Sometimes (read: all the time) one flower box just isn't enough. That's why we were smitten when we spotted this stacked planter project, designed for Home Depot by Ben Uyeda, the expert behind the blog Homemade Modern.
The finished design resembles artfully arranged crates, but has a tidier look than layering vintage wooden bins (though we like the sound of that idea, too).
Unsure about recreating this planter without some hands-on help? Trepidatious DIYers can attend a Home Depot workshop to learn this project in all stores at 10 a.m. on April 11, 2015. Contact your local store for more details.
In the meantime, here are all the instructions below.
Tools:
- Miter or circular saw
- Cordless drill and 1/8-inch drill bit
- Staple gun and a pack of electrical cord staples
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Pencil
Materials:
If you place this project outside where it could come in contact with water, use pressure-treated, cedar, or redwood boards.
- Three 8-foot 2x10s
- Four 8-foot 2x4s
- Sixteen 8-foot 1x4s
- 1 roll of wire mesh with half-inch gap
- 1 roll or weed barrier
- 1 box of 1 1/2-inch screws
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Starting with the 2x10s, measure out and cut ten 11-inch pieces and seven 15-inch pieces. Remember the saw blade eats up some of the wood, so give yourself a little room when measuring.
Next, take the 1x4s and measure and cut them into 46 pieces that are 30 inches long, and 24 pieces that are 3 inches long.
Measure and cut the 2x4 boards into 14 pieces that are 27 inches long.
Step 2: Assembly
For each of the five smaller crates, use 3-inch exterior deck screws to attach two 2x4 pieces in between two of the eleven inch 2x10 pieces. Make sure it's at the lowest point of the 2x10 and spaced at your discretion.
Now that we have the bottom and ends of our crate,we can move on to the sides. Pre-drill all screw holes through the 30-inch 1x4s and into the 2x10s and leave a one-quarter-inch gap between the boards.
Next, screw the 1x4 pieces onto the back and front sides using one-and a half-inch screws into your pre-drilled holes.
When it comes to the two larger crates, follow the same steps as building the smaller crates, but using the fifteen inch 2x10s as the ends of the crates. You will need to pre-drill, countersink, and then screw on an extra 1x4 panel on each side of the two crates.
For the three side supports of the planter, take 1 of the 15-inch 2x10s and 4 of the 3-inch long 1x4s. Pre-drill and then screw through the 1x4s.
Step 3: Add Mesh and Plastic
Now, use the wire cutters to cut the half-inch gap wire mesh into 9"x 27" pieces, and line the bottom of the planters.
Use the staples with either a hammer or a staple gun to fix the wire in place.
Cut pieces of the polypropylene weed barrier and line the entire interior of the crate to protect the wood from the moist soil and then staple it in place.
Finishing the wood with a sealant is not recommended unless you are sure it is food-grade finish. Just remember, whatever you apply to the wood will be in continuous contact with wet soil and can contaminate it.
Step 4: Attach to Fence
Pre-stack your planter boxes against the fence to determine if it is tall enough to suspend them in the air or start from the ground.
Whenever possible, make sure you drill the crates into the 2x4 railing that runs through your fence, rather than just the pickets.
Place two of the smaller crates on the ground against the fence and 26 inches apart. Using one-and a half-inch screws, drill the top crates into the fence.
Place one of the large crates on top of the two smaller crates, straddling them evenly, and screw it into the fence.
Next, grab the side supports and put them on the outer edges of the small crates and screw them in.
Fill the crates with potting soil, and you're ready to start gardening.
TELL US: What are you planting this year?
More Gardening Ideas:
• 10 Things to Do With a Bucket of Flowers
• 9 Houseplants You Can Totally Neglect
• 7 Inspired Ways to DIY a Pallet Garden
