Richard Felt: Vive la France! Build a Tall Wooden Planter

Bonjour mes amis! As a DIY blogger, I am constantly looking for inspiration for my next project. Last year I created this amazing planter based upon some that I saw at Versailles. I loved them when I saw them and I’ve loved having mine own pair here at home. The hubs actually commented today how well they’ve held up (we had one of the hottest summers last year and one of the wettest springs this year so it’s had to deal with the worst of the worst for a wood product). When I left for our vacation in June, I knew I wanted to find something awesome to build for Cass and her crew. Our first stop was in Paris and while heading to one of my favorite cafes, I saw this:

Isn’t it awesome!!!!???!! This beauty is huge, towering at 3 feet tall! It really made a statement at the entrance of the uber-luxe hotel and I knew instantly this would be the perfect project for Cass! So, without further ado, here are the plans for what I’m calling the Vive la France Planter!

How to Build a Tall Wooden Planter

Materials:

(10) 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 72″ Dog Ear Fence Pickets

(7) 1″ x 2″ x 8′ Furring boards

(1) 3/4″ x 2′ x 4′ Red Oak Plywood Panel

(1) 1, 3 or 5 gallon pot

(160) #8 x 2 1/2″ outdoor screws in your desired finish

(24) 2 1/2″ pocket screws

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

3/8″ drill bit

Brad nails and nailer

Jig saw

Outdoor stain/sealant

Approximate cost: $50

* Note: As usual, I’ve built my planner with high end wood to ensure they will last. The cost of just the pickets and furring strips is $20. You can use a thinner/less expensive piece of wood on top or make the top out of furring strips that have been glued together and save between $10 – $20 off of the project.

Cut list:

(20) 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 18″ cedar pickets

(20) 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 13.75″ cedar pickets

(4) 1″ x 2″ x 35″ furring strips

(6) 1″ x 2″ x 16.25″ furring strips

(11) 1″ x 2″ x 13.75″ furring strips

(1) 3/4″ x 18″ x 15.25″ red oak plywood panel

Building Instructions:

Step 1:

Drill pocket holes at both ends of each 1″ x 2″ furring strips (both the 16.25″ and 13.75″ length pieces).

Step 2:

Attach (1) 1″ x 2″ x 16.25″ pieces to the bottom of (2) 1″ x 2″ x 35″ furring strips using 2 1/2″ pocket screws. Repeat on other side.

Step 3:

Attach (1) 1″ x 2″ x 13.75″ pieces to the bottom of (4) 1″ x 2″ x 35″ furring strips using 2 1/2″ pocket screws. This will create the foundation of the planter.

Step 4:

Repeat the process above at either 8″ (for 1 gallon pots) or 12″ (for 3 or 5 gallon pots) from the top of the 35″ furring strips. This will create the frame for the plant support.

Step 5:

Using a brad nailer, attach (5) 1″ x 2″ x 13.75″ furring strips, equally spaced, to the plant support.

Step 6:

Using pocket screws, attach the remaining (2) 1″ x 2″ x 16.25″ furring strips and (2) 1″ x 2″ x 13.75″ furring strips to the top of the (4) 35″ furring strips.

Step 7:

Using a brad nailer, attach the first 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 18″ cedar picket to the frame. Note: It should hang over approxiately 5/8″ on each side of the furring strip. Repeat this process until all (10) 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 18″ boards are attached to the furring strips. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

Step 8:

Using a brad nailer, attach the first 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 13.75″ cedar picket to the frame. Note: It should sit between the planks on either side. Repeat this process until all (10) 5/8″ x 3 1/2″ x 13.75″ boards are attached to the furring strips. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

Step 9:

Using the 3/8″ drill bit, drill holes 1″ from the top and 1″ from the side of each plank. Drill another hole 1″ from the bottom and 1″ from the side of the plank. Repeat this on the other side of the plank. Continue doing this on all planks (there will be a total of 160 holes). After drilling the holes, attach the outdoor screws.

Step 10:

Center your desired pot (1, 3 or 5 gallon) upside down on the 3/4″ x 18″ x 15.25″ red oak plywood panel and trace it.

Step 11:

Using your jig saw, cut out the traced circle.

Step 12:

Using a brad nailer, attach the top to the planter.

Step 13:

If desired, stain the topper black. Cover the entire planter with Thompson’s Water Seal or any other stain/poly made for outdoor application. Place potted plant in planter and enjoy!

This project is a bit time consuming (160 screws!!!), but very easy to carry out. But just think, after all of those screws are in, this planter will make quite a statement to your porch or patio!