10 Stunning Cedar Planter Box Ideas to Elevate Your Garden
Cedar planter boxes are a fantastic way to add beauty functionality and durability to your garden patio or indoor space. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant easy to work with and has a pleasant fragrance making it an ideal choice for DIY projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker these 10 cedar planter box ideas will inspire your next build and help you create a stunning outdoor oasis.
1. Tapered Cedar Planter Box
Materials: Cedar boards wood glue staples
Tools: Hammer saw
Difficulty: Easy
This simple yet elegant design is perfect for beginners. The tapered shape allows better sunlight and airflow for plants making it ideal for ferns or small trees.
Pro Tip: Use a water-resistant wood glue to ensure longevity especially for outdoor use.
2. Snap Fence Cedar Planter Bench
Materials: Cedar boards snap fence posts liquid nails
Tools: Rubber mallet clamps
Difficulty: Easy
Combine seating and planting with this dual-purpose bench planter. It’s great for entryways or patios and can be built in a single day.
Pro Tip: Pre-drill holes to prevent cedar from splitting when assembling.
3. DIY Modern Slat Planter (Budget-Friendly!)
Materials: Cedar fence pickets wood glue nails
Tools: Table saw miter saw
Difficulty: Moderate
This stylish modern slat planter costs under $20 in materials and uses inexpensive cedar fence pickets. The open design allows for excellent drainage.
Pro Tip: Sand the pickets first for a smoother finish before assembly.
4. Ana White DIY Planter Box (Beginner-Friendly)
Materials: Cedar nails fence pickets
Tools: Tape measure brad nailer sander
Difficulty: Easy
A classic design with clean lines this planter is customizable in size and finish. Perfect for herbs flowers or even small shrubs.
Pro Tip: Stain or paint the wood to match your outdoor décor.
5. Pretty Front Porch Planter Box (With Legs)
Materials: Cedar wood glue
Tools: Drill clamps saw
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevated on legs this planter prevents moisture damage and adds a charming rustic touch to porches.
Pro Tip: Line the inside with landscape fabric to protect the wood from soil moisture.
6. Vertical Cedar Herb Garden (Space-Saving)
Materials: Cedar pickets screws hooks
Tools: Drill saw
Difficulty: Moderate
Perfect for small balconies this vertical herb garden maximizes space while keeping fresh herbs within reach.
Pro Tip: Use removable pots for easy replanting and maintenance.
7. Planter Box with Trellis (For Climbing Plants)
Materials: Cedar screws trellis panel
Tools: Saw drill
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for tomatoes cucumbers or flowering vines this design combines a deep planter with a built-in trellis.
Pro Tip: Secure the trellis firmly to handle the weight of climbing plants.
8. L-Shaped Cedar Planter (Corner Garden Solution)
Materials: Cedar fence pickets 2×2 posts screws
Tools: Saw drill
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximize corner spaces with this custom L-shaped planter perfect for small gardens or patios.
Pro Tip: Use pressure-treated 2x2s for internal supports to prevent rot.
9. Chippendale Planter (Advanced Woodworking)
Materials: Cedar miter saw table saw
Tools: Clamps rubber mallet
Difficulty: Advanced
A high-end decorative planter with intricate angled cuts best suited for experienced woodworkers.
Pro Tip: Practice cuts on scrap wood before working on the final piece.
10. Half-Barrel Cedar Planter (Rustic Charm)
Materials: Cedar barrel halves screws
Tools: Saw drill
Difficulty: Easy
Repurpose a cedar barrel into a deep spacious planter perfect for flowers or small trees.
Pro Tip: Drill drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Final Thoughts
Cedar planter boxes are durable beautiful and customizable making them a fantastic addition to any garden. Whether you prefer a simple tapered design or an advanced Chippendale planter there’s a project for every skill level.
Want more inspiration? Check out these free downloadable plans for detailed measurements and step-by-step guides!
