27 DIY Outdoor Planter Box Ideas

Give your outdoor living space a refresh with these inexpensive, easy-to-build planters, window boxes and container gardens.

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray and Katelyn Norwood

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Inexpensive Planters to Dress Up Your Outdoor Space

Planter boxes and flower boxes add a lot of ambiance to an outdoor living space and can elevate an entryway's curb appeal. In the warm seasons, fill the containers with colorful flowers and flowing vines, then in the colder months dress your containers in cool-season crops, evergreens or holiday decor. Large planters and pots are an essential item for a well-styled porch, patio or deck. But planter boxes, window boxes and flowerpots can be expensive. That’s why we put together this collection of budget-friendly projects, upcycles and updates to help make your outdoor living space come to life.

Above, a leftover pile of bricks was turned into a stylish planter. The bricks were stacked on an easy-to-build wooden stand then a house-number plaque was attached, and pretty plants were added.

Get the How-To: Brick-by-Brick Guide to Building a Raised Planter With House Numbers

Large Log Turned Planter

A section of an old tree was creatively turned into a sculptural biophilic planter. After the bark was removed, two coats of varnish were applied to help prevent the wood from rotting. Finally, midcentury paperclip-style legs were attached to the bottom.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Planter Out of a Recycled Tree Stump

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Nail-Head Trim Planter

This handsome porch planter was simply constructed from exterior-grade lumber and fasteners. Standard carriage bolts were used to add the nail-head trim for a stylish steampunk look.

Get the How-To: Make a Planter Box With Nail Head Trim

Tiered Hypertufa Planter

Making hypertufa planters is a fun project where perfection is not necessary. In fact, you want the edges and borders to be a little janky and uneven. For a three-tiered hypertufa planter like this, the materials will cost you about $50. You probably already have a lot of the basic tools and you can use upcycled plastic containers for the molds — hit the thrift store to see if you can find some really cheap ones.

Get the How-To: Tiering Up: A DIY Hypertufa Pot for All Your Planting Needs

Triangular Bench With Planters

Add color, character and extra seating to your backyard or front porch with this unusual shaped bench that sort of spirals into a triangle. Fill the built-in planters with fragrant flowers and herbs so you can enjoy the aroma while sitting on the bench.

Watch the Video: Spiral Planter Bench

Building Blocks Planter

This raised bed was made from blocks that are specially designed for planters, but you might get lucky and find a bunch of discarded kids' blocks at a garage sale or thrift store.

Deck Rail or Window Planter

This super simple planter was made from pressure-treated plywood, galvanized buckets and pre-made brackets. You can make it to any length and hang it on a deck or porch railing or use it as a window box. And the best part is the buckets can easily be removed when it comes time for replanting or cleaning.

Get the How-to: How to Make a Deck Rail Planter

Modern Planter Bench

This stylish planter and bench combo is a great way to frame a patio, deck or porch. It is made from standard, exterior-grade lumber and, if sealed properly, it will last for years to come.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Raised-Bed Planter With a Built-in Bench

Upcycled Pallet Boxes

With their streamlined look and bright colors, you'd never know these gorgeous planter boxes were made from old shipping pallets. The great thing about this inexpensive project is you can paint your planters any color you want; we went with tropical beachy colors.

Get the How-to: Upcycle Old Pallets Into Colorful Planter Boxes

Upcycled Table Planter Stand

These raised planter boxes are mounted atop old metal table bases. Look for salvaged bases or table legs and experiment by mixing materials and styles. Here's the best part: This project raises your mini gardens to a level that's comfortable to work in. Your back will thank you.

Get the How-To: How to Turn an Old Table Into a Raised Planter

Umbrella Plant Stand

Your need for shade can change as the day progresses. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could roll the shade to be always over your head? Well, now you can with this umbrella on wheels. Actually, it’s an umbrella cemented to the inside of a galvanized bucket that has been outfitted with casters for easy movement. Plants surround the umbrella making for one of the prettiest umbrella stands ever. Just be sure to use plants that enjoy shade too.

Get the How-To: Throwing Shade: DIY Rolling Umbrella Stand Planter

PVC Window Box

A PVC pipe with two end caps makes a colorful window box. Simply cut a large hole along the length and a few holes on the bottom for drainage. Then use a pair of L-brackets to suspend the planter under the window.

