$1 Small Cedar Tapered Planter or Crate

Free plans to build a cedar planter for a dollar from ana-white.com

Additional Photos

About Project

Author Notes:

Guess what you can get for a buck these days?

If you guess a solid cedar tapered planter, well, you guessed right!

These cute little planters would be beautiful, inexpensive centerpieces for a wedding. Or consider building a planter and filling it with gardening supplies to give as a gift. Or how about using it as an Easter Basket? Of course, you could just use it for storage around your home too! The possibilities are endless!

Costing just a buck in wood to make because we used our good friends the cedar fence picket (you'll need just 1/2 of one fence picket), this cute little cedar planter is also super easy to make!

Check out this video below of me building one of these planters - it really is that easy!

PS - Staining tutorial coming soon!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Dimensions shown above. Suitable for one small plant.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 - 1/2" thick x 5 feet long cedar fence picket (you can get two planters from one fence picket)
I used 1 1/4" galvanized nails but screws would also work - just use exterior grade if using outdoors
Outdoor wood glue (for outdoor use)

Tools:

measuring tape

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

compound miter saw

nailer

Cut List

Cut List:

2 - 1/2" x 5 1/2" cedar fence pickets @ 5 1/2" long - shortest point measurement, both ends cut at 15 degrees off square, cut ends are NOT parallel to each other
2 - 1/2" x 5 1/2" cedar fence pickets @ 6 1/2" long - shortest point measurement, both ends cut at 15 degrees off square, cut ends are NOT parallel to each other
1 - 1/2" x 5 1/2" cedar fence pickets @ 5 1/2" long

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Attach one long side to two short sides, keeping outside top corner flush and outside edges flush.

Step 2

Then attach remaining side.

Step 3

Set bottom inside the planter. I choose not to attach because it will be easy to remove soil from planter with removable bottom. You could also nail the bottom in place through the sides.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

$1 Small Cedar Tapered Planter or Crate

Crates [2], Outdoor [3], Beginner [4], farmhouse [5]