Introduction
Adding wooden planters to your garden is a fantastic way to bring natural charm and elegance to your outdoor space. Not only do DIY wood planters offer a rustic, handcrafted look, but they are also functional and versatile.
Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy balcony, creating your own wooden planters allows you to customize them to fit your style and space.
Here are 10 DIY wood planter ideas to help you add a touch of greenery and craftsmanship to your garden.
10 DIY Wood Planters to Add Natural Charm to Your Garden.
1. Simple Cedar Box Planter.
A simple cedar box planter is an ideal beginner project for anyone new to woodworking. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a great material for outdoor planters. This basic box design can be easily customized to fit your plants and garden size.
Materials Needed:
- Cedar boards
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Drill
Instructions:
- Cut the cedar boards to your desired size for the base and sides.
- Assemble the box by attaching the sides to the base using screws and wood glue.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the planter.
- Optionally, sand the edges for a smooth finish.
Expert Tip: According to Family Handyman, using cedar for DIY wood planters not only looks great but also ensures durability in outdoor conditions. Learn more at Family Handyman.
2. Tiered Herb DIY Wood Planters.
Tiered planters are a fantastic way to maximize space, especially if you’re working with a small garden or patio. With tiered herb planters, you can grow multiple herbs in a compact space while adding vertical interest to your garden.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (cedar or pine)
- Screws
- Saw
- Soil and herbs
Instructions:
- Build three rectangular wooden boxes of different sizes to create a tiered effect.
- Stack the smaller boxes on top of the larger ones, securing them with screws or wood glue.
- Fill each tier with soil and plant your favorite herbs.
Expert Tip: Better Homes & Gardens suggests using tiered planters to grow herbs or small plants that thrive with easy access to sunlight. Learn more at Better Homes & Gardens.
3. Rustic Log DIY Wood Planter.
For a natural and rustic look, consider crafting a log planter. This DIY project involves hollowing out a large log to create a planter, offering a unique and earthy touch to your garden. Log planters are ideal for succulents or flowers that require minimal soil.
Materials Needed:
- Large log
- Chisel or drill
- Soil and plants
Instructions:
- Select a sturdy log and hollow out the center using a chisel or a drill with a large bit.
- Ensure there’s enough depth for soil and roots.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the log.
- Fill with soil and plant your flowers or succulents.
Expert Tip: According to Gardenista, log planters provide a beautiful contrast to lush greenery, and they blend seamlessly into natural landscapes. Learn more at Gardenista.
4. Vertical Wall-Mounted Planter.
A vertical wall-mounted planter is perfect for small gardens or balconies. This DIY wood planter allows you to grow a variety of plants vertically, making it ideal for urban gardeners looking to save space.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden slats or pallets
- Screws or nails
- Hanging pots or small planter boxes
Instructions:
- Attach wooden slats or pallets vertically to a wall or fence.
- Secure small planter boxes or pots to the slats using screws or nails.
- Plant flowers, herbs, or small vegetables in the boxes or pots.
Expert Tip: The Spruce recommends vertical planters for small spaces because they create a dynamic, space-saving garden. Read more about vertical gardening at The Spruce.
5. DIY Raised Bed Planter.
A DIY raised bed planter is perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs in a controlled environment. Raised beds are easy to maintain, and the height makes gardening more accessible, especially for those with limited mobility.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (cedar or redwood)
- Screws
- Drill
- Soil and plants
Instructions:
- Cut the wooden boards to your desired size for the raised bed.
- Assemble the boards into a rectangular frame using screws.
- Place the frame in your garden, fill it with soil, and plant your vegetables or flowers.
Expert Tip: DIY Network suggests building raised beds from untreated wood to ensure your plants aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals. Learn more at DIY Network.
6. Hanging DIY Wood Planter Box.
If you’re short on ground space, a hanging wood planter is a stylish and space-efficient solution. Hanging planters can be used for trailing plants like ivy or flowers, adding greenery to your porch or balcony.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards
- Rope or chain
- Screws
- Drill
Instructions:
- Build a small rectangular wooden box to fit your plants.
- Drill holes at each corner of the box and thread rope or chain through the holes.
