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DIY Planter for Curb Appeal and Garden Design

Do you know what is one of the simplest ways to add value to your home? Curb appeal. Yep, that first impression you give to the passerby or guest coming to visit, or even a potential buyer. Maybe we all can’t afford to have our home landscaped, but we can sure add things to pump up the outside of our home. Today I’m sharing the newest addition to my curb appeal arsenal with my DIY planter. Two for less than $40!! {{fist pump}} Let me show you how easy it really can be with a new tool.

Add curb appeal to your home with this DIY planter with free build plans by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’m just a little stoked to get these done and share them with you as I have had them in my brain for quite some time. From start to finish I made this pair in a day. I’m tickled at how versatile they are for any decor – leave them natural or add your favorite stain or paint. You can even adjust the dimensions to suit your space.

Easy Build DIY Planter with plans by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

*post sponsored by HomeRight  (see full disclosure)

Add Curb Appeal with Planters - Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Ready to become that weekend warrior and take your home to a new level? Let’s get our build on with this DIY planter!

TERMS OF USE: when you create this planter, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. This planter design can not be used as decor in a store either online or brick and mortar. Thanks for complying!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials – wood can be either pressure treated pine or cedar

  • 8 – 6″ x 8′ fence boards cut to 21″, 4 need to be ripped to 4 13/16″
  • 4 – 2″ x 2″x 26″ posts
  • 8 – 2″ x 2″ x 11″ cross pieces
  • scrap 2″ x 1 2″ or whatever you have on hand for bottom slats
  • 8 – 1 x 2″ x 8″ strips for “X” slats – we’ll cut those later
  • 1″ brads
  • ¾” crown staples
  • 1 ¼” exterior or construction screws
  • Thompson’s WaterSeal in Acorn Brown (or color of choice, also optional)
  • heavy duty black plastic
  • potting soil
  • flowers/plants of choice

Tools

  • Kreg Jig pocket hole system
  • jig saw
  • brad nailer or stapler (see nails/staples sizes above)
  • miter saw, circular saw, table saw, or hand saw
  • drill
  • HomeRight Light Duty Stain Sprayer
  • HomeRight Spray Shelter (optional)
  • bench top planer or sander (if preferred)
  • tape measure
  • pencil
  • small level
  • safety equipment – ear and eye protection, dust mask or respirator, and gloves

Okay, so now you have your supplies and tools we can get started. To begin, I typically I like to cut my pieces at once and then assemble all together. However, I’m going to suggest you cut all but the thin strips for the “X” on the side. I’ll explain in a bit.

Step 1: Assemble the Frame

DIY Planter Frame Layout by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Using your Kreg Jig set at ¾” bit depth and ¾” hole depth, drill both ends of your 11″ cross pieces on the same face. I look for the face that has imperfections so that I can have the best side facing out.

Using Kreg Jig to Make DIY Planter | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Once those pieces are prepped, we are going to mark on our 26″ posts. Measure 2″ in on one end and 3″ in on the other end for all four posts. Using your drill, attach the cross pieces at the 2″ and 3″ intervals as the diagram shows above. Check each side to see if they’re level. Being a little off won’t matter much, but we do need it to be pretty square for the next step.

Step 2: Creating your “X” pieces

Now you have your empty frame. The next step is more of a prepping stage than building. For this quick fix lady, I found it easier to make my “X” cuts before I attached the side panels. Here’s why: trying to figure those angles and moving my miter saw back and forth would be a pain. So I measured a top corner diagonal down to the bottom corner. I added a bit to the length for overlap and then cut one of the strips to length.(approximately 22″)

After I had that diagonal length piece, I laid the planter frame on top of it and marked the angles as shown below.

Planter Frame Laying Down | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Tracing Planter Side Splats | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Now that you have your markings, you can cut it with a jig saw. Much easier than figuring angles. Next, you need to create the alternate “X” pieces. I put the piece I just cut in my frame as a dry fit and then measured from the upper right corner to the “X” piece. Again, cut it a little longer to allow for angled cuts. Lay it against the frame and mark. Likewise, repeat that process for the opposing corner.

Here is what mine looked like in a dry fit – not attached yet. Not bad if I do say so myself for my first try at a DIY planter.

Dry Fit Planters | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

At this point, you will continue cutting and working around your frame using your first “X” as a stencil. All of your sides will not be perfect, so using the jig saw to make tweaks as you dry-fit each side will make it go faster.

Step 3: Install side panels

When all your “X”‘s are cut, you can being to install the side panels. I preferred a more rustic look to my planter with the fence panels being left shaggy. However, you could certainly clean them up with a bench top planer to take it off for a sleek look.

You will be using four of the boards in standard width, and four boards in the ripped dimensions above.

