How to make a wooden planter box with a built-in trellis

To build a wooden planter box with a built-in trellis, you’ll need basic woodworking skills and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials:

• Wood for the planter box (cedar or redwood are durable choices):

  • 2 x 6 boards for the sides
  • 1 x 6 boards for the bottom
  • 4 x 4 posts for the trellis support
  • 1 x 2 or 1 x 3 boards for the trellis grid

• Screws or nails

• Wood glue

• Outdoor wood finish or sealant

• Lattice panels (optional)

• Wood stain (optional)

• Drill and screwdriver

• Saw (miter saw or handsaw)

• Measuring tape

• Wood clamps

Steps:

1. Construct the Planter Box:

• Cut the sides of the box:
  Cut your 2 x 6 boards to the desired length for the front and back of your planter. The length depends on how large you want your planter box to be. The width of the box will be determined by the depth you want for planting.

• Cut the bottom pieces:
  Cut 1 x 6 boards to fit across the width of the box to form the bottom.

• Assemble the box:
  Using wood glue and screws, attach the side pieces (the front, back, and two shorter sides) to form a rectangular box shape. Then, screw the bottom pieces into place.

2. Create Drainage Holes:

Drill a few holes in the bottom of the planter for proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

3. Build the Trellis Frame:

• Cut the 4 x 4 posts:
  Cut the 4 x 4 posts to the height you want your trellis to stand above the planter box, typically 4–6 feet.

• Attach the posts to the back of the planter:
  Attach the two 4 x 4 posts to the back corners of the planter box using wood screws. Make sure they are centered and upright, then secure them tightly.

4. Create the Trellis Grid:

• Cut the lattice slats or wood pieces:
  Cut your 1 x 2 or 1 x 3 boards to create vertical and horizontal slats for the trellis grid. You can also buy premade lattice panels and skip this step.

• Attach the slats:
  Starting from the bottom of the posts, attach the vertical slats using wood screws. Space them out evenly. Then add horizontal slats across the vertical ones, creating a grid. Ensure the grid is tight and secure.

• Stain and seal:
  Once your planter box and trellis are assembled, sand any rough edges and apply a wood stain or finish to protect the wood from the elements.

5. Plant and Enjoy:

Fill the box with soil and plants, particularly those that will climb and benefit from the trellis structure (e.g., climbing roses, peas, or morning glories). Water and care for your plants as they grow.

Tips:

• Support: Make sure your trellis is securely fastened to withstand wind and the weight of the plants.
• Drainage: Consider adding a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom of the box before the soil to improve drainage.
• Customizing: You can add decorative touches like trim around the edges or painted designs on the trellis for a more unique look.

This project is perfect for enhancing your garden and providing support for climbing plants while also adding a decorative element to your outdoor space.