Cedar Chain Link Planter Box

The lady wanted a planter box for her rose trees. So we bought some cedar planks from home depot and got to work. Before taking this on, I calculated the length of each link to give us the octagon of the size we wanted. Then we got to cutting the cedar to form the links. Once we had those, we cut pilot holes along the sides of each link. These holes would hold metal rods, that reinforce the wall. I also put in pocket screws for additional strength. The base of the planter is made of plywood. Once we had the planter box put together, we sprayed the planters with water proof sealent, and then covered the interior surfaces with landscaping fabric.

Step 1: Cut the Links

Cut the links in T shape. I pre-drilled pocket screw holes along one edge.

Step 2: Drill Holes for Metal Rods

Drill holes for metal threaded rods on the side of each link.

Step 3: Insert Threaded Rods

Cut threaded rods into 2" pieces. Insert rod pieces into cedar links.

Step 4: Join the Links

Join the links in a layer. Once you have a number of layers, join the layers via pocket screws.

Step 5: Apply Waterproof Sealer

This wood would be exposed to the elements, so we added a thick layer of polyurethane sealer to protect it.

Step 6: Landscape Fabric

Line the inner walls of the planter box with landscape fabric. I used a stapler to hold the fabric in place. I also cut strips of softwood and lined the edge walls (over the fabric), to hold the sheet in place.

Step 7: Add Soil and the Plant

What it says :)

Comments

[NayBorLee]

These are really pretty and expensive looking planters! Thank you for doing an Instructable on it LuckyGoose. These will be a nice winter/indoor project and all ready to be planted come spring :-)

[LuckyGoose]

Thanks! Glad you liked them.

[GarthBock]

What were the dimension of the T shapes ?

[LuckyGoose]

I think 9 15/16". We wanted the side to be 2' in length. I used the calculator at http://www.pagetutor.com/octagon_layout/

[GarthBock]

Uh....9 15/16 from where to where....very vague. I was asking about the dimensions. Across the top of the "T" is I assume 9 15/16 inches ???? So the bottom of the "T" would be what ? and each "underarm" of the "T" would be what ? It would have been nice to have the dimension for the "T"'s and a mention of the octagon_layout website would have been a plus. Nice end product though.

[LuckyGoose]

Ah ok. The octagon side is 9 15/16". So the uncut board was sourced from home depot, and it's an inch thick, 6" nominal width. I cut that board into 9 15/16" sections. Then cut out about two inch squares from the edges to form the T. So that gives you a 9 15/16" T top, 5 15/16" T bottom, and an inch of thickness. The underarm would be 2"x2" square. Link to wood here: http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-6-in-x-6-ft-Prem...

Of course, dimensions will vary based on the size of the planter box that you want. you can use the calculator to figure that out.