$23 DIY Planter Box

Learn how to build a great looking Planter Box with less than $23 of materials! #diy #planterbox #plants
COMPANION ARTICLE AND PLANS:
Get the plans for this planter box here: lrn2diy-shop.fourthwall.com/p... and see the companion article here: www.lrn2diy.com/diy-planter-box
PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO:
• DeWalt 12-inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Mitre Saw: geni.us/ooee
• Skil Table Saw: geni.us/BKAX
• Cedar Pickets: goo.gl/v9k8Vj
• 2x4: goo.gl/YFvSGF
TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS!
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: goo.gl/QGFC4Q
EQUIPMENT:
Learn about the equipment I use (audio, video and lighting) over at lrn2diy.com/my-gear/

[@LRN2DIY]

November 2021 Update: Lumber prices have been all over but I just checked at the local Home Depot and the cost for this project has gone from $23 to $27 - still a great deal for what you get. Also, you can do this entire project with a circular saw and a drill if you don't have the other tools. The nails are nice but you can screw the trim in place for even stronger results, no brad nailer necessary. Ours are now 4.5 years old and still looking and working great, right in front of our house!

[@AudraT]

Thanks for the update. Can the wood screws be toxic to humans in a vegetable garden? Might any toxins leach into the soil and the vegetables if using zinc plated wood screws?

[@evanhunterfox]

@@AudraT No.

[@davidjduerr]

It’s pretty much free if you use pallet wood just make sure you’re using the right kind, never use blue pallets.

[@roccod1018]

Nice job. Cedar pickets almost impossible to find here in the Northeast.

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

Just picked these materials up from home depot and the cost was $43 a bed.

[@adamcochran7950]

I saw this video for the first time months ago. Finally came back and made one of these this evening. Awesome project and super fun!

[@zomarz]

Just did this today but made it 8 ft wide and put 4 Italian cypress trees in for our patio. Came out awesome. Thank you so much!

[@bmlkohs]

Great video. I used the idea for something a little different than a planter though. If you smooth everything and add a lid this works great as a kid's toy box. I also changed the dimension a little to fit the space in my son's room. It ended up being 33"w x 16"d x 16.5"h. The lid was made just like the base, but pickets overhang slightly to make it center itself on the top. I'll also eventually figure out how to add hinges to make it easier for him to get into it.

[@niralipatel6019]

This is awesome! My 1st attempt didn't turn out quite as beautiful, because I didn't have a nail gun and tried using 2x2 (forgetting that 2x4 doesn't mean 2" x 4"). This is the perfect project for a 1st timer! I learned so much in the mistakes I made. Thank you.

[@MrWuster]

Thank you Nils. I will be making the first of hopefully several of these planter boxes over the next day or two.

[@BreeTheCouponQueen]

LOVE this planter. I need to build 2 for my garden out back. cant wait to see how they turn out.

[@RobDyerdotcom]

Built 4 of these this week. Came out amazing. Thanks for the video.

[@user-kx1gw4sr1x]

That is an absolutely fantastic way to bring color and flowers to your home!

[@0819nutterbutter]

I ended up making it and just hammering small galvenized finishing nails instead of using a nail gun! It turned out great. Thanks for the video.

[@bevryan175]

You make it look so easy, thanks for the video , need to get busy this summer .

[@rage4797]

I was hesitant taking advice from a man in flip flops, this tutorial is great and very thorough. Thank you.

[@jacobdecook6550]

Made it as an afternoon project today. Took a couple hours, turned out great!

[@snakemonkey555]

Wow, that was quick, thanks so much!

[@jeremar]

I've been making this planter box and sell them EVERY year. Thanks

[@susanb8436]

How much?!? :))

[@MrFredsDIY]

Great little project! I like this design a lot!

[@cjcoman]

build two of these this past week with a screw gun and a handsaw. Bit of a workout, but they turned out great! Thanks for the blueprints and video. Fun project...good for the soul!

[@deifor]

Thanks for this, I was discouraged when I saw the table saw.

