How to Make a Modern Farmhouse Planter

With cedar boards and steel tubes in the lead roles, this sophisticated DIY plant stand looks like it hails from a high-end retailer. Even if you're a beginner with a limited toolbox, this project comes together with little fuss. A handsaw will do the job of a compound miter saw, and a reciprocating saw is easily rented from a tool supplier or borrowed from a handy neighbor. The planter's crisp lines and classic black create modern farmhouse style that even Chip and Joanna Gaines would love.

How to Make a Modern Farmhouse Planter

Intermediate DIYers won’t have a problem putting this simple modern planter together. Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies and materials necessary.

Supplies Needed

• Compound miter saw
• (4) 1 x 4 x 10-foot cedar boards
• (3) 1 x 4 x 8-foot cedar boards
• (4) 1 x 1 x 48-inch square cedar dowels
• (3) 1/2 x 48-inch round dowels
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Exterior wood stain in black
• Sealant
• Reciprocating saw
• (6) 1 x 1 x 48-inch steel square tubes
• 1/2 x 72-inch threaded rod
• Spray bonding primer
• Exterior spray paint in black
• Exterior wood glue
• Clamps
• Drill
• 1-inch exterior wood screws
• 1-1/4-inch exterior wood screws
• 1/2-inch drill bit
• (8) 1/2 x 2-inch carriage bolts
• (16) 1/2-inch nuts and washers
• Heavy plastic
• Staple gun
• Twine
• 4 small screw eyes
• Galvanized wire
• Wire cutters

Cut List

• Planter box long sides and bottom shelf: (9) 1 x 4 x 42-inch cedar boards
• Planter box short sides: (6) 1 x 4 x 10-1/2-inch cedar boards
• Planter box bottom: (3) 1 x 4 x 40-1/2-inch cedar boards
• Corner interior braces: (4) 1 x 1 x 9-inch square cedar dowel
• Bottom braces, long side: (2) 1 x 1 x 38-1/2-inch square cedar dowel
• Bottom braces, short side: (2) 1 x 1 x 10-1/2-inch square cedar dowel
• Bottom shelf braces: (2) 1 x 1 x 9-1/2-inch square cedar dowel
• Trellis sides: (2) 1/2 x 45-inch round dowels
• Trellis top: 1/2 x 42-inch round dowel
• Legs: (4) 1 x 1 x 38-3/4-inch steel square tubes
• Leg supports: (4) 1 x 1 x 14-1/4-inch steel square tubes
• (4) 1/2 × 15-inch threaded rod

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow our building instructions, below, to make a farmhouse planter stand with bonus storage space below.

Step 1: Cut Legs, Supports, and Wood

Using a compound miter saw, cut 1x4 cedar boards into nine 42-inch pieces (planter box long sides and shelf), six 10-1/2-inch pieces (planter box short sides), and three 40-1/2-inch pieces (planter box bottom). Trim the square cedar dowels into four 9-inch corner braces, two 38-1/2 braces for the interior length of the box, and two 10-1/2-inch braces for the short end of the planter box interior. Then cut two 9-1/2-inch braces from the square cedar dowel for the shelf. Cut the round dowels for the trellis according to the cut list. Lightly sand and apply black exterior stain to all wood pieces. Let dry before sealing.

Using a reciprocating saw, cut steel square tubes into four 38-3/4-inch legs and four 14-1/4-inch supports. Cut the threaded rod into four 15-inch lengths. Rough up all surfaces with sandpaper. If desired, coat metal pieces and bolts with spray bonding primer and black spray paint; set aside and let dry.

Step 2: Assemble Planter Box Sides

To assemble the short planter box sides, place three 10-1/2-inch cedar boards side by side, and glue and clamp the boards. Secure the boards using two 9-inch braces at each end and 1-inch screws. Repeat to assemble the other short side.

To assemble the long planter box sides, place three 42-inch cedar boards side by side; glue and clamp them together. When dry, using 1-1/4-inch screws, secure the long sides to the short planter box sides through the attached braces. Repeat for the other long planter box side to form a rectangle box.

Step 3: Build Planter Box Bottom

Attach three 40-1/2-inch cedar boards together by placing a 10-1/2 inch brace at each of the ends using 1-inch screws. The ends of the braces should be flush with the cedar boards; space 40-1/2-inch cedar boards as necessary. Repeat to install the other brace on the opposite side. Then, install a 38-1/2-inch brace perpendicular, along the length of the cedar boards, using 1-inch screws. Repeat on the opposite side. There should now be a brace on all four edges of your cedar boards.

Step 4: Attach Box and Base

Place the assembled box on the base build. Attach box to base through all bottom braces using 1-inch screws every 6 inches or so.

Step 5: Drill Holes for Legs

Using a 1/2-inch bit, drill four holes in each long planter box side at the following intersections: 1-1/8 inches from top and 9-1/2 inches from the side, and 8-1/2 inches from the top and 8 inches from the side. Drill holes in each steel leg at each of the following points measured down from the top: 1 inch, 8-1/2 inches, 11 inches, and 31-3/4 inches.

Step 6: Insert Steel Pipes

Slide a threaded rod through each of the short square tubes. Add one short square tube to two steel legs at the 11-inch hole. Add a washer and nut to either end. Repeat the process with the second short square tube at the top hole, attaching threaded rod with washers and nuts. You should now have a ladder-like build. Repeat with the second set of steel tubes.

Step 7: Secure Legs

Place the cedar box at the top of the steel frames and line up the holes in the steel legs with the corresponding holes in the planter box. Insert carriage bolts and secure with washers and nuts. Repeat on the other side.

Step 8: Install Lining

Line the inside of the planter box with heavy plastic and staple loosely in place. Position the 45-inch round dowels at the back corners of the box between the plastic and the wood. Pull the plastic taut around them and staple to hold them in place. Use twine to attach the shorter round dowel between both vertical lengths.

Step 9: Create Trellis

Space four screw eyes evenly along the top back edge of the planter. Thread wire through the screw eyes and around the horizontal trellis bar as desired to create a grid for climbing plants.

Step 10: Make and Place Bottom Shelf

To make the bottom shelf of the planter, attach three 42-inch boards with 9-1/2 inch dowels. We placed ours 1/2-inch from the sides and about 1-1/2 inches from the end. The shelf simply sits on top of the metal legs. Touch up paint as needed; place the shelf on the supports. Fill the planter box with potting soil and plants.