Less Than $20 Planter Box Made With 2x4's

#woodworking #diyprojects #diy
Wes gets you ready for springtime planting without breaking the bank!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hey this is Wes...if you have any questions or stuck on a particular project you need help with, go to www.woodworkingwithwes.com

[@exxekhan]

I love how Wes explains what he's doing and why. Most DIY channels gloss over these details.

[@JRJStacks]

The Bob Ross of woodworking. Wes you are a national treasure. 😊👍👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wow, thanks! I know about the Bob Ross thing...been hearing that a lot ! Wes

[@gregmize01]

WOWZA, NEVER THOUGHT OF CUTTING TENONS LIKE THIS!

[@shankarh6915]

Loved the video, not just for the planter but for more generic tips and tricks! Please, more 2x4+ply wood videos for folks with modest budgets - simple book cases, shelves etc would be awesome!

[@danmeeker3203]

THANK YOU for showing the finished product at the start. Too many videos jump right into milling the lumber. I like to know what we're making up front.

[@richardslater677]

Totally agree!

[@sawdustcrypto3987]

I love building furniture out of tuba fours! That's a nice looking box. This is something I actually want to build. Thanks! 👍👍

[@skippylippy547]

I wonder how long those 2 x 4's will last outside even with a finish on them. I think I'll make mine out of either redwood or western red cedar with pigmented outdoor finish for better durability.

[@acfueler09]

@@skippylippy547 I think he used pine stock because of the cost thing, I think this whole thing he said was 20 bucks, redwood and red cedar would be a lot more.

[@philip1982]

What's a tuba for, anyway?

[@garthjernigan8697]

To play at a Tuba Christmas. The Tuba is the bottom end in an orchestra ​@@philip1982

[@vishantp]

@@philip1982it means 2x4s

[@chance1986]

It's fun to see something lovely built with lower grade materials. Well done.

[@g.m.forsythe9626]

I can DEFINITELY relate to your comment about the wife seeing it and ordering more!!! I had a similar experience. We now have 54 planter boxes of differing sizes and functionality as she grows a lot of our food from raised beds.

[@wyndiefeatherstone948]

Wes thank you so much for showing us so perfectly how to build such a beautiful planter for the yard. This is just what I was looking for and I am going to make several of them!!! I just cant wait!!!!

[@lauramarshall6376]

I love the result and how clear you are. One issue is that, especially beginners, should not be holding wood when routing. It's too easy to slip and do damage. Clamp them down, vise them down.

[@jasonsteele5579]

The Bob Ross of Woodworking! Lol. Honestly

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

😀💪

[@bobbyc2126]

Thanks for taking the time to video your great work Wes.

[@Win52D]

Nice design! Perfect for cutting with a bandsaw.

[@floridabeardedwoodworker]

That is what I was thinking

[@Win52D]

@@floridabeardedwoodworker Even a handsaw or tenon saw would make quick work of this, especially if you have a bench vise. I also cringed when Wes free handed that router trim in the ends. If it had slipped and dropped to his hand.......instant hamburger.

[@user-ff7kq2nc7x]

Definitely agree on the bandsaw for the fingers

[@DJe1957]

Something simple for a change in the middle of fingerjoints, dados, and hundreds of ways to cut halflaps. The project does not even require a tablesaw, it just makes everything quicker. Well done!

[@MikeChilds]

Thank you for showing the finished project at the beginning of the video. Most of the wood shop videos don't show the finished project until the end, forcing me to skip forward searching to see if it's something I'd like to build.

[@tremektko1617]

The type of guy you would love to work with. Nice work

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wow, thanks. I appreciate your kind comment, Wes 😀

[@j.justin1511]

Lovely, simple design, Wes. Would it not be much simpler and faster to make all those cuts on a bandsaw? Just space your fence 3/4" from the blade and set a 1 1/2" block past the blade to be able to cut, flip, cut, rotate, cut, flip, cut. Then trim off the ends. Seems it would eliminate the curved blade kerf issues and the "tabs" you have to grind down. Just a thought. Thanks for a great idea!

