Wooden planter boxes are a staple in most gardens at some point in time or another. Planter boxes are on sale everywhere as soon as the weather starts to get warmer, but why purchase the same planter as everyone else on the block when you could DIY your own? Designing your own box will not only save you money, it will also give you the opportunity to tailor the box to suit your preferences.
Will your wooden planter box serve as extra storage space for garden tools? Or will you choose to build extra seating into your design? Do you need something smaller for your patio space or can you build an oversized eye-catching piece for the backyard?
You’d be amazed at what you can build with just a few tools and some wood. Most of these wood planter designs are so simple to make, you don’t even need to follow a building plan! It’s the creativity of the idea that is most important when customizing something like a wooden box. Use this list as inspiration to create the perfect shape and size for your decor. You can even combine ideas on this list for a DIY planter design that is truly one of a kind.
The ideas below are sorted by geometry, so what are you in the mood for? A classic rectangle or unusual hexagon? A flashy ladder or funky triangle? Whatever elements grab your attention are what you should incorporate into your design.
If you’ve always wanted to include more greenery into your backyard or patio, but didn’t have the space, a wooden planter box could be the solution. You can grow just about anything in them too! They’re great for flowers, vegetables, herbs, succulents and shrubbery, making them incredibly versatile items you will get plenty of use out of.
No matter what you're looking for, we have the fun and functional DIY ideas you need to create the perfect planter for your garden or patio!
Hexagon
Adding a geometric wooden planter box to your yard is a cool way to add contrast between shrubs and shapes. These boxes don’t have to be traditional square shapes to be functional. In fact, the hexagons actually create more room for plants.
Take a look at some of these hexagon designs for inspiration for your garden. A wooden planter that doubles as a bench? Or how about just a couple of small planters to hang in your sunroom?
Pentagon
This DIY pentagon planter box is a dynamic addition to your backyard. The interior box makes it a little more complex to build than some of the other designs we’ve selected, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for experienced woodworkers due to its simple angles and basic construction.
Triangle
Since triangles aren’t shapes that occur in nature very often, the addition of triangular planter boxes to your backyard can make a really striking focal point. You can have a lot of fun experimenting with colors, height and textures that would really stand out in your yard.
Pyramid
For an even more dramatic effect, build your DIY triangular planter upwards or stack multiple planters to build a pyramid. Artistic liberty is encouraged when making a pyramid shaped planter because it is your interpretation that is going to make it unique. Kudos if you can find a way to invert your pyramid into a cone shape!
Try mixing up flowers, ferns and succulents on the different layers to add visual impact. A pyramid wood planter would also be a creative way to organize a herb garden.
Straight Shelves
There's so many ways you can use shelving to display your plants. Straight shelves are a classic look that an easily be updated to feel more modern. Reclaimed wood is a unique way to give straight shelving some more personality or stick to treated lumber if you're into more traditional styles.
Angled Shelves
Angled shelves are a fun way to show off your plants! As a design element they work well in almost all spaces and can be a simple way to add some diversity to your decor. Don't miss these cool ideas!
Round
Circular planters are a popular way to spice up your backyard decor. They're relatively easy to construct and are suitable for all types of plants. If you're looking for a way to add more geometry to your garden, consider the effect a round wooden planter can have on your outdoor space.
Tiered
Tiered planter boxes are the best way to create dimension in your yard. By strategically placing plants at different heights you can ensure your most beautiful flowers are always visible.
A tiered planter is especially helpful if you'd like to create more vertical focal points in your yard, without committing to trees or large shrubbery.
Trapezoid
Trapezoids are a favored choice for planter boxes. Their versatile shape blends into any decor tastes and they work well in conventional gardens as well as trendy decors.
Trapezoids are also one of the easier wooden designs to recreate since they don't require a ton of fancy cuts or tools for assembly.
Ladders or Steps
A ladder planter box is a great way to add visual interest to your yard. We love the idea of building your own so you can customize the height.
A ladder with five steps will look great leaning against your fence, whereas a three-step ladder will fit on your deck and is super convenient for keeping fresh herbs close at hand.
Square
Wooden planter boxes in a square shape will forever be a go-to for many people. The classic cube is the common version there is, but that doesn't mean it has to be plain or boring.
Check out these planter cubes we've included for some neat ideas of how to add some intrigue to your DIY project.
Rectangular
Building a rectangular wooden planter box is a simple way to DIY without complicating your project too much.
Consider what you'll be growing when choosing the dimensions of your rectangle. A tall, vertical planter plan looks ultra sophisticated when filled with long grass or ferns. Short and wide rectangles serve as the perfect canvas for bedding flowers like marigolds and impatiens.
Some of the ideas we've featured below include wheels, which can prove to be a useful detail, Wheels make moving an oversized, (sometimes heavy) planter much easier if your flowers need more sunlight.
Check out these tall planter box plans. You'll find a detailed DIY tutorial for the one shown above.
Trellises
A DIY planter box that features a trellis detail is a smart way to create even more space in your garden. You'll enjoy the look of vines. Plus, a planter with a trellis allows you to grow climbing plants and flowers together for a stunning focal point that looks great in the front or backyard.
Hose Holder
Now here's a clever way to get even more use out of your wooden planter box. The smart DIYers who built these boxes made them extra functional by including space for storage.
Whether you choose to use a door or removable lid, keep the top shallow for optimal storage space beneath for hoses, hand trowels or even plant food!
Combo
We love the ingenuity of these multipurpose planter boxes. Fill your initials with flowers for a blossoming welcome or build in a bench for extra seating.
The ideas are endless when it comes to combining shapes, designs and details so get creative and let your imagination soar!