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Building a Planter Box With 2 X 6 Boards
Building a Planter Box With 2 X 6 Boards. You can make a hardy planter box with 2-inch thick boards. Use a simple pattern and even a beginner, with basic carpentry skills, can construct an attractive planter box in just two to three hours. The first step is to make sure a planter box of this size will fit into the area you have in mind. Measure the...
You can make a hardy planter box with 2-inch thick boards. Use a simple pattern and even a beginner, with basic carpentry skills, can construct an attractive planter box in just two to three hours. The first step is to make sure a planter box of this size will fit into the area you have in mind. Measure the location before you start building, both the width and the length.
Things You'll Need
3 boards, 2 inches thick, 6 inches wide and 8 feet long
Measuring tape
Saw
8 L brackets
Electric drill and attachments
3/4-inch screws
1/2-inch plywood
Pencil
Measure and cut all the board lengths: 2 two-foot boards and 2 one-foot boards.
Place the boards on edge with the two longer boards in the front and back and a shorter board at each inside end. This should look like a frame.
Use two brackets at each inside corner to attach all four boards together. A bracket should fit 2 inches from the top edge and the other bracket 2 inches from the bottom edge at each inside corner. Screw them in with 3/4-inch screws, the drill and screwdriver attachment.
Place the planter box frame on top of a scrap piece of plywood that is at least 2 feet long and 16 inches wide. Draw around the outside of the wood frame onto the plywood.
Cut the plywood along the pencil markings. Place the cut plywood on top of the frame. Use screws every 3 to 4 inches at the outer parameter of the plywood to attach it to the frame edges.
Attach a 1/2-inch round drill bit to your drill. Drill holes through the plywood, randomly. These holes will allow extra water to drain. Water sitting at root ends can cause root rot.
Tips & Warnings
You may paint, stain or leave the planter box in its natural state.
If you are uneasy with cutting your own boards, the lumber yard or home improvement center will do it for you. Just ask.
Outdoor planter boxes are best made from cedar, redwood or treated wood. These woods are rot resistant. If you use treated wood for vegetable plants make sure it is nontoxic.
