Creating a wooden planter box with decorative lattice sides is a great woodworking project that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden or add some charm to your patio, this project can be completed with basic woodworking skills and tools. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to build your own wooden planter box with lattice sides.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wooden boards (cedar, pine, or redwood are ideal for outdoor projects)
- 1×6 boards for the sides of the planter box
- 1×4 boards for the bottom slats
- Lattice panels (pre-made or custom cut)
- Screws or nails (suitable for outdoor use)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Outdoor wood stain or sealant (optional for weatherproofing)
- Miter saw or handsaw (for cutting the wood)
- Drill (for pilot holes and screwing together)
- Measuring tape and pencil (for marking cuts)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure and Cut the Wood
First, determine the dimensions of the planter box based on where you want to place it. A common size for a small to medium planter box might be 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches tall, but adjust the measurements to suit your needs.
For the Box Sides:
- Cut four pieces of the 1×6 board to the desired height of the planter (e.g., 12 inches).
- Cut two pieces for the front and back (e.g., 24 inches long), and two for the sides (e.g., 12 inches).
For the Bottom:
- Cut the 1×4 boards to fit the width of the planter box (e.g., 12 inches wide).
- If your box is 24 inches long, cut the bottom slats to 24 inches.
2. Assemble the Box Frame
Begin assembling the sides of the planter box. Using wood glue, attach the front and back panels to the side pieces, ensuring they are square and level. Once the glue has dried or while the glue is still tacky, drill pilot holes and screw the sides together for added strength.
For the bottom of the box, place the 1×4 slats inside the box, spaced about ¼ inch apart to allow for drainage. Secure them in place using screws or nails.
3. Create the Lattice Panels
You can either buy pre-made lattice panels from a hardware store or create your own. If you choose to make your own, cut 1×2 slats to the appropriate length (e.g., 12 inches tall for each side of the box). Lay out the slats in a crisscross pattern and secure them with wood glue or nails. Once dry, trim the edges if necessary so the panels fit the sides of the box.
If you purchase pre-made lattice, simply cut it to size. You may need to trim the edges to fit the height and length of your planter box.
4. Attach the Lattice to the Sides of the Planter Box
Now it’s time to attach the lattice panels to the sides of the box. Use screws or nails to secure the panels along the outside of the planter box. Depending on the design, you can either attach the lattice flush with the top edge of the box or leave a small gap to create a decorative border.
For a more polished look, you can also add trim around the lattice panel edges to make it appear more finished.
5. Sand and Finish the Wood
Once your box is assembled, use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges, corners, or surfaces. This is especially important for the lattice pieces and corners, as you want to ensure there are no splinters that could cause injury or damage to the plants.
After sanding, you can stain or paint the wood for additional protection, particularly if the planter will be placed outdoors. A good outdoor wood finish will help protect the box from the elements and increase its longevity. Cedar or redwood naturally resist decay, but a sealant will enhance their durability.
6. Add Drainage Holes (Optional but Recommended)
Before placing plants in your new planter box, drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of the box to allow excess water to escape. This is essential for preventing root rot in your plants.
7. Plant Your Plants
Once the box is dry and finished, fill it with soil and your desired plants. The lattice sides provide a lovely backdrop for climbing vines or trailing plants such as ivy or morning glories. The vertical lattice allows these plants to grow upwards, giving your planter box a stunning, vertical garden effect.
Additional Tips:
- Customizing the Size: You can adjust the size of the planter to fit your specific needs, whether it’s for small herbs or larger flowering plants.
- Lattice Variations: Experiment with different lattice patterns or even different materials like metal for a more modern look.
- Weatherproofing: If your planter box will be exposed to the elements, consider using pressure-treated wood for added longevity. Also, applying a weatherproof sealant can help protect against rain and humidity.
Conclusion:
Creating a wooden planter box with decorative lattice sides is a rewarding and enjoyable woodworking project. It enhances the beauty of your garden or outdoor space while providing a functional space for your plants to thrive. With just a few simple tools and materials, you can customize your planter to suit any garden style, whether it’s for flowers, vegetables, or climbing plants.
For more detailed woodworking tutorials and tips, consider exploring the Teds Woodworking Course to enhance your skills and tackle even more advanced projects. You can get started by following this link: Teds Woodworking Course.