[@PaganWizard]

It sure would be A LOT faster, simpler, and most importantly, SAFER. If someone doesn't have a bandsaw, an simple jig saw or even a hand saw would be acceptable options. Another acceptable option would be to use a dado stack, or just use the standard blade to make crosscuts, sliding the piece of wood after each pass of the saw's blade. I certainly wouldn't be willing to make those cuts on a table saw, and I have been using table saws for decades.

[@supermankent1041]

​@@PaganWizard I gave you a thumbs up. After reviewing this, it is NOT as dangerous as it looks. If you notice, because the blade is so High and the cut is so Short. There is ALL Downward force and NO Kickback Force on the worlk piece.

[@k.truell2999]

​@PaganWizard I am a novice woodworker like this is my first foray into woodwork. I have a few 2x4's and I want to make planter boxes. I have a table saw but I'm not against getting a new toom if it's safer and "easier". Any suggestions?

[@NeanderthalDogma]

​@@k.truell2999get it. I mean don't go crazy but if you got the money. Invest in these tools. You're going to need them anyways.

[@214rwoz]

Thanks for all your time and effort.

[@patrick_jouno]

You make learning wood working a pleasure, thank you.

[@CM_STILL_PLAYING]

Going to try these this Spring! Thank you

[@netbev40]

Thank you for showing detailed reasons for raising the saw. Very educational.

[@larrystone5749]

Great job and project thx for sharing enjoyed it Keep building God Bless

[@tonymulreid6347]

Can't believe I haven't come across this channel before. Love the way you build, so calm. Looking forward to viewing more of your content. Thanks Wes

[@starfish3704]

They look lovely. New project coming up for summer!!! Thank you 😊

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You are so welcome...good luck, they will be great! Wes

[@frankderosa1369]

My Wife will love it. Thanks Wes

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

So glad you enjoyed it...thanks for watching. Wes

[@rrrrkoop2776]

Just finished my first one for my wife. I'll bet she wants more. thanks for a fun project. by the way the bandsaw made this a quick easy fun project.

[@johnlee7085]

Exactly on the bandsaw. Right tool for the job vs tedious.

[@dorotheamcmillan229]

Looks so beautiful. Thanks for showing us how to build it

[@ronnorris1504]

Showed this to my wife. BIG mistake! She wants 4 for the back patio and 2 for the front porch. Really nice piece, thank you for sharing. Thinking about finishing with Thompsons water seal for patio and staining with a sealer for the front porch.

Subscribed! What a nice way to explain. Thanks for sharing!

[@shawndostie6846]

Thanks for the inspiration. I have some pallet board stock, never made into pallets, that I plan to use to create 21x42 planters.

[@garyperrin8172]

very good job thanks looks great

[@aymasg]

very nice and best thing i notice about your lovely work is u go through all details and donts miss any thing .... 👏👏👏

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you so much 😀 I sincerely appreciate your visit. Wes

[@JNewellworks]

Great idea! love it Wes! Nice work!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks a bunch...I appreciate the comment. Wes

[@jasonsteele5579]

Hands down one of the best online woodworking "teachers" Thanks alot!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wow, thank you...I sincerely appreciate the compliment. Wes

[@bobsmith3790]

That was a great video, Wes! It gave me a great idea for something I’ve wanted to build; it it solves a really great challenge. Thanks for sharing this. You’re a darn good teacher.

[@skippylippy547]

I'm curious - what was the "really great challenge"?

[@johnchurchill786]

Great job Wes! I love the planter🔥🔥🔥🔥👌😍😍😍👌👌👌👌

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks so much...glad to hear from you John. 😀

[@pulsar1010]

Very nice looking planter West. As always, great video and great teacher...I learn something everytime!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

So nice of you to let us know...thank you so very much for the support! Wes

[@josemunoz3749]

Excelente trabajo maestro !❤

[@playsball]

Great Video!

