Learn how to make an easy DIY tiered planter box with only $10 in lumber and in under 2 hours. It’s a great beginner project!
Sometimes you need a really quick project to liven up your front porch.
Or maybe you want to create a little herb garden in your patio, backyard, or balcony.
This simple tiered planter is perfect for it!
It only cost $10 in material and took about 45 minutes to make! It is perfect for a beginner.
How awesome is that?!
This project is perfect for a beginner and works really well in any outdoor space – big or small.
It looks so pretty filled up with fresh spring flowers!
Lumber used for the planter
This planter uses cedar boards for the wooden planter boxes. Cedar planks work really well for planters.
In fact, I used cedar picket fences and cut off their dog-ears to make boards to use. We don’t get a lot of cedar here in Southern California so this was the option.
Plus it is really quite budget-friendly!
The legs are made using 2×2 furring strips which are pretty inexpensive as well.
Tools needed to build the planter
This is basically a 2-3 tool project!
You need a way to cut the boards – so a miter saw or circular saw.
And a way to assemble everything. I used:
- A nail gun to put together the boxes (you can also use a hammer and nails or a screws)
- Screws to attach the legs.
RELATED: Tiered plant stand using scrap wood
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The planter is 45″ wide and 16″ tall. Get the printable plans by clicking the button below.
RELATED: DIY Tiered Raised vegetable beds
Building a Tiered Planter
Here is the video tutorial. I also have the steps listed below if you would rather read about it.
Instructions
Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how to build this easy planter.
Step 1 – Make the cuts
- Start by cutting up the cedar fence for the planter boxes per the planter box plans.
- Also, cut the 2×2 boards for the legs.
To make these cuts, you can use a miter saw, circular saw, or even a jigsaw. If you are using a circular saw or jigsaw, be sure to use a straight line guide to get straight cuts. A speed square works well for this.
- Sand all the boards till they are smooth.
👉 Sanding before assembly makes it much easier to get the best finish.
Step 2 – Build the boxes
- Build the three planter boxes using wood glue and finish nails.
If you don’t have a nail gun, you can use exterior-grade screws or a hammer and nails. If using screws, be sure to pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 3 – Attach the legs
- Attach legs to the boxes using wood glue and wood screws. They are screwed from the inside of the boxes.
The first level is attached as shown below –
- The first set of legs is flush with the top of the box.
- The second set higher than the edge.
- The second set of legs is attached flush to the top of the second box
- The third set of legs is higher than the edge of the box.
- The top of the final box is flush with the last two sets of legs.
That’s it!
The DIY tiered planter is ready!
Step 4 – Final finish
Before filling it with your favorite flowers or herbs, you want to go a couple of quick things.
- Apply a waterproof silicone-based caulk to the inside creases of the planter to keep the water from seeping into the crevices.
- Once the caulk is dry, apply a danish oil finish or oil-based urethane wood stain to the exterior of the planter.
- Drill a few drainage holes on the bottom of the planter.
- If you like, you can also staple landscape fabric to the insides of the planter boxes.
Fill it up with potting mix, your favorite flowers or herbs, and enjoy!
More ways to customize
Over the years, I have seen many readers build this project and modify these raised planter boxes to make it work for them. Some ideas include:
- Adding or reducing the number of tiers.
- Making the right and left back legs longer to attach a trellis to allow for plants or vegetables needing support.
- Cutting down the legs and mounting it up on the wall!
DIY Planter Box Plans
As usual, I have free plans for you! Click on the button below to grab them!
Reader Projects
By Craig K. 
By Amanda M. 
By Celeste L. 
By Kent J. By John By Jeff C.
If you build this project, I would love to see it! Email me at [email protected] or tag me on Instagram @anikasdiylife. I can’t wait to see it!
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Allen Michael
These are absolutely pretty! I love how affordable and easy to make this is. Plus, there’s plenty of room for customization for this one. Thank you so much for sharing, Anika. This is really well-made.
Debbie
What a great idea. So easy and can use custom sizes. Thanks for sharing.
Kristin's Peppermints and Cherries
These are such dainty little planters. Pinned to my Spring and Summer board! Visiting from Totally Terrific Tuesday and followed you on FB and Pinterest!
suzy
These look great and the price is right too! They wouldn’t take up much room by the front door.
Romik
Anika!
Your planter box is really amazing and easy to do with kids.
Seems, it will be one of our first DIY product
Thank you. I have bookmarked this page for future.