[@5_star_General.]

Thank you very much for this video. I followed these instructions and made a planter box very similar just a little bigger dimensions. Love it. Thanks again.

[@jackieguzman342]

Do you mind sharing your dimensions?

[@nlahunter]

Wow. That's looks really good. Great job!

[@Tiemanators]

I recognize beautiful Mt Timpanogos in the background! I made this box up in Seattle today, but made it 6' long. Thanks Nils!

[@earnold9099]

How much was it for 6 feet...or did you mean inches?

[@mmtiemann]

E Arnold I made it twice as long and twice as wide. I already had all the tools and screws, but it ended up costing me about $45 in wood at Home Depot.

[@fredwickwire2502]

Good simple project; enjoyed making this planter.

[@rickdff62]

Excellent. Will make these for next spring. Thanks!

[@talex7473]

I’ve made two of these from this tutorial now and here’s what I’ve learned. It’s difficult to not split vertical parts of the frame because of all of the screws going into it if you don’t have a brad nailer (like me). Also, it doesn’t need to be perfectly straight as the four corner coverings will make it look squared away anyways. All in all a good project for someone new to this stuff like myself. Also, I bought a table saw at harbor freight for $150. Great investment as I can do a bunch of these types of projects now. Thanks for the video!

[@starkey817]

I know nothing about table saws but I looked some up at harbor freight and there are a couple for $100. How did you know what to get?

[@theisleofhopesoapcompany3628]

I used all screws cause we did not feel like getting out the air comp. and nailer. I learned to pre-drill all holes before putting the screws in to keep from splitting wood. Also use the deck screws that look just like finish screws. Really worked well... just took a little longer.

[@jaysenperkins1550]

This video is a perfect example of terrible joinery. Whatever he does, do something different and better.

[@jabelltulsa]

Great video. This was just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@artzellie]

Thanks for the instructions. My husband said he can make me a planter. I can’t wait!

[@gaurivats7396]

i don't see instruction can you point me ?

[@Mopsie]

Gauri Vats watch the video

[@blondizsmilz]

Thanks for sharing this! I would love to build one of these, but I would make it taller. I will let you know when I get it done!

[@stevebozich7308]

Made these today. Turned out great. Thanks.

[@byLizee]

Steve Bozich how much dis you spend ?

[@GraceofGod64]

Nice! I can do it, thanks for the instruction.

[@lorenzodelgado1983]

Simple and clear; thank you!

[@TheMkelley25]

This is amazing. Thank you!

[@twoyonderfilms1634]

SOOOO CUTE!! Thank you!!!

[@richardrodriguez1835]

excellent diy video!! will be making this weekend!!

[@rosemarieriley5133]

Thanks so much for the quick and simple answer to my planter box question.

[@DIYPD]

Looks awesome mate! And the video it's great! 😀

[@ranzamaceanruig]

What did I learn? I learned what the cool kids do! Finally!

[@espressoveins2730]

The subtle Mountain View flex is my favorite part of this whole video 😂 801 represent!

[@AL-kk4ui]

I deffinetly recognize those mountains!

[@liliacoustic]

thankyou for this! helps alot with my woodtech assessment

[@gabrielsktang]

You made it look so easy! I have finally acquired a mitre saw and a table saw. planning to try it this this week. Would like to know if anyone have any feed back about the longevity of the woods and nails after a few years. Great video!

[@MrStormchaser77]

This is a DIY project that an novice can actually do that results in a great-looking and sturdy product! Just came from another channel where the guy said "You only need a miter saw and a drill", then proceeded to use $20k worth of equipment, ugh. Thanks for sharing! Edit: I built two of these over the weekend. This was my first real-deal carpentry type project since high school. The end results turned out really well! I used pine instead of cedar, so the material cost was about $19. The stain/sealer I'm going to use cost twice as much as the planter!

