Easy Diy Raised Planter Boxes: A Step-by-step Guide!

A great addition to your spring/summer garden and patio are raised planters. This week I take you through an easy build process that any DIY'er can follow to build your own raised planters that will last for years.
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[@johndowney5214]

With a bit of adaptation to fit the plastic troughs we had lying around, I’ve just made three of them and now have a very happy wife! Thank you for the concept and guidance

[@marvrogers9540]

Putting a horizontal frame around the top always makes these look much neater, but unfortunately gives slugs a perfect place to hide. The good thing about this design is that the only way the little buggers can get to the plants is up the legs, and wrapping a bit of copper tape around the bottom of the legs will stop them in their tracks :-D

[@gerrylangford6485]

Used this type glue for years, never dampened the timber, never had a problem as wood usually has enough moisture to activate the glue.

[@andrewwilson3663]

PU is the best for garden projects, and a spray or wipe of water on one surface speeds up curing dramatically. Awful stuff to work with though. Roof battens great for😊 projects also, provided they aren't dyed a bright colour. Troughs are a game changer for this. We have planters and window boxes like this. As the seasons change, the next trough can be prepared in advance and a new display dropped in just as the old one is dying back. Great project. Edit. Bonus feature, facing the front with waney edge board for a great rustic look. Edit edit. Worth adding a bar across the base for extra support. Some troughs struggle with the weight of wet compost and distort over time, so need some help.

[@stephenweston1807]

"That's 242, let's call it 245 ... that's 635, let's call it 640 ... OK, so it's got a little bit of wriggle room." Quelle Surprise! 🤣

[@silverback414]

Very inspiring. I'll be making a couple for our new house. When you were talking about your wobbly work bench I imagined cutting to a shot of Paul Sellers just tutting and shaking his head😄

[@bernardfallon5150]

In my experience you don’t need to damp the timber when using Gorilla glue on treated timber as it usually has quite a high moisture content. In fact I don’t dampen any timber any more and I have used that glue a lot and never had a joint fail. It is waterproof and gives a very strong joint.

[@Viken43]

My old boss used to put glue bottle in hot water, makes it flow better. Would have said water is needed more for hard woods… regular wood glue would have worked just as well.

[@curiousmatt]

Great vid, will definitely have a go at these. Loving the use of your outdoor covered area as a studio.

[@Edsbar]

I've used Everbuild's PU adhesive, I never wet the sides and it set absolutely as expected. I think I shall make a version of these planter.

[@Edsbar]

I think there is enough moisture in the air in the form of humidity.

[@gss6531]

Hey Stu, I find going to a timber yard specialising in fence panels/sleepers etc. can be a lot cheaper than the likes of B&Q/Wickes especially on the treated stuff.

[@paulpalmer9970]

Being slightly loose is great,makes it easy to lift the plastic planter out if needed,especially with it being full of soil,

[@homewurks1]

Love it! I'm off to B&M in the morning

[@brianhill1294]

I’ve used polyurethane glue loads of times, excellent adhesion, don’t get it on your hands it’ll take about a week to get off. All polyurethane glue requires 1 matting surface to be damp.

[@pattyseel1892]

Great planter! Thank you. I love your videos,...you're very funny! You should put more humor in them!! But your ideas are spot on!

[@barbarawiddowson635]

Great idea Stuart.Thank you.

[@Jako1882]

Great Vid Stuart, imo making wood damp doesn’t really do much there’s enough moisture in the wood and air. Also never get that glue on your skin,it turns it black & takes days to get off. Hope this helps 👍🏼

[@michaelcorcoran82]

Great simple yet sturdy looking construction

[@Quaker521]

Great idea for a great video. Cheers.

[@mikeb3010]

Nice job, I’ve quite a bit timber up the shed, not the same measurements as yours, but will use your specs. Many thanks.

[@davidglew9979]

When you were rounding off the cut down 2x4s you could have left one corner squared off for when you attached it to the frames

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Yes Stuart, it's Spring and great garden project a lot easier to have a raised planter. Looks good , have a great Easter weekend

[@stephgriffiths3118]

I watch the channel all the time, love your idea's, i'm going have a go at making the planters 😀

[@markirish7599]

Happy Easter. Thanks for all the fantastic videos. Look forward to many more.

[@jameslennon5330]

Planters look great excellent job Stuart , great idea

[@richardlevings8182]

Thanks Stewart really nice planter I’ll be making one with the great value BM trough … agree 100%% about tile batton

[@BillDavies-ej6ye]

I've used PU Gorilla glue a few times, I've never added moisture, it finds enough water in the wood, which is never completely dry (in our climate!). It does expand a lot, and is difficult to remove once it has set, so clean up very quickly.

[@stephencave187]

Good job Stu

[@iandrain.7277]

Yea the water makes it active surface to surface its sticky stuff used it a good few times.

[@martindwilliams]

I'm going to build some, greate video! Thank you.

[@terrytopliss9506]

Another interesting video Stuart, thanks for the video.👍👍

[@awantamta]

Lovely !

