Introduction

Wooden Planter Box

How to Build a Wooden Planter Box

Add style to your deck by building planter boxes to sit on top of the railing. This is a great project for a beginner woodworker.

Add style to your deck by building planter boxes to sit on top of the railing. This is a great project for a beginner woodworker.

Cut and Assemble Boards

Determine the size of the planter box. It is best to use pressure-treated wood or cedar.

Cut the side and end pieces to the size you want. Then fasten them together using galvanized screws. Measure the box's inside length and width. Cut a piece to fit in the bottom. Secure the bottom through the sides with galvanized screws.

Step 1

Attaching Cleat to Wooden Box

Attach Cleats to Planter Box

Attach cleats to the bottom of the box. This will give you a nice profile and keep the box from damaging the railing over time. Drill three or four drainage holes in the bottom of the box.

Add Cleats and Drill Drainage Holes

Attach cleats to the bottom of the box. This will give you a nice profile and keep the box from damaging the railing over time.

Drill three or four drainage holes in the bottom of the box.

Step 2

Insert Liner

Screen for Bottom of Planter

Cut a piece of vinyl or nylon screen to fit into the bottom of the box. The screen will help hold gravel and dirt in the box.

Cut and Insert a Liner

Cut a piece of vinyl or nylon screen to fit into the bottom of the box. The screen will help hold gravel and dirt in the box.

Step 3

Attach to the Deck

You can screw the box directly to your deck railing. Another option is to use a store-bought bracket system that attaches to the side of the railing.