Zero-Waste DIY Planter Box Build Guide Using Fence Pickets

Planter boxes are a great way to add curb appeal to your front porch or patio. However, cedar lumber can be expensive. A brilliant woodworking trick is to build planters using cedar fence pickets instead of dimensional cedar lumber. Fence pickets cost only a few dollars each and yield professional results!

1. Materials Checklist and Sourcing Guides Before starting, gather the basic items needed for this budget cedar project:

Cedar Fence Pickets and Corner Framing Studs * **3 Cedar Fence Pickets** (5/8" thick, 5-1/2" wide, 6ft long) * **2x2 Wood Studs** (for corner framing)

Hardware, Fasteners, and Protective Lining * **Exterior Deck Screws** (1-1/4" and 2" lengths) * **Landscape Fabric** (to line the inside and protect the wood)

2. Preparing and Drying the Rough Fence Pickets Fence pickets from the hardware store are often rough-sawn and damp:

Slat Seasoning and Sun-Drying Let them dry in a sunny spot for a few days to prevent shrinking and warping after assembly.

Sanding Grits Recommendations Sand them thoroughly using 80-grit followed by 120-grit paper to reveal the beautiful cedar wood grain.

3. Assembling the Tapered Box and Adding Drainage Constructing the sides and installing drainage ensures healthy root growth:

Framing and Side Slatting Assemble a square base frame using 2x2 supports. Screw the picket boards horizontally to the 2x2 corner posts. Tapering the sides outwards gives a premium, custom appearance.

Drainage System and Lining Drill multiple 1/2-inch drainage holes in the bottom board. Line the interior with porous landscape fabric to hold the soil in place while allowing excess water to drain.

Ready to build this project?

Skip the measurement calculations. Download our high-fidelity, dual Imperial/Metric PDF woodworking blueprint containing fully optimized materials lists.