How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights
Extend the party into the night with these wood barrels made into planters with posts that hold string lights.
Gary Payne
Tools and Materials
- planter barrels
- 4x4 post
- (4) bags Quikrete
- water
- shovel
- C-hooks
- string lights
- flowers
- potting mix
- hand trowel
- scrap wood
- pneumatic nail gun
- nails
- air compressor
- level
- drill
- drill bit
- zip ties
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Step 1: Mix Concrete in Barrel
The concrete should fill about ½ to ¾ of the barrel to provide enough stability for the posts. Set planter barrel in place and mix the concrete in the barrel. We filled the barrel with about 8”-10” of concrete to a make a 16”-18” planter.
Gary Payne
Mix the concrete with water and shake the planter to ensure air bubbles in the mix rise to the top. If you are using several bags of concrete, it is easier to mix one at a time.
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Step 2: Insert Post
Set the 4x4 post in the center of the planter and check the level to make sure the post is not leaning.
Gary Payne
Step 3: Support Post
Screw scrap wood to the post to hold it upright while the concrete is setting. Add another bag of concrete if necessary.
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Step 4: Add Drainage Holes to Planter
Use a drill to make drainage holes just above the line of concrete.
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Step 5: Fill With Soil and Plants
After the concrete has cured, add a layer of pebbles to help with drainage. Then fill the barrel with potting mix and selected flowers.
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Step 6: Add Hooks
At the top of the 4x4 post, pre-drill a hole for the C-hook that will hold the string lights. Insert a C-hook in each of the poles toward the top. Hang string lights from the C-hooks using zip ties to secure the lights to the hooks. Hang the lights around the perimeter of the space, crisscrossing the area if desired.
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Step 7: Enjoy
Turn on the lights and enjoy the night.
Gary Payne
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