First, attach your standard width boards using your nailer as shown. You will be attaching at both the top and bottom.

Interior Side 1 of DIY Planter | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Using Ryobi AirStrike Nailer to make planter | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Next, using your ripped board, attach those onto the other two sides remaining. Your DIY planter is almost there!

Side Panel 2 of Planter Plans | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 4: Attaching the “X” pieces

Attach your pre-cut “X” pieces using your brad nailer and 1″ brads. This part is self-explanatory.

Dimensions for DIY Planter ~ Added Curb Appeal | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 5: Adding the bottom slats

Since I built two of these in one day, I had plenty of scrap and needed to add a few bottom slats to hold the soil in. Your build may be different than mine, so I measured my finished build from side to side and then cut accordingly. To attach them, I simply used my Kreg Jig again to make pocket holes as shown below. Easy-peasy.

Bottom View of Farmhouse Planter | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 6: Paint or Stain (if desired)

Fun part, fun part!! I love to build, but seeing your project come to fruition in the finish is glorious. This is the point where you can leave the DIY planter as-is and they will age with the weather, or you can seal them with either an outdoor paint or stain. I choose to use a solid stain by Thompson’s WaterSeal in Acorn Brown and a new tool, the HomeRight Light Duty Stain Sprayer.

Thompson's WaterSeal and HomeRight Stain Sprayer for Planter Finish | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

You can see me use a sprayer in these past projects. This sprayer is just as nice, so I stopped to make a video.

Spraying Pine Planter with HomeRight Stain Sprayer | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

DIY Video Tutorial for HomeRight Stain Sprayer by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
This thing knocked my socks off! I should have known it would be so cool, but man, what a back, time, and stress saver!Using the HomeRight Stain Sp;rayer to stain planters | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Now my mind is reeling about what else I can get done around here AND where was this thing when I brushed our pergola?? {{head-smack}}

Okay…let’s continue, shall we? deep breath.

Step 7: Line the planter

Your stain or paint is done. Next, grab your roll of black plastic liner and cut two 5′ lengths. (or longer if needed) I found mine at a local home improvement store for $8 for a 50′ roll.

Find center of your plastic and stuff it down into the planter. Starting at one side, fold the top edges flush with the top of the planter. Overlap the plastic at two sides that need it and staple up. Last, finish by stapling around the top edge to secure.

Attaching Planter Liner | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Planter Liner Installed | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, give yourself a high five and fill that puppy up! You can use a topiary, trees, or like I did and grab a hanging basket flower bunch and drop it in.

Build these DIY Planters for added curb appeal. Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Style Planter with Plans by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Not only do I now have some updated planters for each season of the year, but I even made some for our garage door area too (aka workshop – who needs cars in there anyway?). Curb appeal here I come!

Faux Wood Garage Door with DIY Planter Tutorial at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I love how that stain matched my faux wood treatment I did a few years ago. See the tutorial HERE.

Build this Planter in One Day by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My hope is that you are inspired to give this DIY planter a try, if not for yourself, then certainly a gift would be sweet.

While you’re at it, pin and share this DIY planter so that others can save and score BIG on the budget saving decor.

Create curb appeal with this easy-to-follow build plan for 2 planters for less than $40! Video included. Head to Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

UPDATE

Finally, after a few years, I decided with our new door installation that my DIY planters needed a new look. Take a peek HERE.

Up next, it’s Furniture Fixer Upper time and this vintage tea cart is getting a new lease on life. Come see the after HERE.

Vintage Tea Cart Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

What is more, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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In addition, more build plans like my DIY planter:

Build a Pet Bed with Step-By-Step Plans & Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comBuild A Farmhouse Bench for Less than $20 | DIY Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Janice says

    You are a pro with tools. I always have to get my husband to help me. Love the planter boxes.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Janice! It is a treat to have a husband to work with too.

  2. Debrashoppeno5 says

    Love the design of the planters. A stain sprayer? Hmmm, I will need to check into that.

  3. JILL says

    Sounds like a life saver for some projects!

  4. Deanna Hart says

    Beautiful project! I really like the color you chose as well. What would I do with a stain sprayer?! I’ve got an entire deck that needs to be re-stained, I know exactly how I’d use it!! 🙂

  5. Donna Gonzalez says

    I love the design of your planters. Thanks for the tutorial.

  6. Rebecca says

    Ah! These are so pretty! I am also a homeschooling mama, and am completely impressed you have the time to squeeze in everything– You’re my hero 😉 I have a chicken house that would really love that stain sprayer (I’m sure that is just the beginning, lol!) Thanks again for all your great ideas. You motivate me to step out of my comfort zone!

    • Larissa says

      Wish I had a chicken house! I even asked the mayor and he said no. 🙁 The neighboring city allows hens and I wish they would here!

