These x-frame planter box plans continue our spring-time planting series, helping you to get ready for warmer weather right around the corner. These DIY plans provide simple step-by-step instructions for building your own planter box that will look great on your front porch, along the walk, out on your back deck or patio, or just anywhere around the yard.
If you build one of these x-frame planter boxes, 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
- 12 – 1/2″ x 6″ boards @ 2′
- 2 – 2×2 @ 4′
- 9 – 1×2 @ 3′
- 11 – 1×2 @ 4′
- Landscape fabric
Tools Needed
- Table saw or circular saw
- 18 gauge brad nailer
- 3/4″ exterior grade brad nails
- Exterior grade wood glue
- Sander & sandpaper
Step 1: Cut your wall boards
We’ll start this x-frame planter box by cutting the wall boards to length and to width. All four walls are made from 1/2″ material with an actual width of 6″, and cut to 18 1/2″ in length. Since we want this box to have a perfectly square base of 18″ x 18″, we’re going to need to rip the two outside boards on each wall to width. For the two “short” walls, the outside boards should be 5″ wide, while the outside boards on the two “long” walls are all 5 1/2″ wide.
We’re not actually joining these boards together at this point. We just want to cut them and lay them out to ensure all of our measurements are good.
Step 2: Cut the corner posts
The corner posts for this x-frame planter box are made from 2x2s, which actually measure 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″. We’re going to cut the four pieces to a length of 18 1/2″, then we’re going to cut a 1″ x 1″ rabbet out of one corner, leaving just a 1/2″ wide “L” piece. We could use two 1/2″ strips to form this same shape, but using a 2×2 prevents having a seem at the corner and holds everything together a little better.
Once you have your four corner posts cut, you should be able to first attach a 5 1/2″ wide board using wood glue and 3/4″ brad nails, then butt one of the 5″ wide boards up against the first board and attach it as well. This should leave 4 1/2″ exposed on each of the boards.
Step 3: Add the trim rails and Xs
With all four corners assembled, you can now complete the assembly of the box by adding the top and bottom rails, and finishing with the Xs. The rails are 1×2 boards cut to 15″ in length. Glue and brad nail them into the sides using at least 3 nails per board.
The Xs are made from 22″ pieces of 1×2. Lay the first piece across your box with the centerline of the board aligned to opposite corners. Mark your needed cuts on each end, then cut with your miter saw. Use wood glue and brad nails to attach. For the second part of the X, follow the same process as the first, but also mark where it overlaps the first X so you can cut out that part as well.
Step 4: Add supports and false bottom
Next up on these planter box plans is to add the false bottom. Start by gluing and nailing a 16″ piece of 1×2 onto the inside of each long side, 8″ down from the top. You can make this higher or lower depending on the depth you’ll want to plant. Just remember that the more dirt you have in your x-frame planter box, the heavier it will be to move.
Once the shelf supports are in place, add nine 16″ pieces of 1×2, spaced roughly 1/4″ – 1/2″ apart across the supports. Nail these supports in place.
Step 5: Add feet to your planter box
The last part in these planter box plans are the feet to raise it off of the ground. To make these, just cut 2 1/2″ square pieces off of the excess of the boards you used for the sides. Then glue and nail them to the bottom of the planter so that they are aligned with the outside edges.
Step 6: Sand, paint or stain
Time for the finishing touches on your new planter box. Use at least 120 grit sandpaper to 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.
Before you fill your x-frame planter box with dirt, you’ll also want to add a layer of landscape fabric over the false bottom. Using landscape fabric will allow for good drainage, but will prevent dirt from washing through the gaps between the slats.
If you have any questions or comments about these x-frame planter box plans, leave us a note in the comments section below.
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