Building a wooden planter stand with a trellis back combines both functional gardening and attractive design elements. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
Materials Required:
- Wood planks (cedar, pine, or any wood of choice)
- Screws or nails
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper or a power sander
- Saw (hand saw or circular saw)
- Measuring tape
- Drill with bits (for screws and holes)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Outdoor sealant (for durability)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design the Planter Stand
- Planter Box Dimensions: Decide on the size of your planter box depending on the space available and the plants you plan to grow. A standard size could be about 24 inches long, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches tall.
- Trellis Back: The trellis should be at least a foot taller than the planter box. You can adjust based on the plants’ climbing needs. A height of 5 to 6 feet is typical.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
For the Planter Box: Cut 4 pieces for the sides, bottom, and front/back. For a 24x12x12 inch planter, you’ll need:
- 2 pieces of 24-inch (long sides)
- 2 pieces of 12-inch (short sides)
- 1 piece of 24-inch (bottom piece)
- Optional: Add corner pieces for extra support.
For the Trellis: Cut vertical slats for the trellis that will go at the back of the planter stand. Typically, you’ll need 4 to 6 vertical pieces, each about 5 to 6 feet tall. Also, cut horizontal pieces to connect these slats, usually two to three pieces placed at even intervals.
3. Assemble the Planter Box
- Attach the Sides: Use wood glue along the edges of the side pieces and screw them together. Pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the wood.
- Attach the Bottom: Attach the bottom piece to the four sides, ensuring it’s secure. You can add extra screws or nails to strengthen the joints.
- Front Reinforcement: If needed, add a reinforcing piece across the front for added stability.
4. Build the Trellis Frame
- Create the Vertical Frame: Place the vertical slats parallel to each other. Use screws to secure them at the top and bottom. You can add a third horizontal bar in the middle for more support.
- Position the Horizontal Slats: Space the horizontal slats evenly along the vertical ones, depending on how wide you want the gaps between the slats for your plants to climb.
- Secure the Frame: Use wood glue and screws at all connection points for a strong, secure frame.
5. Attach the Trellis to the Planter Box
- Position the trellis against the back of the planter box. You can screw it directly into the box or use wood brackets to attach it more securely.
- Ensure that the trellis is positioned at an angle, leaning slightly backward, which helps in supporting the plant vines as they grow.
6. Sand and Finish the Wood
- Sand the entire structure to smooth out any rough edges.
- Apply a wood finish or stain if desired, or paint the entire structure for added aesthetic appeal.
- For durability, especially for outdoor use, apply an outdoor sealant or waterproof finish to protect the wood from the elements.
7. Plant Your Plants
- Add your potting mix to the planter box.
- Plant climbing plants, such as tomatoes, peas, or flowering vines, at the base.
- As the plants grow, they’ll naturally climb up the trellis, giving you an attractive garden feature.
Tips:
- Customization: You can customize the design by making the trellis more intricate, adding decorative features, or painting it in different colors.
- Material Choices: For durability and a natural look, cedar or redwood are great choices. If you want a cheaper option, pine works well, too, but you may need to seal it more thoroughly for weather resistance.
With these steps, you can build a functional and beautiful wooden planter stand with a trellis back to showcase your climbing plants and enhance your outdoor space.
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