[@YesiPleb]

I used that expanding Gorilla glue to secure the frame for my garden gate using half lap joints and it is surprisingly strong. Cut the wood, offer up, drill a couple pilot holes, wet the wood, apply glue, screw together. My gate is standard width and 6ft high and solid.

[@ClarkeDesign]

Superb job. Just about to make a couple of planters like this, so will update my plans and go with something like yours. Love the idea of the plastic planter inside the frame to keep moisture and wet soil away from the wood.

[@clarkeysam]

I've just gone and bought 2 of those troughs. I plan to have and upper and lower one to be placed next to my kitchen window and then be planted with herbs at the top and tomatos at the bottom.

[@1teem]

The look on your face at 10:40 is excellent 😂

[@leighcarnally6815]

Morning Stu. Another great weekend project. You never fail. Nice garden workshop setting. Merry Easter 🍺

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Another good and informative video. Stewart always attention to detail.

[@EmptyGlass99]

I've had a pile of these ugly plastic planting troughs for years that I never used because I hate to see plastic in the garden but this is a good idea. Thanks for the idea.

[@pattyseel1892]

Awesome!

[@graemeadamson7272]

Excellent as always chief . We sell 2 b 2 at our spot (builders merchant's where I work ) sell shed loads of it . 4.8 and 2.4 m lengths , it's brilliant for jobs like this . I have used it on most of the planters I've made over the years . Roof batten is an essential for anybody's shed/ garage . Always have some in for your next job/project . I just love working with wood it's just sooo versatile . Have a good one fella 👊

[@dougdavidson175]

Happy Easter Stu & family. Had the same problem with the wobbly workbench until I turned 90 degrees to work with the strength of the sawhorses instead of across them. Nice wee weekend project. Take care & stay safe.

[@UrFavGinger13.]

ill be having a go at this

[@robgullen]

Find a specialist roofing material supplier to buy roof battens - IME always MUCH cheaper than a builder's merchant.

[@mikegleaden5096]

Nice job! The PU glue doesn't really need added water unless you've found a source of bone dry roof battens, which doesn't sound like any builders' merchant I've ever bought treated timber from. Filthy stuff, but quite effective for outdoor work.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Stuart, a nice accessible project, well planned and explained, no dimensions required, just adjust to fit each trough ! This works well, I have three window boxes that I made with Batten and Deck boards with 12 matching troughs that I can swap out between bulbs and bedding etc. they're over 10 y/o and still going strong ! I use roofing battens for many projects for exactly the reasons you gave - even from the same source they vary, some are heavier and more resinous so I group and pick appropriate lengths for each job accordingly. The other advantage of getting these delivered by a builder's merchant is you can get them as 3.6 of 4.8m lengths which means less waste usually !

[@fredjcarss7788]

Built something very similar last year using old fence boards that I reclaimed. It worked out well but I didn’t have a trough I could have used. Keeping my eyes open for one now.

[@robertoxley4997]

Great video, i am currently looking to make a few planters to run along our boundary, love the idea of using the inserted plastic planter.

[@smilertiler1]

Love them. I've built a few planters over the years from 6"x1" treated wooden gravel boards. I bulld a sloped bottom into them and line with cut up rubble sacks. I drill a 32mm hole in the lower end for a bit of pipe and drainage.

[@MD-hv5ss]

You could put a brace piece across the middle of the bottom of the trough. As long as you drill the drain holes away from the brace piece, it shouldn’t get too wet and rot. It’s treated timber so should be ok.

[@MD-hv5ss]

I use a spray bottle to wet the area. The glue expands and sticks to the rough timber better than a standard wood glue.

[@tonysutton6559]

A great little project. I think that I will mainly copy your design. I built my last ones for growing herbs out of pallets about 10 years ago and I was thinking that it's time that I replaced them but 10 years is not bad for free wood.

[@decc2007]

It will get moisture fine from the air and the wood. Wetting the wood will lower bonding strength a little. Be aware the full bond strength will take a few days. But your screw and glue method takes care of this. It will be fine. Ex woodworking glue technologist at a major adhesives company.

[@lisahodges8299]

I watch this DIY channel for the instructions and the comments, you ask proper question "does anyone have experience of this product? This is the first time that I have used it". It the lack of sycophants. Thank you Birdy

[@Crazy_Dave]

Another great idea Stuart, I'm off to B&M.

[@c.a.g.1977]

12:14 Next week on Proper DIY: Garden Projects: Stuart makes a sturdy outdoor workbench for future garden projects 😄 Nice little planter box you made this week!

[@kevinallsopp9802]

Great video. Luke the idea… will be adapting… Haworth timber have 75mmx75mm treated 1.8’ posts, green and brown… £4.32… bargain for use around in jobs . If can access them.

[@bobdove6068]

I use that Gorilla glue here in Australia. It really is good and a bit of moisture certainly makes it better. Your instructional videos are excellent. I can see you must have an engineering background plus are able to teach as well. Not easy. Well done yet again.

[@ianpearse4480]

Nice.

