The Raised Bed Garden Planter Box
The Perfect 3-Piece Garden Set
Ever thought the DIY raised garden boxes flooding the market look a bit too uniform and plain? It's time for a change! I'm thrilled to introduce a project that breaks the mold, adding a unique twist to the classic design. With just fence pickets, 2’” lumber material, and a handful of tools, we're crafting a three-piece raised garden box set that's as elegant as it is functional.
Key Features
Cost-Effective: Leverage affordable fence pickets to create something spectacular.
High Margin Potential: With their unique design, these planters can command a higher price point.
Versatile Use: Ideal for personal use, gifts, or a lucrative addition to your garden center lineup.
What You’ll Need
Materials:
Fence Pickets: Generally available in sizes like 5/8" x 5.5" x 6' (thickness x width x length). These will primarily form the sides of the boxes.
Lumber for 2x2s: Opt for 2x6s or 2x8s to cut down into 2x2s for the frame. These are usually found in lengths like 8', 10', or 12'.
Screws or Nails: Use outdoor-grade screws or nails to assemble the planters, ensuring they can withstand the elements without rusting or degrading.
Wood Glue: Optional, but recommended for reinforcing the joints, making the planters more durable over time.
Tools:
Saw: A circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw can be used for cutting the lumber to the required sizes. The choice of saw will depend on what you have available and your comfort level with each tool.
Drill: Needed for pre-drilling holes to prevent wood splitting when inserting screws and for securing the screws or nails into the wood.
Sandpaper or Orbital Sander: Essential for smoothing out all cut pieces of wood before assembly. This step is crucial for preventing splinters and ensuring a professional finish.
Measuring Tape and Square: Accuracy is key in woodworking projects. These tools will help ensure all cuts and alignments are precise, resulting in a sturdy and visually appealing final product.
Standard Dimensions:
Small Box: 24" (L) x 12" (W) x 12" (H)
Medium Box: 36" (L) x 24" (W) x 18" (H)
Large Box: 48" (L) x 24" (W) x 24" (H)
Step-by-Step Directions for Building the Raised Bed Garden Planter Box
Step 1: Cutting Assembly Pieces
For the Frame (2x2s): Cut eight pieces at 16" long for the legs of each box (adjust height if necessary). For the top and bottom frame pieces, cut according to the perimeter of your planned box size.
For the Sides (Fence Pickets): Based on the height of your boxes, cut the pickets to cover the sides fully, allowing for the overlap and attachment to the frame.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Create rectangular frames for the top and bottom of each box using 2x2s. For a medium-sized box (36" x 24"), you'd cut four pieces at 36" and four pieces at 21" (to account for the thickness of the 2x2s), assembling two rectangles.
Step 3: Attach the Legs
Secure the 16" 2x2s at each corner of the bottom frame, then attach the top frame to the top of the legs.
Step 4: Attach Side Pickets
Nail or screw the fence pickets to the sides of the frame, ensuring they are flush with the top and bottom of the frame.
Step 5: Constructing the Bottom
Measure the interior length and width of the assembled frame for the bottom boards. Cut additional pickets or 2x2s to fit inside as the bottom, ensuring spaces between them for drainage.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Trim: Measure and cut trim pieces to fit around the top edge of each box for a clean finish. This could be from fence pickets or other scrap wood.
Sanding and Sealing: Sand all surfaces smooth, then apply a weather-resistant stain or sealant to all parts of the garden box.
Explore More
Discover our easy-to-follow guide for building a unique garden trellis, available on Etsy. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts of any skill level, this plan uses affordable fence pickets to create an attractive and practical addition to your garden. Ideal for those looking to elevate their green spaces, our guide ensures a satisfying project with standout results.