[@lmartin3601]

This was a very good class. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You're very welcome! Wes

[@gpanizzolo6090]

Oh oh....si, a veces nuestras esposas piden demasiado. Jajaja! Abrazo Wes y paciencia! Gracias por compartir tus trabajos e ideas.! Germán, Lomas de Solymar, Uruguay

[@DonaldWiseman-qf4rr]

The planter box you have shown was great and very easy to build. I expanded your design a bit. My wife wanted a taller planter box, 36 inches tall. She wants the flowers to sit above the railing on our deck. It was pretty easy to adapt. After building one, I came across some ideas that I thought I would run past you. Obviously, the size of the table saw blade makes a big difference in the shape of the side cuts for the fingers on the end. I cut about 1/8" short of the 1-1/2" line. Initially, the corners came out looking great, perfectly square....until I started chamfering the edges. That's when that little square hole in the corner appeared. I believe my saw blade was smaller than yours. To avoid that issue, couldn't you use a tenoning jig and square up those cuts. Take the cut right to the line. This would also allow you to easily select one side over the other for displaying purposes. In chamfering the edges, I found it much easier to do the work on my router table. I set my fence such that the front of the bearing was 3/4" away from the fence face. Chamfering the end of each finger was challenging, even with a small trim router. However, it was much easier once I built a 90 degree jig that held the workpiece vertically at a 90 degree angle to the table surface. Between the 90 degree jig and the fence, the workpiece was perfectly aligned going through the chamfering bit. I did make one mistake, though. In my zeal to see how everything looked and fitted together, I ripped four side pieces to the 1-1/2" dimension, lengthwise to create the gap fillers. I knew that I simply could not cut them in-half as each of the gap fillers would be slightly less than the 1-1/2" dimension required to create a level top and bottom surface. I did this before chamfering these four side pieces. That was my mistake. That made chamfering impossible. I ended up having to make 4 new side pieces , complete with chamfering, as replacement parts, for the gap fillers. The first unit came out great. I plan on using my homemade tenoning jig to make the next one. (My wife wanted two). I'll let you know how it turns out. Thank you. It was a fantastic project.

[@user-qk9xp8kc9m]

you enjoyed build in it I enjoyed watching in it😀

[@RoysTimberArtTechniques-mv6gt]

Thank you I will make a couple of those I’m still working on my Woodspirit Bird boxes so anything for the garden is great❤

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wonderful...glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@mrmanu20121]

Great job as always Wes 👏

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I appreciate that 😀

[@luciusverusluciusverus3082]

Nicely done 😊

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much, Wes 😀

[@royreddick2934]

Wes, I don't understand why didn't you use your table saw sled to make your notches? You could have set it up with a stop block and made them much like you would Box joints, cut one side then turn it around and cut the other, don't get me wrong the way you did it is perfectly good. This is just a suggestion, I am not trying make you mad in any way. I love all of you videos, I am a big fan.🙂

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you...I appreciate your comment! I'll just say, there is more than one way to skin a cat right? 😀 Wes

[@yankeeredneck6947]

I say that all the time, Wes.😅 ​@@WoodworkingWithWes

[@royreddick2934]

@@WoodworkingWithWes Yes sir you are correct. 😁

[@gaylerbhmaccom]

Go with what you’re comfortable with.

[@GeneralPublic0000]

I used the crosscut sled for that. It worked very well.