[@Mr_Gadge]

I’ve used that gorilla glue for years and have never had a bottle stay liquid over 6 months, even with squeezing the air out. I’ve actually had the plastic tub fall through because there was no support under. In heavy rain it just gave up. I always put two pressure treated struts across avoiding any drain holes. I also dip any cut ends with cut end protector for decking by just leaving them stood in a takeaway tub with a shallow spill of the protector fluid. Take out, wipe and leave to dry. I make all mine out of decking and pressure treated frame. They really stand out.

[@alfietemperton4266]

Really wish this,came out a week early just made the same thing but turned out no where nearly as good

[@harddriven1344]

Gorilla glue is now my favourite brand of glue. I've lost count of how many times I've ordered it from Amazon in the last two years.

[@mn4169]

Had mine for years

[@CherDele]

I love those planters. Can't see myself making them though. I don't own a circular Saw.......to use would scare the crap outa me!

[@chrismills3435]

Nice little project, my timber yard sells treated 2x2 so I'm good to go and don't have to buy a table saw, oh well, maybe next time.

[@keithhooper6123]

I would put some support under the plastic p!anter

[@susanhillier5635]

Another great video Stu. Don’t take that £15 piece of wood back, bye a few more and make a solid bench……..happy Easter, keep em coming

[@literyAZ09]

Omg second workshop 😀 shame that you didnt show how you prepared this workspace

[@michaeltaylor4824]

I wish you’d been able to post this a week ago Stuart; just used Gorilla on an oak bench repair and had no idea about wetting it. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@daveskinner1973]

Another great video as always Stuart. Who was your camera person. A very different style of shots in this one…

[@cedarstuff]

I like this, but with one modification - put three cross pieces on the lower frame to support the bottom of the trough. Would also act as the spacer (@10:06). If it rots, is easy enough to replace in the future. Think you are asking for trouble with it being supported only by the rim.

[@edithflood631]

Reminds me of Wranglerstar making a tool tote where he secured the bottom planks (floor) of the tote with nails going straight up vertically into the sides…. Just an invitation for the weight of the tools to send the bottom crashing down. (All the professional tool totes I have seen carpenters make have the base secured by screws through the side).

[@PeterLancaster-dw2fv]

Love all your projects. Any chance of you making a ottoman for bedroom?

[@jwatkins123]

Must be nearly time to build a swing chair for the wife!

[@ReddyFreddygo]

Hi, could you please supply a approx list of timbers i will need to make a raised planter planter please? I went into B&M this moening and purchased 4, i would be willing to make a payment for a data sheet. Thank you.

[@ThisOldManOfTheSea]

I’ve never used water with Gorilla Glue as I suspect there’s enough moisture in UK wood/air compared to parts of the USA which have very high temperatures and very low humidity.

[@laikatravels]

Good project 👍 that gorilla glue is terrible stuff, bet you don’t use it again!

[@user-ob1wd9fc5q]

Wonder if we will get a special video tomorrow...

[@cyberlizardcouk]

they are great and look straightfoward to construct, but how much do they actually cost to make? Is it cheaper to just purchase a ready made planter from a big box store?

[@lisahodges8299]

Drainage holes? Birdy

[@Nuts-Bolts]

Ah. Just what the wife needs for her self raising flower.

[@rogergladding7943]

Hi Stuart. I have done something similar with my planters on the ends of my deep beds. I would love to send you photos for inspiration but no idea how. Can’t post photos on stupid KZbin comments.

[@herrpez]

My immediate thought is that the plastic trough will turn brittle and simply break. I hope it's sturdy enough without support!

[@Mr_Gadge]

It does. Mine fell through in heavy rain.

[@stevewood7884]

It's protected from the sun, so should be okay.

[@samdub]

Designed for the plastic feet to take the weight so not sure how they’ll hold up but I’m sure they’d have to pass a proper DIY flimsy test first before purchase 😂

[@edwardrobson]

Be easy to add a couple of bits across the lower frame to support bottom of the planter?

[@TGRacing]

So, come on Stuart ... what did you use for the feet then ? 😳

[@fus149hammer5]

Problem is is that wood is so bloody expensive these days that unless you have loads of scrap wood lying around or you work for a builder and can help yourself to offcuts even a project like this can be prohibitively expensive. My neighbour next door was planning a project for his garden but gave up when he found it was cheaper to buy a self assembly garden shed and just use the supplied timber! I'm having all our knackered decking and wooden railings replaced with a proper stone patio but I'm not throwing the wood away our garage and shed are getting new shelves and the garden edges are getting new borders. Waste not want not but no way am I paying through the nose for overpriced timber.

[@aliwho]

Hi all that 4 a planter I would stand it on some bricks.

[@TheOldBlackCrow]

I really hat that foam based glue... 😧

[@billy4072]

Errr..

[@SpartanMJO12]

Happy Easter Stuart - I've made something similar for my Grandad in the past, roof battens are a fantastic idea

[@Ffish69]

Nice job Stuart! Don't suppose you priced up the total cost of the larger box, did you?