Simple Cedar Raised Planter Box | FREE PLANS

[@Vinnie-cv5qv]

I built a modified version of the box where I used a plastic square bin that would hold the soil and plants and built the box around it. For the bottom, the plastic container had holes drilled for drainage and the wood planter box I placed some cut rebar to hold the box in place. I did not want the bottom of the wood box to have anything that may rot due to water drainage. I placed wood chips on top and no one knows there is a plastic box inside. This has helped me keep my wooden box looking great with no rot or any other kind of damage. I have had it for 8 years and it looks great. If anyone wants to paint their box, I suggest stain it instead of paint. It soaks in and there is very little or no peeling. Stain comes in so many colors that it looks painted. I also use cedar pickets and sand them down for a smooth finish. With the cost of lumber it helps to improvise. I have built so many that I now give them as gifts.

[@another1bitesdusty]

I did something similar except I used a roll of thick plastic along the sides to protect the wood. Mostly because I had it lying around.

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

I am trying to find a video that shows exactly as you described, mainly because I have to easily be able to move these boxes after filled with dirt.

[@davidatkins6919]

This is one of the best box builds I have seen yet, simple and well made, I used all cedar components on my build and then sealed the finished box with cedar stain and spar varnish to make them last, my wife loved her new planter boxes!

[@donnafloyd5831]

I made two planters for my sister and they look great. I’m a novice wood worker and the plans and directions were spot on. I’ll continue to make these for gifts. Thank you.

[@lindamartin830]

Love this planter box. I am a retired nurse, just starting to work with wood and I am grateful for your plan and video!

[@denniskellett]

great videos, great ideas all delivered with a relaxed easy to understand style. I am a 74 yr old engineer due to retire in March so will be swapping lathes and milling machines for saws and chisels to become an apprentice woodworker.. I am looking forward to attempting more projects and watching more of your videos.

[@DjmMik]

Thanks! This is exactly what I want to make for my next project 👍🏻

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Thanks! I really appreciate the super thanks!!

[@keithtyler5229]

I just wanted to say thanks for the free plans. It seems now, I can’t build them fast enough. I built one for our patio and my wife loves it. Our neighbor saw it and wanted one. About a week after I built hers, she wanted two more. Another for herself and one to keep her mother from taking hers. Her mothers friend saw it an…. You can figure the rest. Seems to be snowballing. Thanks again.

[@kennethsmith7820]

Not a joiner by any means but I made a few planters over 35 years again this has made want to make. Some more even tho I am disabled now … thanks for sharing 👍🏻✏️

[@BigHeinen]

Pro-Tip! @ 7:00 cut the edges of those corner pieces at 45 degrees for top level appearance! That way they'll match the beautiful 45 degree miters of the top seen @ 10:00! Great Job!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I like using that same wood for making boxes. I told my wife a few days ago I would make a planter like the one you have here. The only thing I will change is making mine longer to hold three different outside plants. Probably make mine 4 feet or close to that by two feet. Good job there.

[@michaelfrancis6780]

Great little project. I modified the build from the plans a bit by beefing up the internals to essentially 2x2 skeleton and added a lid. I keep it out by the garden and it has a little tool rack inside for a small trowel, clippers, garden twine, and other tools. No more having to run back and forth from the shop or garage chasing tools. Plus with the beefier frame, old folks can sit on it for a short rest.

[@Roatanmicky]

I think these planter boxes are magnificent and simple to build. Lovely work! I only miss the handles

[@momica-nz6wy]

OMG! This is the most easy, efficient, and beautiful planter I have found on line. Your demo and the free plans have got me super excited to try my hand at making it. First time ! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

[@BackrowErnie]

Thank you so much for the super clear plans…I can’t believe they are free and that all you ask is to subscribe. Subscribing to your channel is hardly payment- it’s a bonus!

[@Bossin302]

Hey Zack, Thanks for the plans, I'm sure my Wife will enjoy these. I'm retired now and have plenty of time to do things like this now 😊

[@markjohns4651]

I just made this planter yesterday. It turned out great with plans that were so simple to follow. I love your channel.

[@Bulldog1653]

Thanks for uploading this video! I downloaded the plans and love the simplicity. For my tools, I have a radial arm saw, table saw, band saw, sanders, etc. I'm doing my first one with Douglas Fir as a kind of prototype before doing the next ones with cedar. For the box itself, I'm using finishing nails and will cover them with the outside corner pieces. The bottom supports can easily be trimmed down to fit between the 2X2's using my Radial Arm Saw. Also, just a quick insider tip: If you have a good table saw, you can make 2X2's from free crate/binder wood. I get them from Home Depot for free (they throw them out anyway) and it works great. With mine, I'm going to be sanding the hell out of them and figure out a good varnish. I look forward to building more of these and trying other plans you've uploaded.

