We were looking for an affordable way to make a wood planter since buying a basic wood planter starts at $45.
Since this was a budget build, we only needed the following items. All items were around $20.00-$25.00

MATERIALS

3x 1"x3" x 6' approx $2.50 each (you can always use better quality wood depending on your budget)

5' molding to cover the inperfections and give it a clean look. approx .75 per foot (Play it safe and get 5 1/2 feet)

1 Minwax 8-oz. Oil-Based stain 4.00 (many different colors available , the color in the picture is Jacobean)

1 box of nails $3.00 (if you dont have some sitting around the house)

1 planter liner ($2.00-$3.00)

2 or 3 paint mixing sticks FREE ( We used these for support on the inside of each side. 2 paint sticks are perfect but get 3 if you can ***Free at the Home Depot paint station**)

TOOLS

-Hammer
-Ruler
-Handsaw or table saw (you can ask the home dept employees to make the cuts for you)
-Paint brush ($1.00 at home depot)
-Medium grit sandpaper
-Wood glue (optional)

Step 1: Cut the Wood and the Molding

The dimensions are 2' x 8"x 9"
Start by cutting the wood and molding into (6) 2 foot pieces , (6) 8" pieces and save the remaining pieces for the bottom.
Same with the molding (6) 2 foot pieces and (6) 8" pieces for the bottom of the trim.

*You can get any type of molding you want, we went with the 90 degree angled molding to cover any imperfections*

Step 2: Assemble

Now that you have your wood and molding cut you can start assembling the box. We started by assembling the 2' sides first and supporting them with your paint mixing sticks(cut to 8 inches each. We then moved on nailing the 8" side pieces to the 2' pieces, one at a time. After you have a long side and a short side assembled its easiest to assemble the other long side followed by the last 8" side. Remember to use your paint stick to support each side in the center.

The bottom- After the box is assembled take the left over wood and cut it into pieces to (2) 22 inch pieces and nail it on the inside of the outer sides. Note that with two pieces there will be a gap, but this is okay because you will need a liner and that will prevent any soil from falling though.

Now you can put on your molding
Since the molding is already cut to size all you need to do is center it and nail it. If you have a miter box that can be used to make a 45 degree angle to give it a clean look.

Step 3: Staining

WEAR GLOVES!

Staining is very easy. Get your old paintbrush or $1 brush and a pair of disposable gloves.

**READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAN OF STAIN EACH STAIN IS DIFFERENT**

Shake the can well and use a flathead screw driver to open it carefully not spilling any.

Dip the brush and brush it on to the wood in even strokes. Let sit 5-15 minutes and rub the excess of with a rag

Do one side and let it dry and repeat ion the other side eventually getting all the insides and bottom
****************DO NOT STAIN THE INSIDE IF YOU ARE PUTTING VEGETABLES INSIDE**************************

Step 4: Recap

After all that is done your ready to start planting

Steps

1. Cut the wood for the front and back, the sides, and the bottom.
2. Cut the molding, using a miter box for a nice clean look.
3. Assemble starting with the front and back then the sides, make sure to support with your FREE paint sticks.
4. Assemble the bottom 2 pieces
5. Nail on the molding around the bottom
6. Sand any rough edges around the corners
7. Clean any excess dust and apply your stain
8. Wipe off excess stain and repeat on each side
9 Let it dry and get ready to plant the next day!