Outdoor Cedar Planter Box – Rot-Resistant and Handsome

Article 78: Outdoor Cedar Planter Box – Rot-Resistant and Handsome

By: A Woodworker Who Gardens Between Glue-Ups

This cedar box is great for herbs or flowers, and it holds up in the weather thanks to naturally rot-resistant wood and smart joinery.

Materials

• Cedar fence boards or 1x6s:

  • (4) @ 24" long (sides)

  • (4) @ 12" long (ends)

  • (4) @ 24" slats (bottom)

• 1×2 cleats – (2) @ 20"

• Exterior wood screws or nails

• Landscape fabric (optional)

Tools Needed

• Saw (miter or circular)

• Drill/driver

• Square

• Tape measure

• Clamps

Steps

1. Cut All Pieces

   • Ensure square cuts. Optionally bevel or round top edges.

2. Assemble Box

   • Screw ends between side panels to form a rectangle.

3. Attach Bottom Cleats

   • Inside the box, attach 1×2 cleats 1" above the bottom edge.

4. Install Bottom Slats

   • Lay slats across cleats with small gaps for drainage.

5. Finish or Leave Natural

   • Apply outdoor oil or let the cedar weather naturally.

Sketch – Top View

  ___________________________
 |         Cedar Planter     |
 | [ Slats spaced ]          |
 |___________________________|
 |    Side     |    Side     |
 |    End      |    End      |