How to Make a Herb Planter Box from Scrap Wood

The Scrap Wood Saga: Turning Leftovers into a Lush Garden Haven

You know that feeling when you’ve got a garage (or basement, or shed) full of random wood scraps, just waiting to be transformed into something amazing? Well, my friend, that’s exactly the situation I found myself in not too long ago.

Let me set the scene: I was helping a buddy redo his backyard, and he had this patio that needed some serious TLC. One of the things he really wanted was some large planters that he could use to grow roses and create a bit more privacy in his outdoor oasis. Now, as much as I love my power tools, I knew hauling a ton of heavy equipment over to his place wasn’t going to be practical.

So, I had to get a little creative. Using just a circular saw and a drill or impact driver, I decided to turn those random wood scraps I had been hoarding (ahem, collecting) into a practical, versatile outdoor planter box. And let me tell you, the finished product turned out so well that I just had to share the process with you.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let me tell you a bit about the power tool I used for this project. I’m talking about the Dewalt FLEXVOLT 60-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 7-1/4 in. Wormdrive Style Circular Saw. Y’all, this thing is a game-changer.

I’ve never used a cordless circular saw with so much power and force. It cuts through everything with ease, and the battery life is insane. Even after making all those cuts, the battery barely skipped a beat. It was almost as if this saw and I were in perfect harmony, like two peas in a pod.

Pair that beast with a Diablo 7-1/4 in. x 24-Teeth Tracking Point Framing Blade, and you’ve got a recipe for woodworking success. I was able to set up a little workstation at my buddy’s place and breeze through all the cuts, no problem. It was almost too easy, to be honest.

Sourcing the Scrap Wood

Now, as I mentioned, I’m one of those people who hates throwing away a good piece of wood, even if I have no room to store it. I know, I know, it’s a problem. But in this case, it really came in handy.

I had a ton of 2×6 and 2×4 pieces, all under 40 inches long. The only issue was that I didn’t have enough of either board type to make a complete project on its own. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment: why not combine the two?

After all, 2x4s and 2x6s are both the same thickness (1-1/2 inches), so I figured I could glue them together and make it work. Now, I’ll admit, the glue might have been a bit of overkill, but I wanted to cover all my bases. Better safe than sorry, right?

Assembling the Planter Box

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how I put this bad boy together. I started with a 24-inch piece, cut to 31 inches, and glued a 26-inch board, also cut to 31 inches, to it. I kept going until I had 3 2x4s and 2 2x6s all lined up and ready to go.

Next, I grabbed a couple of 2×3 boards and screwed them to the sides of the panel, leaving about 1-1/2 inches of space from the edges. This helped create the structure for the planter box. To ensure the spacing was just right, I used a scrap 2×6 board as a guide. It was a nifty little trick that really came in handy.

Once I had the front and back panels complete, I repeated the process for the side panels. This time, I used 2×6 boards cut to 16-1/2 inches and attached them perpendicular to the front and back panels. It all came together like a puzzle, and I just had to screw everything in place.

For the bottom, I used more 2×6 boards, lining them up evenly and cutting off any excess with the trusty circular saw. And to give it a little extra stability, I added some treated 4×4 legs, cut to 2 inches tall.

Finishing Touches

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the world’s greatest gardener. In fact, everything I’ve tried growing outside of perennials has pretty much been a disaster. But I saw this one thing in a planter once, and I figured it couldn’t hurt.

So, I decided to line the interior of the planter box with some ground liner. I had a ton of it left over from a previous gardening project, and I just stapled it to the inside walls. It’s supposed to help with drainage and all that jazz, so I figured it was worth a shot.

Finally, I gave the whole thing a good sanding to smooth out any rough spots, and then I stained it with a solid exterior stain. Just to add a little extra flair, I added some flat corner braces to the front sides of the planter. And voila! My scrap wood planter box was complete.

The Bigger, the Better

I loved the way this first planter box turned out so much that I decided to make a larger one, using the same techniques. And let me tell you, it’s an absolute showstopper. I still need to add the corner braces, but I’m pretty darn proud of it.

This whole project just goes to show that with a little bit of creativity and the right tools, you can turn those random wood scraps into something truly special. Whether you’re growing herbs, flowers, or even vegetables, this planter box is the perfect way to add a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those scrap pieces, fire up your Timber Building power tools, and let’s get to work on creating your very own herb planter box. Trust me, it’s a project you won’t want to miss.