[@TheXtroken]

great project Wes love you video's the are super Greetz from Belgium

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Many thanks...I sincerely appreciate you visiting the channel. Wes

[@victormoonsamy5338]

Hi Wes, this really looks great. I love how the corners came out. Always like watching your videos. Victor here in South Africa 🇿🇦

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Victor...glad you enjoyed this video too. I really appreciate your continued support. Wes

[@mickcawley4797]

Great video, Wes. Really well explained. By the way, should you ever give up woodwork, perhaps you could consider late night radio or reading stories to kids, your voice is so easy listening. Best wishes from the U.K.👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@countrysmurfcomedy3099]

Niceeee build.... 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 Woodworker 💛

[@robt2151]

Another excellent project. At 08:51 you say that you are going the discard those little blocks. I keep them, push a nail through the centre and use them as supports when painting; I do the same with the triangular offcuts from mitre joints.

[@platypusrex2287]

This would be good to make thick wall beehives....

[@egraffius]

Need to put a GroBucket in it to make it self watering!

[@bxb590]

Pretty nice.

[@Kirrel]

Nice design of a planter box, and well presented. I do like the details but why first remove the default round-over by a 1/4 of an inch to square them up, and then finish all boards with a 1/4 inch chamfer again. You could save over an inch on height by just chamfering the original width of the board (which wasn't actually 2x4 to start with . . .) So 5 times a 2x4 (should make 20 inch in my head) results in just 15 inch of height.

[@jeremyrutledge8378]

Those are some nice tuba fours

[@RIcklacantina]

so much fun making these. I use cut offs from the construction in the neighbourhood, 2x4, 2x6 and also use almost everything cutoff the boards

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...that's great, very resourceful! Thanks for the comment 😀 Wes

[@crazytimes9989]

I have been waiting for something like this. I want to start a channel on this very idea. Ive made many similar items using the least amount of tools.

[@robertcharlton1551]

I would have liked for you to go into the special pieces(2) for the bottom role. I will be building these to sell. Thank you!

[@patrickobrien1468]

Yes. You cannot simply cut a piece in half becuase the keft on the saw blade leave the new half piece too shallow and requires scabbing in a strip at the bottom to bring it up to hieght, which, in fact, is what I had to do. Must say that it worked OK that way. Measurments and cuts are beyond critical for this build. Have4 a sharp chisel handy when you go to assemble becuase4 you will need to do some depth adjustments to get the corners fitting snuggly.

[@benoregan4623]

Very nice looking piece made from such cheap materials.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for your comment...glad you enjoyed the video! Wes

[@sueramsey7031]

Love this. Since you make everything look so easy, I really want to make a wishing well to cover something in my yard. If you run out of anything else to build, (ha), maybe you can show me how to do that. My inside space needs to 18 inches. See ya next time.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Many years ago I built a really nice picnic table using untreated pine 2x6s. I finished it with marine polyurethane. It was only a couple years before it was completely rotted out. If you want your planter to last I would suggest using treated lumber or at least cedar to get a little life out of it. Love the design. 👌👍💯

[@andrewwhite4348]

I was just thinking the same thing! This looks really nice but no way it’s going to last more than a couple seasons. Could you treat this type of wood he’s using, or do you want to use pressure treated wood?

[@wizardmaster6639]

Hey Wes, I have made several larger ones for my deck out of PT ducking boards - They look great - and each lasts about 5 years without putting them away in the winter. This one from non-PT wood may last only one year or max 2 years before the top cracks and joints come apart from that finished nailing. Not critiquing your product, but sharing my experience with you.

[@doncc6080]

Nice planter box. Something I do not understand. Why the tenons were cut in 2 processes, rather than setting the saw to do it in 1. If you have a bandsaw you could also cut them without the overcut.

[@YesiPleb]

I've followed on from your bird nest box video and for a finish may I suggest recycling used engine oil from cars when they have an oil change? A friend of mine has an old van that runs on diesel so he passes me the used oil when he's had an oil change and I'm running low so I can use it to treat my fence, planters and recycle bin storage shed. We all know oil repels water and once it soaks in and dries, nothing rubs off (no resideue!) and it lasts for months and months. It's black to start with but once it fades you get the wood grain show through and it slowly fades to dark green over time. Totally free resource.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Very interesting, I will have to check into it. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@morganmendieta3738]

Nice. I'd like to build one.

