How to Build a DIY Tall Planter

Assemble Planter Frame

Cutting the frame at an angle will give the planter a modern, tapered shape that complements the overall design.

1. Measure Plywood for Cutting

   Lay your plywood sheet on a flat work surface and use a measuring tape to measure and mark a line 1 foot from the edge of each short side. Using a chalk box, mark a line from one mark to another, going across the full length of the board. This should leave you with one side of the line measuring 1 foot by 8 feet and the other side measuring 3 feet by 8 feet.
   

2. Cut off Excess Plywood

   Hang the 1-foot wide section off of your work surface and use a circular saw to cut it off of the plywood sheet. Set this to the side for use in a later project, as you will only need the 3x8 section.
   

3. Measure and Mark Plywood

   To cut the plywood into the pieces needed for the planter frame, start by marking a line at the bottom of the plywood, 2 inches from the short side. Then, mark a second line 14 inches from the short side. Next, move to the top side of the plywood and mark a line 16 inches from the same short side.
   

4. Create Trapezoid Shapes

   Use a chalk box to mark a line from the 2-inch mark on the bottom to the nearest top corner, then mark a second line from the 14-inch mark on the bottom to the 16-inch mark on the top. The resulting shape inside the lines should resemble a trapezoid with a 16-inch top and a 12-inch bottom. Repeat the marking of this shape, alternating top and bottom across the plywood sheet until you are left with four equally sized trapezoids.
   

5. Cut out Trapezoids

   Once you've marked four trapezoids, use a circular saw to carefully cut out each piece.
   

   Tip

   To aid in cutting a large piece of plywood on a flat work surface, slide a scrap board underneath the plywood to elevate it from the work surface while cutting.

6. Sand Plywood

   Once all pieces are cut out, clean up the edges and sides using an orbital sander fitted with 120-grit paper.
   

7. Glue Plywood Pieces Together

   On one of the trapezoids, run a bead of exterior wood glue down one of the edges, then lay the piece flat against a work surface. Take a second trapezoid and press it against the glued edge to form a right angle. Nail in place with a brad nailer. In the same fashion, run a bead of glue on the top edge of the second board, place a third board against it, and nail it in place. Repeat until the planter frame is formed.
   

8. Strengthen Frame With Screws

   To strengthen the frame of the planter, fasten each plywood piece together with 1 1/4-inch self-drilling exterior wood screws, placing one screw every 4 to 6 inches.
   

Add Horizontal Exterior Pieces

The exterior of the planter will be made up of 1x2 furring strips. It may seem tricky to cut the angles, but there is a very simple way to do this after the boards are attached.

1. Cut and Attach Furring Strips

   Cut a 1x2 furring strip to a length of just over 12 inches. Using exterior wood glue and a brad nailer fitted with 1-inch brad nails, glue and nail it in place at the bottom of one side of the planter frame, leaving equal excess hanging off of each side. Repeat this process, spacing each board 1/4 inch apart until you reach the top of the planter. Cut each furring strip slightly larger to accommodate for the increasing width of the planter. Flip the planter and repeat this process to cover the opposite side.
   

   Tip

   To make quick and consistent work of spacing the horizontal furring strips, cut a 1/4-inch piece of scrap wood ahead of time and use it as a spacer.

2. Cut off Excess

   To remove the excess and cut the boards to match the angle of the planter frame, carefully cut along the edge using a circular saw. Be sure to only cut the furring strips and not into the plywood. Flip the planter over and repeat on the other side.
   

3. Attach Remaining Furring Strips

   Repeat the process of attaching and cutting the furring strips on the remaining two sides.
   

4. Sand Until Smooth

   Sand the furring strips with an orbital sander until smooth.
   

Add Inner Shelf

Adding a simple inner shelf to the planter will allow you to easily interchange plants all year long.

1. Cut Furring Strips for Inner Shelf

   Use a miter saw to cut two furring strips to a length that allows them to span the width of the planter's interior at your desired point. If necessary, use a planter to gauge how high or low the shelf should sit.
   

2. Fasten Furring Strips

   Use 1 1/4-inch self-drilling exterior wood screws to fasten the furring strips to opposite sides of the planter's interior.
   

3. Nail Shelf Pieces in Place

   Cut four furring strips to a length that allows them to sit flat on top of the previously attached strips, then nail in place using a brad nailer.
   

4. Stain and Seal Planter

   To help your planter withstand the elements, thoroughly stain it and seal it with your desired color and exterior-grade sealant by following the manufacturer's instructions for application and dry times. Once fully dry, place your desired potted plant inside.