Get the How-To: Make a Cool Cottage-Style Window Box Out of PVC Pipe

Planter Box With House Numbers

Looking for a stylish way to display your house numbers? Or need to add more greenery to your entryway? Try this easy woodworking project that you can make in less than a day.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Wood Planter Box With House Numbers

Planted Privacy Sceen

If you’ve got a small yard or tiny deck, here’s a great way to gain some privacy and gardening space. The planter boxes can be filled with flowing vines or upright plants to fill the voids and conceal your space from nosy neighbors.

Get the How-to: How to Make a Combination Outdoor Planter and Privacy Screen

Galvanized Garden

Add a portable green space to your patio using galvanized metal trash cans on casters. With these planters, you won't have to worry about them rusting or cracking in the cold weather.

Get the How-to: Create a Mobile Container Garden

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Trellis Planter

This raised bed on wheels makes for a practical and portable vegetable garden. And with an added trellis full of vining plants, this planter can also serve as a privacy screen. Try beans, peas or cucumbers for a tasty option, or clematis, morning glory or hops for fragrance and flowers.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Raised Planter With a Trellis

From: Sam Henderson

Repurposed Furniture Planter

Old furniture turned into a planter is the perfect way to add personality to a dull porch. Re-create this look with an old dresser, desk, storage cabinet or any other drawered piece of furniture.

Get the How-to: Make a Front-Porch Planter From Repurposed Furniture

Upcycled Tire Planter

Tired of your old tires? Upcycle them with this fun DIY that will show off your creativity and uniqueness. With a little paint and a few materials from the hardware store, this planter will definitely be a conversation piece.

Get the How-to: How to Turn an Old Tire Into a Pretty Planter

Terra-Cotta Pot Tower

A triple stack of planters overflowing with pretty plants and a handy house number display is a simple DIY that will have your guests and your postman drooling.

Get the How-To: Terra-Cotta Tower: A Unique House Number Display

Upcycled Wheelbarrow

Not only does a vintage wheelbarrow planter look great, but it's practical as well. When the plants need more sun or shade, you can easily move them to just the right spot.

Find More Ideas: 30 Whimsical Container Gardens Made on the Cheap

Planter + Birdbath

Welcome feathered friends and add a little character to your garden with this combination birdbath and planter. Birds are attracted to cool water, so place this container in a shady spot and add shade-loving blooms.

Make This: Make a Super Easy Planter Birdbath

Trashcan Turned Planter

Elevate an old trashcan into a farmhouse-chic planter. Create this look for less than $20 with salvaged lath boards, construction adhesive and a couple of basic tools.

Get the How-to: Transform a Plastic Trash Can Into a Shiplap-Inspired Planter

House Number Planter Box

A house number planter box is a great way to bring style and functionality together. Add bright flowers to stand out against the dark wood and create a colorful contrast.

Get the How-to: How to Make a Wall-Hanging Planter Box With House Numbers

Galvanized Drink Tub Planter

Upcycle a metal tub into a fresh and stylish outdoor planter. Add your own creative touch with furniture legs and a fun stencil to take this look to the next level.

Get the How-to: Transform a Galvanized Tub Into a Chic, Summery Planter

Water Garden in a Pot

For a container garden and water feature in one, try a low-maintenance mini pond in a pot.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Water Garden in a Flower Pot

Tiered Planter Box

You don’t need a big garden to enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables. This tiered planter box looks good, tastes good and is a fun weekend project you can build with your kids.

Watch the Video: DIY Tiered Garden Planter

Window Pot Rack

Instead of a standard box under the window, try this easy-to-make flower pot rack. The removable pots make it easy to replant and care for your plants.

Get the How-To: Custom Curb Appeal: Easy-Swap Window Planter

27 DIY Outdoor Planter Box Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Inexpensive Planters to Dress Up Your Outdoor Space

Large Log Turned Planter

Nail-Head Trim Planter

Tiered Hypertufa Planter

Triangular Bench With Planters

Building Blocks Planter

Deck Rail or Window Planter

Modern Planter Bench

Upcycled Pallet Boxes

Upcycled Table Planter Stand

Umbrella Plant Stand

PVC Window Box

Planter Box With House Numbers

Planted Privacy Sceen

Galvanized Garden

Trellis Planter

Repurposed Furniture Planter

Upcycled Tire Planter

Terra-Cotta Pot Tower

Upcycled Wheelbarrow

Planter + Birdbath

Trashcan Turned Planter

House Number Planter Box

Galvanized Drink Tub Planter

Water Garden in a Pot

Tiered Planter Box

Window Pot Rack

Patio Planter Box

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