It’s spring time again, which means it’s time to get back to building some planter boxes to give the deck or porch a refreshed look. These square cedar picket planter box plans are super easy and don’t require a whole lot of tools. Plus, if you’re trying to start a woodworking business, these are highly profitable given the relatively low cost of materials. Just check out some of the cedar planter box listings on Etsy and you’ll see what I mean. We have several other planter box designs on our site already, but we decided to add a few more to give a bit more variety for different tastes and so people don’t have to try to modify them as much.

If you build a planter from these square cedar picker planter box plans, or build anything from any of our plans, we would love to see how your project turns out. Please take a few minutes to share your build, so we can appreciate your work and know that our plans are helping a community of DIYers.

Materials Needed

• 3 – cedar fence pickets
• 2 – cedar 1x2s @ 4′
• 2 – cedar 1x3s @ 3′
• Landscape fabric

Tools Needed

• Table saw, miter saw, or circular saw
• 18 gauge brad nailer
• 1″ exterior grade brad nails
• Pocket hole jig
• Exterior grade wood glue
• Sander & sandpaper

Step 1: Cut your cedar pickets and boards

We’ll start this square cedar picket planter box by cutting all of the cedar pickets down to size. There are a total of 11 pieces that need to be cut, and only two different lengths. If you set up a stop block on your miter saw, cutting these goes really quick. If you measure and plan appropriately, you should easily be able to cut all of these pieces from the 3 cedar pickets.

• 4 – 18 3/16″ (long walls)
• 7 – 17″ (short walls and bottom)

We’re also going to cut our 1x3s and 1x2s down to length up front as well. This will get all of the cutting out of the way so we can focus on assembly. For these you’re going to need to cut:

• 1x2s:
  • 4 – 12 1/2″ (legs)
  • 2 – 18 3/16″ (bottom supports)
• 1x3s:
  • 4 – 12 1/2″ (legs)
  • 2 – 15 3/16″ (bottom supports)

Step 2: Assemble the sides of the planter box

Now that you have all of the pieces cut for this square cedar picket planter box, it’s time to start the assembly. We’ll start by butting two of the 18 3/16″ picket boards up edge to edge, and then laying two of the 12 1/2″ 1×2 pieces on top. Align the 1×2 legs to the top and sides of the picket boards. Then use wood glue and brad nails through the pickets and into the legs (so you’re nailing from the inside out) to hold these pieces together. You’ll need to create two of these.

Next we’ll want to glue and nail the 1x3s to the outer edges of the 1x2s we just attached above. In the second picture below (that doesn’t show the cedar picket boards) you can see how to line these up. For these, you’ll need to nail from the outside of the 1×3 into the 1×2.

Lastly, take four of the 17″ cedar picket boards and glue and nail them to the 1x3s from the inside. This will create the frame of your square cedar picket planter box.

Step 3: Add the supports for the bottom

Now with the frame assembled, we’re going to add on the bottom shelf supports using the remaining 1×2 and 1×3 boards. First, cut two pocket holes in each end of the two 1x2s. We’ll use these holes to attach the support frame later. Then cut pocket holes in both ends of the 1x3s, and use pocket hole screws and wood glue to attach them to the 1x2s as shown in the picture below. Then use wood on all adjoining faces and use pocket hole screws through the ends of the 1x2s into the legs. Add brad nails through the 1×3 legs into the support frame to help hold it firmly in place while the glue dries.

Step 4: Lay in the bottom boards

The last assembly step for this square cedar planter box is to lay in the bottom cedar picket boards. These simply lay on top of the support frame installed in the previous step. There should wind up being a small gap in between each of the bottom boards, these will allow for drainage. When ready to fill with dirt, you’ll want to lay a sheet of landscape fabric on top of the bottom to prevent the dirt from sifting through these gaps.

Step 6: Sand, paint or stain

Time for the finishing touches on your new square cedar picket planter box. Use at least 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire piece. Then finish with a few coats of stain or your favorite exterior grade paint to help protect it from the elements. Pay particular attention to the inside of the box where moist dirt will stay in constant contact with the wood.

Not certain what type of finish you want to add to your new piece? Check out our series on eco-friendly wood finishes. We detail options for oils, waxes, water-based finishes, shellac, milk paint, and citrus and plant based solvents. We give you all of the details you need to make an informed choice about the right type of finish to choose for your latest project.

If you have any questions or comments about these x-frame planter box plans, leave us a note in the comments section below.

Want more woodworking tips, tool reviews, and project plans? Subscribe to FamousArtisan.com and never miss an update!

* This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site.