Projects

Build a Planter Storage Box

Project Overview

Here's a useful garden storage box that serves double duty with a planting tray on the top. It's perfect for displaying colourful annuals or a collection of herbs. Behind the door you could store garden accessories or even a hose reel.

10 Steps

Create side frames
Create box frame
Apply sides and back
Bottom construction
Construct top

Construct door
Finishing
Attaching door
Create planting tray
Completion

Show all steps »

Step 1

Create side frames

To create 2" x 2" cedar, rip 2 pieces of 2" x 4" cedar down the centre. From 2" x 2" cedar, cut 4 pieces at 19" and 4 pieces at 16". Create 2 square frames measuring 19" x 19". Drill, countersink, glue and screw the frames together using 2-1/2" screws.

Step 2

Create box frame

From the 2" x 2" cedar, cut 4 pieces at 16". Drill, countersink, glue and screw these between the 2 frames at the corners, forming a box frame.

Step 3

Apply sides and back

From the 1" x 6" cedar, cut 12 pieces at 20". Apply 4 each vertically to 3 sides of the box frame, gluing and screwing them from the inside frame into the 1" x 6" boards. Note that the sides must overhang the frame at back and front to the thickness of your boards. This will allow the back and door to sit flush with the sides.

Step 4

Bottom construction

From the 1" x 6" cedar, cut 4 pieces to the width of the bottom cabinet. Note that the front and back pieces will need to be notched to fit around the 2" x 2" corner frame pieces. To prevent splitting, pre-drill 2 holes into the ends of each board. Glue and screw the boards in place.

Step 5

Construct top

From 1" x 6" cedar, cut 6 pieces at 20" and 2 pieces at 21-1/2". Using 2 20" pieces and (2) 21-1/2" pieces, make a box measuring 21-1/2" x 21-1/2". Drill, countersink, glue and screw the box together. Make a bottom for the box by laying it on a flat surface and aligning the 4 remaining 20" boards inside. Drill, countersink, glue and screw them into the sides.

Step 6

Construct door

From 1" x 6" cedar, cut 4 pieces at 20" and align them vertically on a flat surface. Create 1" x 2" cedar by ripping a piece of 1" x 6" cedar to make 2 pieces 2" wide. From the ripped 1" x 2" cedar, cut 2 pieces at 18". Centre and screw these to the back of the door at the top and bottom. Measure diagonally between the top left and bottom right of these two boards and cut a piece of 1" x 2" cedar to fit. This will keep the door square. Glue and screw it in place.

Step 7

Finishing

Fill all screw holes with wood filler, sand the box and stain or top coat as desired.

Step 8

Attaching door

Make sure the door fits the opening, then install hinges and a handle of your choice.

Step 9

Create planting tray

From the 1" x 6" cedar, cut 2 pieces at 19-3/4" and 2 pieces at 18-1/4". Rip 1-3/4" from each board. Make a frame measuring 19-3/4" square. Drill, countersink, glue and screw the box together. Line the frame with a single sheet of heavy duty plastic, overlapping the outside of the frame. Staple the plastic in place.

Step 10

Completion

Insert the planter tray into the box top and fill with soil. Add annuals, water and enjoy.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 5 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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