Patio Planter Box

Exterior siding is used to make this patio planter durable and attractive.

DOD2503-planter_box-12

The tapered planter box is filled with bright marigolds.

From: Design on a Dime

The tapered planter box is filled with bright marigolds.

Materials:

exterior grade ultra white paint
four 8"x1/4" x 8’ fiber-cement exterior siding
three 8-foot pressure-treated 2x4s
wood glue or polyurethane glue
ceramic coated deck screws
120-grit sandpaper
ceramic-coated tile board screws
construction adhesive
finish nails
one tube of painter’s caulk plus silicon
pea gravel
potting soil
flowers
paintbrush, roller pad and tray
straight edge
table saw
chop (miter) saw
clean, damp lint-free rags (for wiping away excess, construction adhesive, wood glue and caulk)
screw gun with a Philips bit
carpenter’s pencil
utility knife
sanding block
caulking gun
finish nail gun

Steps:

DOD2503-planter_box-05

From: Design on a Dime

1. Paint both sides of the siding with two coats of paint.
2. With the table saw, cut the pressure-treated 2x4 in half lengthwise.
3. Make the following cuts with a chop (miter) saw:

  • two at 44"
  • two at 8"
  • two at 48"
  • two at 12"
  • DOD2503-fastening-planter_box-07

    From: Design on a Dime

    4. Cut eight more pieces to a length of 12" adjusting the chop saw to make 15-degree angles (bevels) on both edges of each piece.
    5. With wood glue, a screw gun and deck screws assemble the two 48" pieces with the two 12" pieces to make the top frame. Follow by assembling the two 44" pieces with the two 8" pieces for the bottom frame. Finish by attaching the beveled edged pieces between the frames on each end to form the sides. (Note: Use of the coated deck screws prevents corrosion from the pressure treated lumber.)
    6. Place scrap siding on the two edges of the frame and mark the angle where they meet with a carpenter’s pencil. Then, score (cut) one side with a utility knife snapping it like you would drywall. Finish the edges with a light sanding.
    7. Working from top to bottom, measure and cut the siding with a utility knife. Then screw in place with tile board screws overlapping (approx. 1’) for a shingled effect.
    8. Attach a piece of 44"x8" siding to the bottom and drill small holes for drainage.
    9. Cut 2" wide strips of siding to trim out the top. Attach with construction adhesive and nail into place.
    10. Seal the corners and fill in all screw holes with painter’s caulk. Once dry give entire piece a third coat of paint.
    11. Place a layer of pea gravel 2 to 3 inches thick on the bottom to allow for proper drainage. Then add potting soil and flowers.

    Next Up

    Make a Planter Box With Nail Head Trim

    Create stylish planters, complete with bolt head trim, to flank and define your front door.

    How to Design a Container Garden

    Follow this simple design concept and boost the impact of your container gardens with plants of various sizes, textures and color combinations.

    4 Clever Container Garden Combos to Try

    You don’t need a big yard to grow your dream garden — just a big planter.

    How to Hang Plants from the Ceiling

    Learn the correct steps to securely and safely hang plants from the ceiling.

    How to Plant and Grow Marigold Flowers

    Easy-to-grow marigolds add bright yellow, gold, orange and creamy-white color to gardens and containers from spring into fall.

    How to Make a Wood Planter Box With House Numbers

    Up your curb appeal with this stylish planter featuring modern house numbers and a bold color.

    How to Grow Potatoes in Containers

    Irish potatoes are easy to grow in containers on a sunny porch or patio.

    How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers

    Short on garden space? You'll be happy to know sweet potatoes can be grown in flower pots.

    How to Grow Cucumbers in a Pot

    Growing cool, crunchy cucumbers in a container is easy if you know the steps. These basics will make them a success.

    The Best Self-Watering Planters for Your Home, Deck or Patio

    Take the work and worry out of watering flowers, veggies and herbs when you use a planter that gives plant roots the right amount of moisture.

    Go Shopping

    Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

    On TV

    Follow Us Everywhere

    Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.