DIY Planter Box or Crate from Cedar Fence Boards
Recently, I shared how to propagate Dahlia’s from cuttings and I showed the tubers planted shallowly in a DIY wooden crate.
Here is how I built that box from cedar fence boards, they are relatively inexpensive at the lumber yard so this is a cheap DIY.
I cut 4 boards to size (you can choose your size). My box is 24″ x 12″ so these 4 boards are 24″ long.
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I attached some scrap wood the the two bottom pieces so it would make “feet” for my box, better drainage. You will notice there is a gap between the boards, that is also for drainage.
My fence boards are 5.5 inches wide so the box will have a depth of close to 6 inches. The thickness of each boards is about 1/2 an inch but be aware that cedar fence boards vary from board to board so don’t count on a squared up project.
Here is the box all put together. You can see the gap in the bottom. The side pieces are about 11″, and sit inside the front and back piece. I used my Ryobi Airstrike to attach everything together. I LOVE that thing. You can also just use nails and a hammer or a screw gun. If you use screws be sure to pre-drill your holes to prevent splitting.
For other DIY wood boxes I have built see this post DIY Rustic Box and this post for a tool box version DIY Rustic Toolbox.
You will notice in the photo the wood looks a little darker inside. That is organic tung oil or a cutting board oil. It is safe for contact with food.
I painted it on the inside of the box to provide a protective finish so moisture will just run off. I did not put it on the outside as I am going to paint that.
I had fun painting this using the same motifs as I presented in my veggie painting tutorials. You can click here to go to my Learn to Paint page and pick whatever you want to paint on your box or click on the link in my navigation bar.
I painted the exterior of the entire box with DecoArt Chalky Finish paint in Delicate. Then I added my hand painted veggies.
Here are the veggies before I added the lettering.
This is the first half…
and the second.
And here is the finished planter box or crate.
I finished the outside of the box with an exterior Satin water based varathane.
Happy Building and Painting!
I also used this for a Back Door Herb Garden, check it out HERE.
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Dawn says
It turned out perfect, how cute 🙂
Pamela says
And what is great is it is so easy to do and you don’t have to make sure everything squares up, all the plants obscure the spots that are wonky. 🙂
Diana Thompson says
Love the new planter box! I’m sure I’ll have one before this day is over. But first a trip to Home Depot for more fence boards! 🙂
Pamela says
And somehow I know yours will turn out better. 🙂 I am still wanting to do a toolbox with the sides like you guys did. I love that shape.
Diana Thompson says
Aw, thank you Pam for the kind words. Everyone loves your little tool box. I cut the ends with a scroll saw and Bob cut the other parts on the band saw. I can send you the end pattern in pdf format if you’d like to have it. I so look forward to all you rustic woodworking. They’re so easy & fun to make. Now if I could only get the hang of painting roses…lol.
Diana
Pamela says
I would be thrilled if you could send me that PDF. Then I don’t have to try and figure out just the right shape. Thank you so much! I have been toying with the idea of doing painting classes here in person. I am a little skittish. I don’t know why but I am nervous about doing it. I can clear out my studio and fit up to 5 students comfortably. I like the idea of smaller classes like that, I can give more attention to each person. And with holding then in the studio I would save the $$$ on renting a building.
Lynne K Streich says
What a cheerful, colorful planter! :0) Just beautiful, even without flowers, etc.
Pamela says
I thought with it being so brightly painted it would look better with just greens in it and planted it with herbs. I am planning another for micro greens.
Jenna says
this is adorable, I love the font you used and the way you shadowed the letters!
Pamela says
I was going for the vintage seed packet vibe, they always seemed to have that dimensional look. 🙂
Pam says
Adorable!
Pamela says
Thanks so much, it was more than fun too!
Alexandra says
I’ve been following along with the paintings of the pieces. The finished box is so cute!
Pamela says
Thank you, Alexandra! It was fun to make and now it is just as fun harvesting herbs from it. Had fresh cilantro on my salad today!