Free woodworking plan
Cedar Planter Box
Difficulty: Beginner · Estimated time: about 3 hr 20 min of hands-on work, not counting glue and finish drying or cure time
An outdoor raised planter in rot-resistant cedar.
Build a weather-resistant planter with simple butt joints, a slatted bottom, and drainage.
Materials
- Cedar fence pickets — 8 @ 5/8" x 5-1/2" x 6'
- Cedar 2x2 — 2 @ 8'
- Exterior screws — 60 @ 1-1/4"
- Landscape fabric — 1 roll (optional liner)
Tools
- Miter saw
- Drill/driver
- Tape measure
- Staple gun (optional)
Safety: Power tools and finishes can cause serious injury. Read and follow every tool and product manual, use guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, and work in a ventilated area. These plans are for general information; check measurements and your own skill before cutting. You build at your own risk, and Handy at Home is not liable for injury or damage. See the Terms.
Steps
Cut parts
Cut pickets to 24" (long sides) and 12" (ends); cut 2x2 corner posts to 16".
- Cedar splinters easily — wear gloves when handling rough pickets.
Build end panels
Screw the 12" boards to two corner posts, stacking three high.
- Use a spacer for even gaps.
Join sides
Attach 24" boards to connect the two end panels into a box.
- Keep the box square with a framing square before driving the last screws.
Add bottom
Screw cleats inside near the bottom and lay slats with 1/4" drainage gaps. Line with fabric.
- Never line with plastic — water must drain.
Always follow your tools’ safety instructions and wear eye protection. Free for personal use; please don’t resell or republish these plans.
© 2026 Handy at Home. Plan text and images are free for personal use only.