1/4" from the from the outer edge of the Interior Base panel using 3/32"drill bit. Attach Interior Base to the Planter Assembly using a #8 1"screws.


Step 12: Attach the Top Assembly to the Planter Assembly you will need the following items for this step.

  • 1 pc Top Assembly

  • 1 pc Planter Assembly

  • 1-1/4 in. x 23-Gauge Pin Nail

  • Pneumatic Headless Pin Nailer

  • Air Compressor

Option B: Use the 3/4 in. Corner Braces for additional support for the Top Assembly.



Step 13: (OPPTIONAL STEP) Paint or Stain and Urethane the planter. This is where you can be creative




Step 14: (OPPTIONAL STEP) Hang a star or some other fun item.


OTHER USES:

We also used these as Faux Planters to hide cinder blocks. We used conduit in concrete to create free standing patio string lights



I hope you enjoyed this "How-To" series, if you have any questions or wish to leave comments, please feel free to do so below.


Also please, please TAG ME on social media @fabulouslyshabbylife if you make these, I would love to see your creations!


Stay Fabulously Shabby!





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