Planter

You can enlarge this design to suit your space, but add a 2 x 2 cross-brace at the bottom if you make it 3 or more feet wide. If you enlarge the box, try to do so by 7-1/2-inch increments -- the width of a 1 x 8. That will spare you having to rip the planks to size.

Choose lumber that won't rot easily; cypress, redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated stock.

• 1 x 8 for the sides
• 2 x 4 framing
• 2 x 2 framing
• 1 x 3 rim
• 1/2-inch exterior plywood for the bottom
• 6d galvanized box nails
• 3-inch galvanized deck screws
• Basic carpentry tools: circular saw with a combination blade, square, hammer, tape measure, drill and drill bits, block plane, and sandpaper

1. Build the frame. Construct the framing sections of 2 x 2s and 2 x 4s. Cut the bottom and drill two rows of 1/2-inch weep holes every 6 inches. Attach the bottom to the 2 x 2 frame with 6d galvanized nails.

2. Cut the boards. Cut the side pieces to length, trimming the leg pieces at a 45-degree angle so they have 1-1/2-inch feet. Fasten the side pieces to the frame sections, keeping the bottom of the planter 3 inches from the ground.

3. Assemble. Miter the top edge pieces and nail them in place. Nail into the 2x4 framing and into the side pieces, aiming the nails at a slight inward angle.