[@joshuamcguire4832]

I remember you.. I got your plans for the workbench.... I just finished that build yesterday... It was epic

[@adamsmith9534]

I made this today in about 2 hours without the right tools. Turned out great! I only used Brad nails. I’ll see how it holds up.

[@redman7124]

how well is it holding? I'm planning to make one but one have minimum tools to use

[@whatifitsstillalive1222]

This is a beautiful planter, and a great side. I’ll also make a longer one with a tweaking of two panels. Thank you for the plans! I will say this about structural integrity and use… I’ll have to cut the center bottom just a wee bit more narrow for drainage, and I just know the first time someone grabs that top overhang to move it, it’ll come off. Dirt is heavy. Wet dirt, even more so. So I will use stainless screws, countersunk, and fill with sawdust and glue. Again, thank you so much for the plans!

[@debraschultheis2515]

I did mine exactly like he did but I stained and poly’d them and painted the corners and top pieces black. Turned out wonderful! Thanks!

[@mkdouglas00]

Would you mind attaching a picture of your paint job?

[@dougbowman9651]

From one woodworker to another, that's a nice looking planter box

[@fahadsalem3523]

I was going to pay for 3 similar 200 dollars but after watching you I only paid 30 dollars and the work was great exceeded my expectations❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@mariovasquez6954]

Just received my free plans on the planter box. I really appreciate the simplicity of these plans and the clarity of them, great job, I plan on making some of these and selling them at my craft shows, thanks a bunch

[@steinson63]

how much do you sell them for?

[@DanEaston-j7e]

Wat you sell them for $$

[@ElizabethHernandez-cm2is]

I have a new passion for building things with wood but I have never done it. Ty for explaining it so well and your free plan. I have been wanting to paint my mother’s kitchen and bedroom and didn’t know how to decorate it. You gave me a perfect idea since she LOVES her plants

[@soujrnr]

I'm new to woodworking and want to make some money after having spent a fortune on new equipment for my shop. These look like they will be a great moneymaker. I subscribed to your channel, and I downloaded the plans! I'm in the middle of building a large chicken coop, but when I'm done, I am going to try my hand at these planters. Thanks for a great video and a super easy planter plan!

[@williamhunt8268]

Thank you for providing such well laid out plans. I made 2 planters and did a little modifications and they turned out great. I would like to post or share the pictures with you and see what you think. Thanks again and looking forward to the next video.

[@louislondon5707]

Thanks!

[@MichaellaSmithhhh]

Thanks for the free plans!!Awesome to see someone just want to help & not necessarily in it for money!

[@Witty..UserName]

I watch a lot of youtube. I subscribe to less than 10 channels Yours is now in that list. For the simple reasons - you seem very genuine - you don't seem like you are here to get rich off every video, getting paid for your time and effort at the same time is a delicate balance imo. - simple, quick, to the point. Excellent channel (though my sample size is currently n=1)

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I really appreciate it!! I look forward to knowing your thoughts on any future videos

[@dqauto500]

Thanks! I downloaded this plan and the one for the workbench. I also sent you some $ even though they were free. It takes time to make these videos and plans. I’m just starting out making wood projects for my home. So I really appreciate the build plans because it’s hard enough as it is.

[@warpark]

Thanks very much for the free plans! That is super helpful to us newbies!

[@michaelhudson8700]

I have built similar ones, yours look great, but I always line mine with plastic sheeting and put a drain in, add wheels and it is ready. Wheels because they need to move in the winter. Great video

[@tedpechie2439]

Guys like you help the novice in me create nice things. Thank you soooo much for the free plans, that’s class

[@HillbippieDlux]

Just downloaded the plans, thanks , I'm making some for my daughters front porch. And I score some brownie points with the Misses. 👍

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Exactly why I makes these videos

[@dllindsay1]

Great video. would like to see a short discussion around sizing the project to make maximum use of each board to reduce costs.

[@bennytorres4557]

The best video I have seen on planter boxes and I’ve watched a lot because I’m planning on building a few for my family and friends

[@XroorX]

What’s great about your design is the size scalability. The demise of these planters is the need to allow for water drainage on the bottom piece. I Use a ladder bed frame type bottom to allow rain/overwatering with hose, to drain out.

[@martyreaves4955]

By far the simplest design I've seen. Nice job!!

[@rickmauro7803]

You could use 23g pinless nails to tack in the corners and the top frame. Box looks great👍

[@keithullrich5116]

Just made 3 of these and have sold 2 already. Great plans

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Glad you like them!

[@A-Aron118]

How much are you getting from each?

[@keithullrich5116]

@@A-Aron118 I am selling for $60.00 each I have now sold 4 of them

[@mikemd2697]

@@keithullrich5116 Thanks for sharing your selling price!

