Build Your Own Fence Picket Planter Box with These Easy DIY Plans

Looking for an inexpensive yet attractive way to add greenery to your patio or deck? Constructing DIY planter boxes from basic fence pickets is a budget-friendly project that yields beautiful results. With simple tools and basic carpentry skills, you can create custom planters perfect for your space.

This article provides step-by-step instructions to build your own fence picket planter box using easy-to-follow plans We’ll cover

• Selecting the right materials
• Cutting list and tools required
• Constructing the basic box frame
• Adding bottom and interior dividers
• Finishing techniques like paint and stain
• Tips for weatherproofing and durability

Follow along to see how satisfying and simple it is to build stylish planters from common fence pickets Let’s get started!

Choose Rot-Resistant Wood

Cedar and redwood are ideal wood choices for DIY planter boxes because they resist rot naturally. This saves you time on protective finishes or frequent replacement of deteriorated boards. Poplar and pine work too but will need thorough sealing.

Cedar fence pickets are readily available at home improvement stores. They have a smooth finish on one side perfect for facing outward on your planter. Redwood and cedar also withstand wet soil without warping.

For structural framing like legs or edging, use furring strips or 1×2 boards. Opt for cedar or pressure-treated pine to reduce rot.

Gather Essential Tools and Hardware

You likely already own the basic tools required for this easy planter box:

• Circular or miter saw for cutting boards
• Drill/driver for installing screws and nails
• Tape measure and carpenter’s square for measuring
• Hammer or pneumatic nailer for assembly
• Sandpaper: 80 and 120 grit for smoothing

For fasteners, 1”-1 1⁄4” exterior-rated nails or screws work great. Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting in thinner boards. Outdoor waterproof wood glue boosts durability.

Cut Pieces to Size

From your fence pickets, cut the following lengths:

• 6 pcs @ 18”
• 6 pcs @ 17”

These form the long front and back plus the short side pieces. For corner legs, cut:

• 4 pcs 1×2 @ 18 1⁄2”
• 4 pcs 1×3 @ 18 1⁄2”

Finally, cut 1×2 trim boards and interior dividers to fit your assembled box.

Assemble the Basic Box

Start by joining a 1×2 and 1×3 into a leg assembly at each corner. Position the 1×3 on the inside edge to provide more stability when attaching boards.

Glue and nail the 18” pickets along the front and back. Then attach the 17” side pickets between the front and back layers.

Measure and cut 1×2 trim boards to fit around the top perimeter. Glue and nail these into place to tie the sides together neatly.

Add a Bottom and Dividers

For a bottom, cut 1×2 boards to span the interior width. Elevate them on scrap blocks or use L-brackets so the bottom sits above any drainage holes you add.

Interior dividers can also be made from 1×2 furring strips. Cut them to fit snugly across the box width and divide up your planting space.

Apply Protective Finishes

Both cedar and redwood contain natural oils that help protect them from rot. But applying additional finish gives added durability and weather resistance:

• Paint: 2-3 coats of exterior acrylic latex paint in your desired color
• Stain: 2-3 coats of semi-transparent deck stain
• Sealant: Water-repellent wood sealant or epoxy

Weatherproof for Extended Lifespan

To maximize the lifespan of your DIY planter box, incorporate these weatherproofing best practices:

• Use weather-resistant wood species like cedar and redwood
• Elevate box above ground with scrap wood blocks
• Seal wood thoroughly before assembly
• Allow wood to dry before constructing
• Drill drainage holes in bottom boards
• Keep soil level below top edge
• Store planter boxes tipped to dry out over winter

Proper prep, construction and maintenance will enable your fence picket planter boxes to enhance your outdoor living space for years of beauty. With minimal investment, you can refresh the look of your porch, patio or yard with these simple yet stylish DIY planters.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Building Fence Picket Planter Boxes

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own custom fence picket planter box:

Tools and Materials Needed

• Circular saw or miter saw
• Drill/driver
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s square
• Hammer or nail gun
• Sandpaper: 80 and 120 grit
• Cedar fence pickets
• 1×2 furring strips or boards
• 1×3 furring strips or boards
• Exterior wood glue
• 1” and 1-1⁄4” exterior nails or screws
• Paint, stain or sealant (optional)

Cutting List

• 6 pcs cedar fence pickets @ 18” – front/back boards
• 6 pcs cedar fence pickets @ 17” – side boards
• 4 pcs 1×2 @ 18-1⁄2” – legs
• 4 pcs 1×3 @ 18-1⁄2” – legs
• 1×2 boards for trim, bottom, dividers – cut to fit

Step 1: Assemble the Legs

Cut four leg assemblies from 1×2 and 1×3 boards. Glue and nail together into a corner shape. The 1×3 goes on the inner corner for stability.

Step 2: Attach Front and Back Boards

Lay two leg assemblies down with 1×3 sides facing up. Space legs 18-1⁄2” apart to match front/back board length.

Lay out 18” fence pickets atop the 1x3s. Glue and nail into place. Repeat for the opposite side.

Step 3: Add Side Boards

Place the front and back assemblies upright on your work surface. Measure inside dimension between legs and cut side boards to fit.

Glue and nail side boards in place between front and back assemblies.

Step 4: Install Trim Boards

Cut 1×2 trim boards to fit the top perimeter of the box. Miter corners at 45°. Install trim using glue and nails to give a finished look.

Step 5: Add Bottom Boards

Cut 1×2 bottom boards to fit interior width. Elevate on scrap blocks for drainage. Fasten into leg corner frames.

Step 6: Insert Dividers

Cut 1×2 dividers to desired spacing. Insert vertically into planter box and nail into side boards.

Step 7: Finish as Desired

Sand any rough edges. Apply paint, stain or waterproofing sealer of your choice. Allow finish to fully dry before planting.

Get Creative with Size, Shape and Style!

The basic construction process for these fence picket planter boxes leaves ample room for customization. Here are some ideas to apply:

• Vary dimensions to create different size boxes
• Make rectangular, square, or irregular shaped planters
• Add a trellis panel for climbing vines
• Build matching boxes for a cohesive look
• Use different wood species for contrast
• Mix and match painted and natural wood finishes
• Incorporate unique edging like lattice or clapboard
• Stack two boxes with a pedestal base for height

Let your creativity run wild to design planters that perfectly suit your space! Building your own from basic fence pickets saves money and lets you control the look.

With these detailed plans and instructions, you now have all the information needed to construct beautiful DIY planter boxes using affordable and accessible materials. Pair these with your favorite flowers or herbs and enjoy the satisfaction of creating functional yard art with your own two hands.