Loading plan…
Loading plan…
Step-by-step build — 18 steps. Also available as a print sheet.
Gather materials. Redwood or cedar are both good choices for outdoor projects. You'll need 2x4 and 2x6 boards.
Use a miter saw or circular saw to make each cut according to the cut list. Feel free to modify the size as needed to best fit your needs.
Use a pocket hole jig to attach the two boards that form each leg. Drill pocket holes into the 2x4 board. I'd recommend creating 4 pocket holes for each leg.
Use 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws to attach the leg boards.
Layout the legs and long side boards.
Use 2 1/2 inch wood screws to attach each 2x6 board to each leg. Use 2 screws on the end of each board.
Here is a photo showing the two longer sections prior to adding the other 2 sections.
Use 2 1/2 inch wood screws to attach the shorter 2x6 side boards to the leg.
Here is a photo showing the sides connected.
Complete the four sided box by attaching the remaining side with 2 1/2 inch wood screws.
Form the frame for the top cap out of 2x4 boards. Connect at each corner from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
Drill pocket holes to enable the top caps to be connected from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
Center the 2x4 middle supports on the outside of the planter and then attach with 2 1/2 inch screws from the inside.
Here is the planter prior to the 2x4 cap frame being attached.
Attach the top cap to the sidewalls from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
Determine where the planter will go. Create a level surface.
Add weed cloth to prevent unwanted vegetation from growing into your planter. Use chicken wire to keep gophers out if needed.
Add soil to the planter. It will take approximately 19 cubic feet. Plants some flowers, herbs, or vegetables!