[@stephenmoore2561]

@@keithullrich5116 From one Keith to another, how did you get the word out? And thanks for sharing this and what you are getting for them. This is the exact post I was looking for! I am about to finish my first one. My biggest concern is how deep to place ther floor. All the way down is a lot of dirt/weight.

[@carlosgallardo1062]

Gracias por este tutorial. Soy principiante. Saludos cordiales.🇬🇹

[@frankv.2681]

Make no apologies ... you can never own too many clamps! Great job bro👍

[@kyleallen1858]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed; but instead of a planter box my neighbor wants a box to cover/hide a 5gallon Home Depot bucket with Rock inside / posts for a rope walkway path…!!! Thank you

[@michaeldehart648]

Gave you a new sub. Appreciate the free plans. Can't wait to make this for my wife on Mother's Day.

[@williambell4992]

Loving your great plans and designs. Best wishes from England.

[@awhite55grands]

I noticed comments about spacing the boards on sides & bottom (for drainage). I do agree on both. Wood shrinks and expands seasonally. On the walls of the piece, nickels make for great spacers. They’re easier to manage than nails is my experience. Thanks again for another beautiful build!

[@glennspreeman1634]

flat washers are cheaper

[@d.7040]

@@glennspreeman1634 How about pennies then?

[@christophermetz1550]

Got em!

[@bunnycatch3r]

Placing the measurements on your website was a big help!

[@alanf403]

Thanks so much for the planter box kick in the pants I needed. My sister-in-law has been hinting about one of these, now I don't have an excuse not to!

[@wandering5381]

I’m here learning how to work with cedar boxes. Thank you!

[@jsmoritz2000]

Fantastic build. These are just what I'm looking to build for my patio.

[@mikeables]

I like slats with 1/2 inch space in the bottom. Lets water drain freely. Less root rot and board rot.

[@secretwoodproject]

Beautiful and thanks for the plans. I left a small space between the boards as the commenters below hinted at but I love this design and it is a very clean look. I did however use deck screws for the top trim piece and just put a counter sink on those.

[@timothylangdon4907]

Thank you for the plans , one of the best woodworking channels on KZbin, what you make is amazing.

[@mountainsagewoodworks4663]

Thanks for the great demo! I just returned from Lowes with the planks to build one

[@jzco5513]

Love the music, keeps it entertaining lmao real pro tip about the sawdust btw! Another pro tip is adding salt or sand to glue to keep the parts from sliding when you add clamping pressure 👍🏼

[@awhite55grands]

Hey Zach! Another great build & rock solid as always! I noticed a comment about soil being heavy & that the top trim piece would pop off. You didn’t say this, but I assume this planter is simply a decorative ‘pot holder’ as opposed to actually filling it with dirt. Therefore, to move the planter, you simply lift the pot out, relocate the planter & place the pot back into the planter. Being a seasoned gardener, that is far easier & so much more practical. And the planter will last a lot longer as well. Great job!!

[@excelsior8682]

Don't listen to anyone, dump potting soil in there if you want to sweetie

[@christophermetz1550]

Wood glue is no joke. There are videos of people testing it's limits with various types of wood and in most cases the wood fails before the glue does. I wouldn't trust it with my life but 25lbs of wet potting soil isn't going to phase the glued joints.

[@tedpechie2439]

I just browse your website and dude you’re amazingly talented

[@ricrid]

Perfect build thanks , i may used your design and go with treated legs ,thanks

[@nelsontriana5397]

That was very creative for being such a young guy you do pretty good I was outstanding work

[@goodgoat3096]

A good looking and simple project. And free plans? Thanks for great design and the effort.

[@againstthegrainwoodworking]

I love the design but I think I’m going to lengthen the legs and taper the corners on the bottom. Overall great idea thank you!

[@baddogcreative]

Love this build! Super simple design and construction. Greta for a beginner!

[@michaeldequatro1012]

Great video and it seems like I can do that. I'm scrolling down and I'm impressed that you acknowledged everybody who wrote a comment to you. I love that. I'm now a new subscriber. Keep up the good work.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Welcome aboard!!

[@watcherdude1330]

Hello Zack. I just want you to know that I really appreciate your content and also mention that you did a very nice clean build on this box. And Ty for the free plans.

[@sureshot311]

When you narrate over the video with that music, you remind me of a Burnout game. Subscribed! Great video.

[@kylen6430]

Planters need a bit of drainage so if your middle panel in the bottom is too small, that’s actually a good thing!

[@e30Birdy]

Really nice planter, might need to make a few for the GF. Only thing I would change is the braces at the bottom to be multiple 1 inch wide pieces with gaps for water since I would be putting them in pots inside there planter

[@renatorobles2315]

Very nice and simple. I'll try to make it as my next project.

[@ponyrang]

Wow... !!! My best friend, It's always great. I wish you every day of your development. Have a happy day!