[@Dust4Vomit]

Haha! I think I came from the same video. I had to stop it a few minutes in when he was using all kinds of tools that I’m not going to have anytime soon

[@joelwagenman2851]

Thanks, good video. My floor ended up having half inch gaps between each plank. My frame is exactly 36' and the planks are all pretty close to 5 1/2" wide. Planning to put weed barrier in but still a little concerned that the gaps may be too wide.

[@jamesmcdonald5670]

Built it today. It turned out pretty well. I am happy with the first one but I feel I can do better. A couple of things; when attaching the siding boards make sure you go from the top of the box. When I split the top cap board it was 2 3/4 inches for the 45 degree cut.

[@roadrunner123]

I'm going to try to build one of these. Very nice.

[@jcordero2303]

Beautiful. ❤

[@Strikeshotz]

I'm digging this 😍

[@castleofcostamesa8291]

Awesome tutorial! Thanks! I would like to try it, perhaps a larger one for my fragrant climbing roses. Wish me luck!

[@LRN2DIY]

Castle of Costa Mesa You got this!

Great work

[@Sal-rw2lc]

great video! Thanks !!

[@paintballduke22]

I recognize those mountains anywhere! You're from my state :) Great Video!

[@cubmaster1028]

Sweet video. I've been using 5 gallon buckets with holes in them this looks a whole lot better than buckets!

[@socalcraigster]

$23 in materials; $23,000 in equipment. Lol

[@rickkadets5139]

Tools are a lifelong investment to making DIY more possible and easily 10Xing your tool purchases in savings, and/or a side business.

[@Dreadlock1227]

You could do this build with nothing but a skill saw and a drill. In fact, if you’re really on a budget, you could even do it with just a $15 hand saw, a $7 speed square and a drill. All the other tools just make things easier and faster, but aren’t essential for this

[@edwardnavarro9511]

Harbor Frieght is always an option, both chop saw and table saw around $100 and opens up your capacity for DIY projects.

[@nancyschwab5112]

@@rickkadets5139 i8789

[@MikeHart72]

You can do this with basic tools

[@kaytomascom]

i learned i need more equipment.

[@11caroleann11]

Same!

[@niklaswulff2474]

That's the problem with some of the so called DIY videos around yt, most of them use a table and/or miter saw which only people with some years have.. also I think the 45 degree angles are unnecessarily complicated. Last point, I prefer screws over bradnails for take-it-appartability. #thumbdrop

[@diymumzy8064]

Great video ....I have a similar KZbin channel if anybody is interested. I encourage all of you to come and check it out. feedback is welcome if you enjoy please hit that subscribe button and comments so that I can welcome you to the family

[@sawalker2149]

😆

[@giorgiacaira]

I would really like to build a 23 Dollar planter box but unfortunately can’t afford the 5000 Dollars plus of power tools to make it. I’m off to find some old pallets and a box of nails.

[@tessjones5987]

This is a great video.Thanks

[@vegdiver1]

Bravo & Thanks!

[@chrisubben8833]

I made 18 of these a few years ago as Christmas gifts and people are still asking me to make more and offering to pay for them even. This was an awesome project and makes a great gift, because to buy one from a outdoor project type store would be around $75 a piece.

[@andreslandau7673]

Planters are here gown up

[@cesarespinal8151]

Looks good

[@jnbff10]

Great set of plans... price has definitely gone up... thanks for sharing

[@bambam73003]

Nice watch I have the same one.oh and nice planter to.

[@frankmarkovich5642]

Todays lumber prices, it is now like $95.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Boy you are not far off!!!

[@jayflo588]

And today to drive to get the wood will cost about 23 dollars

[@zoeclark6976]

From Home Depot each cedar picket (1x6x6) is $3.97 each. So a little more expensive than $23 but still very much worth it to build.

[@theyoutube8933]

Thanks Joe Biden!

[@scootermom1791]

@@theyoutube8933 Exactly!!! 😠

[@jerydob6499]

I would spot use PL or Liquid Nail under top trim and at frame connection points, for a number of reasons. Nice clean box. Adhesive plus a sealer will make it last. Ty for video(s).

