How to Build a Modern DIY Small Wood Planter

Learn to make this modern DIY small wood planter box with angled legs. It is perfect for succulents or herbs or as a centerpiece.

Continuing with the theme of building minimalist planters, I wanted to have a small planter that could include succulents. A small wood box is pretty straightforward to build, but I wanted to add a little bit of character, so I decided to add angled legs.

This small wooden planter also makes a great gift—for Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or just because.

I built it for succulents, but you can also use it to plant herbs or just use it as a centerpiece on the table and fill it with themed decor.

DIY Wood Planter Box Video

I have the detailed video showing you how to build this planter and two other similar planters. As always, the detailed tutorial and plans follow.

***This post contains referral or affiliate links. It is a way for this site to earn advertising fees by advertising or linking to certain products and/or services.  Please read my full disclosure here ***

How to Build

The planter uses 1×6 boards for the box and 2×2 and 1×2 boards for the leg frame.

You can also build the box using 1×6 fence boards, which are budget-friendly. However, they are usually thinner than 3/4″. The plans use 3/4″ for the build. Be sure to build the box first, measure everything, and then cut out the 1×2 supports accordingly.

Step 1: Prepare Boards

• Make the cuts per the cut list, but remember to make only the cuts for the box first and then come back for the leg frame once the box is built.
• For the 2×2 boards, you can buy them off the shelf or you can rip down 2x4s to make your own to save on cost.
• Sand the boards step by step down to 150 or 220 grits. See how to sand wood using the right sandpaper sequence here.
• The 2×2 boards are cut at a 15-degree angle. I like to set up my miter saw at that angle once and then make all the cuts to get the best possible fit.

I used cedar fence boards, which can be extremely rough and need to be sanded starting with 60 grit. You can also run the boards through the planer to get the majority of the roughness out and then sand with 120 grit.

Step 2: Build the Box

This is the easiest part of this project.

• Attach the side and the bottom boards together using wood glue and finish nails.

• Attach the long sides using the wood glue and finish nails.

And that’s it! That forms the box.

Step 3: Build the Stand

• Make pocket holes in the 2×2 front rails and the 1×2 support rails. The pocket holes for the 2×2 boards are made with the pocket hole jig at 1 1/2″ setting, and the pocket holes in the 1×2 are made with the jig at 3/4″ setting.

See how to make pocket holes in angled boards

• Attach the front rails to the legs using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

• Attach the 1×2 support rails to the legs using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
• Attach the other set of legs to complete the stand.

It can be a little tight to reach the pocket holes. A right-angle drill adapter is extremely helpful.

The box should fit it pretty snugly. I left my box and stand separate, but you can attach the box to the stand using wood screws through the bottom if you like.

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 directly in the planter, you can make drainage holes and staple landscape fabric inside.

Other Modern DIY Planters in the Series:

You might also like: