Projects

Build a Chalkboard Planter Box

Project Overview

Organize and identify your herbs easily in window boxes and containers that have been given a coat of chalkboard paint.

11 Steps

CUT BOARDS
CUT SIDE PIECES
MAKE THE END PIECES
CUT BOTTOM PIECE
CREATE CAP

CREATE FRAME PIECES
SAND, PRIME AND APPLY CHALKBOARD PAINT
ASSEMBLY
MAKE FRAME
FINISH CAP
PROTECT WOOD

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Step 1

CUT BOARDS

Cut the long edges of a 1' x 8' cedar board at a 10^o angle to make the side pieces. Angled edges need to be parallel to each other.

Step 2

CUT SIDE PIECES

Using a mitre saw, cut the side pieces to length. Our box is 24" long.

Step 3

MAKE THE END PIECES

Make the end pieces. Rip the end pieces at 7" or equal to the height of the sides. Mitre the end pieces with a 10^o angle. Flip the board over and cut another 10^o angle. The top width of this piece will determine the width of your planter. We went with 8".

Step 4

CUT BOTTOM PIECE

Rip the board for the bottom from a piece of 1' x 8' cedar at a 10^o angle along the long edges to match the bottom edge of the end pieces.

Step 5

CREATE CAP

Make the cap piece by ripping a 1-3/4" strip from the 1' x 8' cedar. Break the edges with sand paper.

Step 6

CREATE FRAME PIECES

Make the frame pieces. The top and bottom edges of the frame pieces will have a 10^o angle.

First, from 1' x 8' cedar, rip 2 pieces at 1-1/2" wide; then raise the blade a little higher than 1-1/2" and rip the thickness from 3/4" to 1/2" on both pieces.

Next, rip a 10^o angle on one long edge of 1 of the 1-1/2" x 1/2" wide strips.

Step 7

SAND, PRIME AND APPLY CHALKBOARD PAINT

Sand outer sides of box. Use the smoothest side of the board as you will be painting it.

Prime the box, following directions on the can.

Paint the outer sides of the planter with chalkboard paint - use 2 coats.

Step 8

ASSEMBLY

Assemble planter box using deck screws. Countersink and pre-drill all holes. Screw through the sides into the ends and bottom.

Step 9

MAKE FRAME

From the angled framing strip, measure and cut the top and bottom pieces. Brad nail flush with the top and bottom of the front.

Measure and cut the side pieces of the frame and brad nail flush with the ends of the box.

Pin-nail the frame in place around the chalk board painted areas.

Repeat for the back.

Step 10

FINISH CAP

Mitre the corners of the cap to fit around the top edge of the planter. Fasten with pin-nails as you go.

Fit the top so that you have a 1/2" overhang around the outer edge.

Step 11

PROTECT WOOD

To protect the planter, finish the wood with an exterior wood stain.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 6 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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