[@stevendeleon7474]

Well Done!

[@nerosri6964]

Just made my first one, exactly same. thank you so much for the inspiration, I will post a video of it on my page soon!

[@jacobdevine8716]

Nero Sri same just finished today

[@metatechnologist]

I like this design and the materials. Though I think I would do the drainage differently or make it self watering.

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Very nice and straight foward.you like me I play guitar but do lotsa construction work well.( born Caribbean now us citizen..nyc

[@GregCameron2008]

i finished mine off by sanding them to 220 grit and then applying teak oil. Hoping they hold up for years

[@sharonbragg6014]

Made two already. The second one was a breeze. Plans could be a little more detailed. Thanks for sharing!

[@jpwiggo]

What's the measurements on the table saw to rip both a 2x4 and one of those cedar planks in 1/2 ?

[@joshx413]

i was so confused as to who this was at first.. its DIYNills! love your videos! keep up the awesome work!

[@LRN2DIY]

Sorry about that. I'm putting out a video this weekend that explains how/why I made the switch from DIYNils to to LRN2DIY. Probably should have done that first ;)

[@joshx413]

no need to apologize! Thanks for all the help you give us! I wish i had half the creative/building skills you have..

[@jorgelopez9620]

Nice brother look at u with the transitions and sfx

[@Doctrtony]

I built a 6ft version a little bit more heavy duty using cedar decking instead of fence pickets, cost me about 80-90 bucks. I used the same method just made it bigger used feet in the middle for extra support

[@bed4dmc]

Looks good. I'm curious how well the 18ga brad nails hold up in that environment though

[@AndyJohnson3leftturns]

Nice view of Timp.

[@Daeyel]

I thought he was in Utah Valley when I saw the mountain shot!

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

what about some wood glue? It really helps to keep all together especially for the exterior!

[@egormrinskiy4402]

My works too. Used Avasva handbooks and build it with no problems.

[@cleokey]

I plan on building these, I'll use pressure treated wood instead of regular 2x4, rest looks like it would work fine.

[@haileyphillipps977]

I've hear pressure treated isn't good for planting vegetables due to the chemicals used to pressure treat. I definitely need to do more research on this and how to best weather treat. Good luck!

[@sbradshaw1886]

@@haileyphillipps977 Everything I've come across the past few days have said the same thing so I know not to get any pre-treated wood

[@veronicawilliams2612]

I was taking notes I'm gone try to make this just what I need thanks.

[@darrellwhittington2865]

Cool you rock

[@jimbennett2940]

Just as a side note, since cedar fence boards are not available everywhere, you can use redwood which is about the same price here in the Sacramento area. The redwood boards at Lowe’s are kinda gnarly on the surface. Luckily I have a drum sander and ran one side of the boards through it with 80 grit sandpaper in it, making the exterior face a LOT nicer looking than the off-the-shelf board. You could get the same result with a random orbital sander and some 80 grit paper.

[@adamcochran7950]

Since I live in Sacramento I find this comment especially helpful lol, thanks

[@jimbennett2940]

Side note number two... the drum sander approach really gummed up that 80 grit paper and made it useless due to the amount of pitch in the redwood boards. I’ve since built three (yes, 3) more of these planters for my wife and I used a planer to smooth out the surface on each board, on one side only. Huge difference in the amount of time it takes. Forget the drum sander method!!

[@adamcochran7950]

Jim Bennett Oh, interesting, thanks again! We’re in escrow right now, so I’ve been anxiously looking up all kinds of projects to spruce up the place. I’m hoping to get a lot of curb appeal done before the rain comes in the fall. I’ll put this into my notes.

[@billyelliot78]

how do you make sure that the inside frame is square and true? if they aren't, do the cedar pickets actually correct them as you nail em on?

[@nursebecky2006]

What size screws did you use? I’m a newbie at building stuff. I bought the long ones but I think I need to learn the diameter of screws lol! I missed the part of adding the 4 inch legs below so mine is stumpy on the ground, but not bad, I just realized why my boards were not fitting! I learned a lot building this! Thank you!!