[@The_Oldguy]

Wooden dowls or biscuits would work great to reduce nailing and improve strength.

[@alec1113]

Just a thought , why not trim the 2x4 down to size before cutting into 17 inches . Enjoyed your vid

[@GeneralPublic0000]

A few tips I learned while building this. 1. Accurate measurements are very important. 2. Bevel the edges before cutting the half pieces or the ends will slip into the hole in the router base and cut too deep.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for the comment ! Wes 😀

[@richardslater677]

For me, the most difficult part of this job is setting the saw precisely so that the slots on the ends overlap,exactly. If they don’t, the job will be rubbish. I Wouk imagine quite a lot of trial and error is needed to achieve that. Especially on a table saw where you have to set the fence position TWICE. I’m going to try this piece as it looks very nice but I’m going to use a band saw which only requires one set up for both sides and looks nicer because I won’t have that blade over run on the inner side of the planter. As an aside, you are very luck in the USA with wood prices. There is no way at all in the UK we could make that for the equivalent of $20.

[@skippylippy547]

You can always migrate to the US - our borders are wide open. 🤣😂🤪

[@frankdutton8448]

Wes, The building process and design are great. As you said the box will be outside, I'm thinking, untreated pine timber may not be the best material. All the timber could be treated and dressed. Also as you using a standard pot with drain holes, water could leach into the pine inside the box. You also haven't stated what the base will be made off. To assist in preventing damage to the base, I suggest as an option, use a small space hot dipped galvanized reinforcing mesh. Any water leakage from the pot will flow straight through the mesh. It's a matter of fixing the mesh to the box.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you I appreciate the comment...that is a great suggestion for all us. Wes

[@durtywurkleathergoods1807]

Heading to the store now to get 2x4’s. Great looking design!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...good for you!! Have fun I am sure it will be great! Enjoy! Wes

[@darrellburton3949]

Just Subscribed.

[@alanmedlock2479]

good teacher

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. Wes 😀

[@grandaygain]

The finger joint could easily be done on the miter saw by using the depth stop.

[@RIcklacantina]

Hihihi, forgot that my saw blade is almost 2mm so per board I had a mistake of 4mm (2cuts) and could start over and ended up with a smaller planter box

[@The_Easy_Life]

Great design. Instead of staining try burning with propane torch for a cool affect and natural wood preservation

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

That is a good suggestion! Thanks for watching, Wes

[@johncovert5589]

Excellent project for us beginners. Just a question about the stop block on your table saw. How did you determine where it would go to stop the 2x4 in the correct depth? Thanks

[@philshock3805]

Not sure how he did it but it's pretty easy ... after raising the blade to the desired height, run a piece through the blade to your line, turn the saw off without removing the piece, and then just place the stop block to meet the end of the board. Personally, I'd just use a band saw to make this cut ... that way, there's no need to deal with over cutting the other side.

[@MichaelKulekjian]

Wes, thank you so much for this video! I’m just finished building this planter using redwood 2x4’s. Being new to woodworking, what product would you recommend I use as a sealer? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...glad you attempted the box! I am sure it looks great. My first suggestion would be to check with a local paint supplier for a recommended outdoor sealant specific to your area. You might also check online. I am in the desert southwest and a polyurethane base sealer works well here. Good luck! Wes

[@djdnauk1977]

this is a nice project, but one thing i dont understand is why cut the end joints this way? you could stack all of them together and cut both shoulders all in one cut up on the end right through... less blade height needed, so safer and far less hassle/time and messing about imo... that is assuming they stack straight which they may not being store bought 2x4s but you could still do that in smaller batches if needed

[@loki7441]

Excellent video Wes. Some of my plastic planters are cracking from UV degradation. I dont want to replace them with more plastic, its like you were reading my mind. There's some nice wood grain, shame to cover it so maybe a translucent finish like the linseed oil. The wife ordered more? Thats more you'll have to plant too.😄

