How to Build a DIY Modern Planter Box

Learn how to build a simple DIY Modern Planter Box with a unique stand with step-by-step instructions and a detailed tutorial and video.

Have I told you I have been bitten by the plant-lady bug yet? I mean, I am not there yet, but I am definitely adding more and more plants to my home.

After being a long-time self-confessed black thumb, I have finally started to turn things around. And with more plants come more planters… and, of course, the need to make them myself.

Lately, I have been obsessed with a more modern look with simple lines. This way, the plants and colorful flowers pop and are the center of the show.

I wanted a medium-height planter to sit by my entryway, and I think this turned out perfectly. It is easy to build and should take about 30 minutes to put together not counting the sanding and the staining. And of course, I have the full video and the plans for you below.

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DIY Modern Planter Box

I have a detailed video for you on how to build this and 2 other similar planters. The detailed tutorial and plans are below.

How to Build

Plans to build your own planter are at the bottom of the tutorial.

Step 1: Prepare Boards

• Make the cuts per the cut list in the plans.

Note: I highly recommend making the cuts only for the box first and building it before making the cuts for the stand so you can make any required adjustments in the dimensions.

• Sand the boards step by step down to 150 or 220 grits. See how to sand wood using the right sandpaper sequence here.

I used cedar fence boards, which are usually extremely rough. You can sand these boards starting with 60 grit. I ran my boards through the planer to get the majority of the roughness out and then sanded with 120 grit.

Step 2: Build the Box

• Attach the side and the bottom boards together using wood glue and finish nails. These are then joined using wood glue and can be clamped together to form the bottom of the planter box.

• Attach the other sides of the box using wood glue and finish nails. This forms the lower part of the planter box.

• Attach 2×2 supports on the inside corners using wood glue and finish nails. You can add nails through both sides as well as from the bottom to make sure everything is attached well.

• Attach the top boards to complete the box.

Once the box is built, it is a great time to give the entire box a light sanding. Especially the top edges of the board – these can be pretty rough. Sanding these will give a nice, clean finish

Step 3: Build the Stand

• Make pocket holes in the 2×2 board using 1-1/2″ setting on the pocket hole jig and drill bit collar. See how to use a pocket hole jig.
• Attach the front board to the legs using pocket hole screws and wood glue. The pocket holes face the sides. These will be facing the planter and will be hidden in the completed project.
• Attach the 1×2 and 2×2 support boards using pocket hole screws.

Note: The 2×2 boards are connected using 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws, and the 1×3 boards are connected using 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

• Attach the other side to complete the leg frame.

This completes the planter stand.

The box should fit it pretty snugly. I plan to leave my box and stand separate, but they can be attached using wood screws through the bottom of the planter box into the supports.

Step 4: Final Finish

• You can stain or paint and seal the box and stand in the colors of your choice. I decided to go with a brown and black combination.

I used this stain and sealer for the box and black paint for the stand. If you are going to be using it outdoors, I also recommend applying a spar urethane sealer to protect it from the elements.

I plan on using this as a decorative box and keeping the plants in a separate pot, but if you want to plant in the planter directly, you can make drainage holes and staple landscape fabric inside.

Other Modern DIY Planters in the Series:

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