[@Corvettelloydminster]

I made the coolest one out of Acrylic stucco with foam detail

[@southernsweetscm]

Cruise Dleifsnam Wow I Hope 🤞 I can do something similar but I do love the idea of cedar

[@signsofautumn1]

Just a recommendation for this rod you doing this. I am starting all new raised garden beds in my yard, about 8-10 of them. Some are 1’ some 2’ and some 3’ high. I learned a great idea. You can put organic materials in the bottom to create air circulation for microbes to stay alive and keep the roots healthy. I would cris-cros some 1”-2”-3” branches at the bottom, maybe some smaller sticks, handful of leaves. It saves space if you have a large raised garden bed and it won’t be so compacted where it can’t get air circulation for roots. I’m using 3 layers of cardboard at the bottom of my beds instead of cloth. This is all new to me. I’m a right in the ground gardener until my tree roots have taken over my yard and I love my trees and never want to cut the roots and weaken my trees. Good luck

[@eamcbmsc]

This cost me about $40 bucks for the wood, water sealer, and nails. It was such a huge savings. Similar pieces go for $200 on wayfair. It’s a huge savings and gave me something to do while at home the last few months. Thanks!

[@LRN2DIY]

Nice! So glad you were able to build one and save some money!

[@matthewsalvador9783]

I learned how to be a cool kid... besides that very informative video.

[@TuNguyen-xk6oo]

Great instructions. I’m curious how he did the water sealer and attach the weed barrier though

[@LRN2DIY]

For the sealer, I just painted it on with a brush. For the weed barrier, I used a standard staple gun to attach it.

[@joshuatejada5699]

Liked and subscribed within 10 seconds strictly because the flip flops💪🏽 now to learn! Haha

[@snakemonkey555]

Thanks for this one, gonna make a few for our side porch. Clicked on your site to download the plans but couldn't find the link??? Please help.

[@LRN2DIY]

Sorry for the delay. Finished the plans just now - they're posted.

[@josemendiola4957]

Excelente video buen trabajo felicidades 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@thepaulinemarie]

Are the brads ok for exterior?

[@rajatdua3467]

What kind of liner did you use?

[@GregCameron2008]

I built this today with my daughter. It looks great! Already took your plans and updated them to make a 48x24 inch version as well

[@cristianquintana3874]

los felicito!

[@0c4pnh4nk]

I'm going to make a few of these this weekend. When I went to look up pricing, well, let's just say that for one 1x6x6 cedar fence board is $10 here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, so it's going to be a bit more expensive than $27 (from the pinned comment). I might improvise with what's at the hardware store. I don't need them to last twenty years. Thanks for the guide!

[@jmack1717]

Wondering if you could throw caster wheels.on that, is it sturdy enough? Looking to make one for mother's day

[@LRN2DIY]

I think that’d work fine so long as the casters were fastened into the 2x2 corners.

[@shamicentertainment1262]

I got stuck at letting the wood drop. I'm not a cool kid so I'm unsure how to proceed?

[@LuisDyniaSanchez1]

Thanks... I just made one from big box store cedar. Came out real sexy like!

[@LRN2DIY]

Nice!

[@rmgar]

Even two years later... Even though prices have changed. This is a great project! It also, gives us an "excuse" to buy those tools we really "need". LOL!

[@Archaides]

Yeah, price is a bit off. Cedar boards aren't less than $2. They're like $3.50 for 5/8 x 5.5 x 6. Add in the weed barrier or painters plastic, that's another $15-20 Having built one this week that was 48in x 24in, it's closer to a $50 planter.

[@alejandramacias7115]

Half way through and realizing my husband still wouldn’t understand this. I’ll just buy one 😂 awesome video !

[@adamt7605]

I would use green treated 2x4s

[@theisleofhopesoapcompany3628]

Adam T I thought the same thing! I did one with treated and the other with untreated.... The one with treated is just for ornamentals and our other is for herbs and small pepper plants.