- Secure the rope or chain and hang the planter from a hook or ceiling beam.
- Fill the planter with soil and your desired plants.
Expert Tip: Apartment Therapy recommends hanging planters to create visual interest and save floor space, especially in smaller areas. Learn more at Apartment Therapy.
7. Geometric DIY Wood Planter.
For a modern and artistic touch, a geometric wood planter adds a sculptural element to your garden. This project is great for DIY enthusiasts who want to experiment with different shapes and angles.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (cut into triangular or polygonal shapes)
- Wood glue or screws
- Drill
Instructions:
- Cut your wooden boards into geometric shapes (triangles, hexagons, etc.).
- Assemble the pieces into a planter using wood glue or screws.
- Sand the edges for a clean, modern finish.
- Fill the planter with soil and plant succulents or small flowers.
Expert Tip: Houzz suggests geometric planters as a way to introduce modern design into your garden or indoor space. Learn more at Houzz.
8. Wagon Wheel DIY Wood Planter.
A wagon wheel planter adds a whimsical, rustic vibe to your garden. This DIY project uses an old wooden wheel as the base of the planter, making it a charming focal point for any outdoor space.
Materials Needed:
- Old wooden wagon wheel
- Wooden boards for the base
- Screws
- Soil and plants
Instructions:
- Attach the wagon wheel to a wooden base using screws.
- Drill small holes in the base for drainage.
- Fill the sections between the spokes of the wheel with soil and plants.
Expert Tip: Country Living recommends using repurposed materials like wagon wheels to add a vintage charm to your garden decor. Learn more at Country Living.
9. DIY Wine Crate Planter.
Repurposing old wine crates into DIY wood planters is a fun and eco-friendly way to add character to your garden. These crates provide a rustic, vintage look and are the perfect size for small plants or herbs.
Materials Needed:
- Wine crates
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Soil and plants
Instructions:
- Sand the wine crates to remove any rough edges.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each crate.
- Optionally, paint or stain the crates to match your garden decor.
- Fill the crates with soil and plant your favorite flowers or herbs.
Expert Tip: HGTV suggests using vintage wine crates for planters to give your garden a charming, rustic feel. Learn more at HGTV.
10. DIY Wheelbarrow Planter.
A DIY wheelbarrow planter adds a playful, rustic touch to your garden. This unique planter not only offers a creative way to display your plants but also provides a mobile gardening solution.
Materials Needed:
- Old wooden wheelbarrow
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Soil and plants
Instructions:
- If using an old wheelbarrow, sand it down to remove any rust or rough edges.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the wheelbarrow.
- Fill the wheelbarrow with soil and plant flowers, herbs, or succulents.
Expert Tip: This Old House recommends reusing old gardening tools like wheelbarrows to create functional, eye-catching planters. Learn more at This Old House.
Conclusion.
Crafting your own DIY wood planters not only adds natural beauty to your garden but also allows for personalization and creativity.
From simple cedar boxes to whimsical wagon wheels, these 10 ideas offer a range of options to suit any outdoor space.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, building your own wood planters is a rewarding way to enhance your garden while showcasing your style.
FAQs
Q: What type of wood is best for DIY wood planters?
A: Cedar and redwood are ideal for outdoor planters due to their natural resistance to moisture and insects. Pine is another option but may require sealing for durability.
Q: How do I ensure my DIY wood planter has proper drainage?
A: Drill small holes in the bottom of the planter to allow water to drain out. You can also line the bottom with gravel before adding soil to improve drainage.
Q: Can I use treated wood for DIY wood planters?
A: It’s best to avoid treated wood, as the chemicals used can be harmful to plants, especially edible ones. Stick to untreated or naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar.
Q: How do I maintain DIY wood planters over time?
A: To extend the life of your wooden planter, seal it with a waterproof finish and reapply the sealant every few years. Make sure the planter has proper drainage to avoid water damage.
Q: Can I use indoor wood planters outdoors?
A: Yes, but make sure to treat the wood with a weather-resistant finish to protect it from the elements. For best results, choose wood types that are durable enough for outdoor use.
Read Also: 11 DIY Fence for Garden Designs to Define Your Outdoor Space.