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...glad it was a timely video and I really appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@the_holzwurm]

The planter looks awesome Wes! I'm going to have to make a few now! Don't let the wife look over your shoulders when watching this video, you may regret it!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Haha...I feel your pain, it's very true. Good luck, glad you liked the video Wes😀

[@rrrrkoop2776]

lol Bob Ross of woodworking, like that. nice job Wes

[@mitchblackmore5230]

Call me a woodworker snob, but I much prefer French Horn 4's over Tuba 4's. (I'll see myself out.) Cool planter box btw.

[@raulcubas6000]

better cutting with your band saw.

[@dennisfreitas7675]

I agree

[@allankaizer5617]

Wish I had a band saw....

[@ninabarron9999]

How did you make the base piece? Did you just take one of the 2 x 4's and cut it in half with the table saw and then glue and pin nail it to the next piece? Sorry everyone but I'm pretty new to this ... and this will be the first project that I do (not try to do) with my router. I will not do this freestand vertically, I have watched probably hundreds of videos and I love this look, also I will be using wood for the outdoors not on a porch or veranda. Wes, can you or please leave a comment for me? or alternatively it would be nice to have a comment that would help from someone subscribed. I'm subscribed from a small town in Ontario, Canada. 👋

[@dancharlebois2981]

At 1:06 in the video, I thought you were going to cut-off your fingers (way too close to the saw blade for my liking). Most saws allow you to switch between using your left hand or right hand to pull the trigger.

[@3mulespossum]

Great video. Wondering why construction adhesive over an outdoor wood glue? New to outside wood working. Thanks!

[@timplays6602]

Don't bother using glue of any kind for outside projects- it will surly fail in time.

[@skippylippy547]

@@timplays6602 What about Titebond III? (It's waterproof)

[@acfueler09]

Nice build, did you say what the dimension of the gap piece is?

[@OleGit1497]

Looks good. Did you use galvanized brads.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...yes I did use galvanized brads. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@LouisS-cs7bh]

Since this is being placed outdoors, should the 2x4’s be treated. Great video and I love the look of the box with the chamfered edges!!

[@jaymentzu1961]

Exactly!

[@timplays6602]

To last longer.

[@gnusndn301]

Nice project. Is there a special reason why you didn't use titebond 3 and glue the corner joint as well as along the length of the board? Thank you.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...I didn't feel it was necessary. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@jasandper]

What’s a tuba four? 😀 great video. 👍🏼

[@roberthale1410]

😮 wood box for a plastic container

[@IraStephens]

Very nice. I'd like to make a few this weekend even, as Mother's day gifts. Went to Home Depot and bought some supplies. But the router bits i found were around $50 each. Is that right? Or have any recommendations on a bit or set? Amazon, etc.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Sorry for the delay! I always buy mine from Amazon since I can get a better price. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@IraStephens]

@WoodworkingWithWes Thanks Wes! Agreed. I did some price comparisons and got some through Amazon much cheaper. They came a little late, so I built her a huge wall of shelves for now 😀

[@garyholtfreter5076]

You went threw all that trouble setting up the table saw for the end cuts and you could have used a band saw? This would have Ben=en after too?

[@RPamela]

Is there any other way to take off the rounded edges of a 2x4 without a table saw or bandsaw? I can do the notches with my jigsaw but am thinking the lines wouldn’t come out flush for removing the 2x4 sides.

[@davidlwhite9723]

Wes-love your design but have an idea, how about cutting your 2x 4’s 17.5 so you can have a quarter inch sticking out and cambered also-log cabin?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...I actually thought about that but went with this design. Thanks for the comment and idea. Wes

[@davidlwhite9723]

Plans???? I have another idea, if it works and looks ok I’ll try send you a picture, you’ll know immediately what I did. Thanks for your GREAT videos.