[@barbarawheeler8091]

Hi from New Zealand appreciate the plans. Thank you so much.

[@szargos]

Finally, a normal person without a Festool.

[@j.justin1511]

Beautiful end result, however I have a couple of concerns. 1) There isn't any gap in any of the wood planks to allow for seasonal wood movement. Did this warp with weather/time? 2) There is no drainage on the bottom. Planters virtually ALL need drainage. 3) I couldn't tell but was that glue for outdoor use and water resistant? Other than these questions, great job!

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Glad you like it! 1. The fencing was pretty wet when I put it together and has since shrunk very slightly, but not enough to change the appearance drastically or cause damage 2. I drilled holes in the bottom boards for drainage, but forgot to film it. The center board shrunk enough to allow water through the seams anyway. 3. I used gorilla glue for this that was rated for outdoor use and I haven’t had any trouble with it

[@j.justin1511]

@@BearMountainBuilds Awesome! Thanks for responding to my comment. Much appreciated. :)

[@TingTingalingy]

I use so many clamps. They just make life better

[@bobketteringham4779]

I love this planter box and look forward to building a few

[@briannilsson3572]

Always great watching your builds.

[@billpiech7564]

I really like this plan. Going to build some. Did you forget drainage holes in the bottom? If it gets really wet the roots might rot.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I drilled drainage holes but didn’t include it in the video

[@joeschmo7034]

You had my subscription at the word “Minnesota!”

[@BearMountainBuilds]

A fellow cold neighbor!

[@wallsworldwide]

Great video as usual & thanks for always providing the free plans. Love this channel!

[@austinadams1647]

I’m definitely building a few of these for springtime.

[@tonyh5429]

Cool design; I think I am going with this design; super simple

[@waylandyan2334]

Looks great! Thank you so much for making these wonderful videos!

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

Love this simple yet so elegant design, super nice ! I wish I had your skill. 🙂 Frosty in Canada.

[@jessicaembers924]

I just LOVE The smell of cedar! ❤

[@Patriot-om8hw]

Nice planter box. I had to subscribe to support. I enjoyed the video. Thank you for the plans. I'll have to do this in a couple of days.

[@SomethingFromTheShed]

Thats beautiful planter box brother. 1 thing if i may. You could chanfer the edges of the boards45 degrees slightly. Other than that. Its a sweet planter box

[@ellenmcgrath8241]

Great job. You make it look so easy.

[@LC3TsJustme3Ts]

very nice. Thanks for posting. Saint Paul MN here:)

[@hockeydad6211]

Great video, im giving this a try this weekend. Hope the wife will be happy 😉

[@steviebye1]

nice Planter, thanks for the plans, couldn't cope with the music though had to watch it on mute. Sorry

[@walterhudson4208]

awesome planter box. easy build thanks.

[@mikemd2697]

Nice, simple, clean build! I will be building a few of these with my 13 year old son, I need to teach him how to use my tools so this will be a great project to work on together. I subscribed and just requested your plans. Thank you!

[@vetten76]

What do you put inside to keep the wood from rotting? I’m a newbie and your videos are really helpful. All are well done.

[@awhite55grands]

Cedar is naturally rot resistant. Think about cedar fences with constant rain, snow, ice & it holds up for decades. Another option would be pressure treated lumber, but cedar is less expense & equally effective.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

You can also put a weed barrier in with some staples as well

[@philliprunge]

TIP: Let your pickets sit out the sun for a couple weeks so they shrink, otherwise they will shrink on the planter and you will have spacing

[@kellyw1648]

First, thanks for posting. I am definitely going to build these for my wife. However, a couple of concerns. I am not a new woodworker, but not an expert either. Shouldn't you leave a small 1/4" gap for expansion and contraction of the wood on the sides? I think that I would likely make my own 2x2's out of cedar so that the pine 2x2's don't rot out since they don't have any weather resistance. I am not complaining, just learning. If I am wrong about this then please let me know. Thanks again for posting and nice shop.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I didn’t leave a gap because these boards were pretty wet already so I wasn’t worried about them expanding anymore. As for the 2x2s I used treated wood so they should last, but making them out of cedar works great as well!

[@user-li9gp2hj8q]

Awesome build. More awesome that your plans are super easy to Follow. Detailed very nicely sir!! You definitely got a new subscriber 😊

[@charlesthomas1539]

I've. Got to built this. Thanks for sharing.

[@b4ux1t3-tech]

Dude, you rock. Such a positive, straightforward presentation. Consider me subscribed.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Welcome aboard!

[@geminioutdoor]

Would a plastic liner and drainage holes assist in the longevity of what looks like an otherwise great planter?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Definitely would help! The less prolonged water exposure the longer wood will last.

[@dalewalford2630]

I'll be building these just as soon as I source some cedar boards.