Tall planter boxes make a great addition to your porch, patio or front entrance. These decorative yet purposeful pieces complete the outdoor space, bridging the gap between house and garden seamlessly.
They can cost a pretty penny too - but if you're graced with a creative mind and some DIY know-how, the final result will be worth the effort.
Even if you don't possess tool talents, these 10 tall planter box plans are easy to execute. And best of all? They're free!
Read on for the step-by-step how-to tutorials...
Design Considerations:
You can choose between vertical (rectangular) and tapered (trapezoid) plans.
You can place a tree, a bush, flowers or even a fairy garden in the planter.
Decide how tall your planter will be based on its location - keep it proportional to surrounding decor.
Because it's for the outside use, you'd want to paint it or stain it - so think about your preferred paint color.
Building Considerations:
The basic planter design would include three main parts: a box, some sort of a support for a pot and a pot itself.
If your plan includes a solid bottom then make sure to have a hole in it to drain water.
The box parts can be glued or screwed together or both.
Before starting building your planter, it's a good idea to find a suitable pot or at least check what size plastic pots are available.
To build a box, you can use cheap cedar picket fence planks, pine wood, plywood, recycled fence boards or a more expensive wood type for a longer lasting design.
Also see our beautiful selection of free DIY square planter box plans.
VERTICAL Plans
A tall, vertical box plan is an ideal for small porches and grand entrances. You've got to love their sheer presence, and the sense of welcome they offer. When planted with complementary vertical foliage, the look is fresh elegance.
A vertical plan is for the DIY'er who falls short of being a pro. And while these designs are simpler by nature, but the results can be stunning. These planters make the perfect addition to your entryway, welcoming you to your home sweet home. But you don't have to spend an arm and a leg or anything, in fact! Here are some totally free planter plans to put into action!
1. Rustic Style Planter Box
This Frame and Panel Planter Plan by Ana White and Shanty2Chic is one that looks like a million bucks, but won't break the bank. And the best part - you can DIY these babies at home, for your home! Who knew you could get this trendy look for half the price - and of course, the plans are free at the click of a button below..
Box Size | 21.5" x 21.5" x 32" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $20 - $50 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
2. Tall Entranceway Planter Box - Glued & Painted
You might call these vertical entranceway planter boxes a tall order, but when you DIY, you can call it an afternoon's work. Easy to do and low cost, this planter project inspired its creator's inner green thumb and inner DIY -er alike. Just don't use pine, which shrinks and compromises the shape and stability. Check out the free plans courtesy of The Idea Room.
Box Size | 10" x 11" x 24" (H) |
Shopping List | No |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | ~ $50 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
3. DIY Large Planter Plan in Reclaimed Wood
Whether you're making it for yourself, or for the magical fairies who appear to call them "home," these reclaimed wood planter boxes are a must-try. They were inspired by the casual backyard party, and fittingly, were made of recycled fence board. Check out the free plans from Make It & Love It.
Box Size | 29.5" x 23" x 30.5" (H) |
Shopping List | No |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | ~ $30 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
4. Tall Box Planter for a Statement Design
This planter is big, beautiful and makes a statement before you even get to the front door! All you need is some wood, Rustoleum and a little elbow great (plus about a hundred bucks) and you have these two flanking your front door. Green thumb or not, you'll love these tall boxes. Get the free plan from Cleverly Inspired.
Box Size | 12" x 16" x 30" (H) |
Shopping List | No |
Cut List | No |
Estimated Cost | $50 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
5. Farmhouse Style Wood Plank Planter Box
These vertical planters from Remodelaholic really stand out for their simplicity and rustic charm. We love the warm wood, horizontal plank layout, and the visible nails running up and down in neat little rows. Farmhouse-chic! Build this free plan now!
Box Size | 12" x 16" x 30" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $50 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
6. Small Tall Planter Plan for a Tiny Porch - $14 DIY
These DIY vertical planter boxes embrace nature with minimal adornment, showcasing the wood's finish and form - and what's planted in them! This tall design was actually inspired by one of our above-mentioned muses - Ana-White.com. Only in this plan, they were scaled down to suit a tiny front porch. Check them out at More Like Home.
Box Size | 11" x 11" x 24" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $14 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
7. Rope-Detail Wood Planters
Simple with a little sumthin' extra, these rustic-style planters feature a warm, grainy wood plank accented with a twist of rope for added interest. Otherwise pretty minimal by design, this tall planter box plan is definitely one to test your DIY skills. All you need is some various sizes of wood planks, rope, stain and waterproof sealant. If the plan is as simple as the supply list, we're in business! (But seriously, it isn't hard.) Via Cherished Bliss.
Box Size | 17.5" x 16" x 36" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | ~ $40 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
TRAPEZOID or TAPERED Plans
Another option when it comes to tall planter box plans is to take it trapezoid. This tapered shape offers something slightly more casual in comparison to its straight-laced vertical counterpart. A trapezoid planter box is right at home on front porches, decks and patios, adding their angled flair to your outdoor spaces.
These boxes are second easiest to build. Their tapered shape is ideal as a style feature, but their smaller footprint makes them an ideal addition for small spaces like patios or even condo balconies. If you're taking the DIY route with a trapezoid plan (and consider yourself more skilled at the task) you can tweak the dimensions to create a wider mouth, giving it an architectural edge. Check out these free plans below.
8. DIY Tall Trapezoid Planter - $20
This tall trapezoid planter is such a casual and cool look. Its vertical silhouette gets a fun twist when finished in a pastel color. The best part? This plan can be executed for just $20, and with this free plan in hand, you'll have that much more left in the kitty for flowers! See how it all comes together and get the free (yes, we're saying that again) plan by visiting Bower Power Blog.
Box Size (at top) | 17" x 17" x 34" (H) |
Shopping List | No |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $20 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
9. Simple Minimal Planter Plan
Long, lean and luxurious, these planters need to be on your DIY list. And this plan is easy to do. Retailing for $120 a piece, these vertical designs can be built for just $50 - for the pair! Oh yes, and a little effort. Get all the details at Andiamo blog.
Box Size (at top) | 11.5" x 11.5" x 30" (H) |
Shopping List | No |
Cut List | No |
Estimated Cost | $25 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
10. DIY Planter Box on Legs for $20
Sourced from a blog titled The Coupon Project, it's no secret this DIY trapezoid planter box is cost-efficient and simple, ideal for a casual setting or rustic spaces. At a cost of just $20, in eight steps, for less than half of the retail price. This plan is a must-try. For the free step-by-step tutorial and more photos, visit The Coupon Project.
Box Size (at top) | 20" x 20" x 23" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $20 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
11. Super Cheap $10 Tapered Cedar Planter
We only promised you 10 free vertical planter box plans, but we loved this one so much that we had to include it. Consider it a freebie. The materials for this cedar trapezoid will run you just $10 (what???) as it's built from cedar fence pickets. Also free, courtesy of Jen's The House of Wood blog.
Box Size (at top) | 17" x 17" x 22" (H) |
Shopping List | Yes |
Cut List | Yes |
Estimated Cost | $10 |
Build Type | Outdoor |
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