      • Rebecca says

        Ugh, I wish they would too! My kids spend most of their days running around the yard hugging chickens. (Apparently it’s pretty therapeutic 😉

  7. Christina Kintyhtt says

    Just liloveve following you wonderful as always im going to try and. Make thosr have a wonderful day

    • Larissa says

      What a treat to hear. Hope you have fun with it, Christina!

  8. Cindy says

    You are super handy with tools!! Love that your kids enjoy the process, too:)

    • Larissa says

      My motto has always been #toolsoverjewels (even before hashtags as I am old…ha!)

  9. Alison S says

    I have a table and some chairs I would try the sprayer out on. Thanks for the chance to win!

  10. Rebecca says

    Great planters! Your house is darling and has plenty of curb appeal. Love the video, you are too cute.

  11. ColleenB.~Texas says

    Love your planter boxes.
    Have a shadowbox fence that needs to be redone so the sprayer sure would come in handy for doing such a large job. Much quicker and easier with a sprayer than using a brush I’m sure.
    Thank You for this giveaway opportunity

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes, I am looking to do my picket fence too. What a blast…literally!

  12. Lee Ann Oliverio says

    Looks awesome and your tutorials are the best! I would use the sprayer on an old trunk I want to refurbish.

  13. Elaine says

    What a perfect spring project! I love how they add height to the entry.

  14. Carole says

    Love the planters! That sprayer would save me so much time! Would use it FIRST on my drop leaf dining table.

  15. Carol S says

    Aha! A stain sprayer – very cool. My decks and pergola are so ready for a refresh! Super job on the planters!

  16. LeeAnn says

    I have been dreaming of owning one of these! I have some chairs sitting in my garage I need to paint! Love these planters though!

  17. Anna Hunley says

    Those are so cute! I love seeing everything you do on IG! I’d love to make some for my porch to hide the ugly cement! Outside projects intimidate me because it’s outside of my wheelhouse (pun intended?) but this tool looks easy to use!

  18. Cathy says

    wonderful job as usual kiddo! I would use the sprayer to re-do the bench we gave my father-in-law as a father’s day gift. He has since passed and we were able to keep it. It’s very sentimental to my husband.

  19. Kelly Youngblood says

    Wow — these are beautiful, Larissa! Despite my minimal carpentry skills, I believe I could manage this build. They would look so pretty flanking our side entry. Thank you for the opportunity to win the stain sprayer. It is definitely something that would get used around here!

  20. Vanessa says

    Our deck is in terrible shape and needs to be stained badly !!! I see this stain sprayer as being the answer to our dilemma. Thank you for this informative post.

  21. BECKY L says

    I would use the sprayer for kitchen cabinets. Would be spook much easier than using a paint brush.

  22. Tammy Lott says

    The planters look great!
    A stain sprayer would mean lots of fun projects get done at my house!

  23. Kimberly says

    What a difference substantial planters can make versus the pot the plants come in. And what a cost savings over a store bought planter!

    • Larissa says

      Yes, those pots they come in are horrid, but functional. I am so happy to have saved so much!

  24. Maria says

    I’ve always wanted a paint sprayer – thanks for the opportunity! And your planters are beautiful – I love the flower choice 🙂

  25. Jenni Rach says

    I have a dining room china cabinet that could use this sprayer!

  26. Becky Drake says

    I don’t know if I could do all that measuring and cutting, but I’d like to try!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Larissa says

      It really goes fast once you start. You can do it! And my pleasure.

  27. Sandra says

    Great idea. I have been thinking along the same lines about putting some planters near my front door. I have found that planters by the front door are a great way to incorporate the colors of the season. (In the winter, I use artificial greenery).
    I’ve been thinking about getting a sprayer to make painting easier. I have a big painting project for this summer. I moved into my home this past September and the fence in the back yard needs to be stained. I am not looking forward to doing this by hand — one unstained/bare wood slat at a time.

    • Larissa says

      Yes! I put faux greens in mine during the winter and plant during spring, summer. So fun! Sounds like you need this sprayer too.

  28. Melissa says

    Love them. I have to make some of these.

  29. Christi says

    I think I’d start by refinishing the front porch decking. That would give me a spot to put out some lovely planters like you did.

    • Larissa says

      That sounds like a perfect plan. I love the feeling when it’s all done.

  30. Esther G says

    I have a headboard and nightstand on my diy list. Your blog is so inspirational…makes me think I can tackle things I wouldn’t have otherwise!

  31. Fonda Rush says

    I have a bookshelf that could use a make-over!

  32. Noel Q says

    After 13 years of homeschooling, we are finally graduating our first student!! YAY!!!
    I am looking for some new things to tackle this summer before we heard right back into getting the next 4 graduated! One of the projects on my list is to refinish the rockers and benches on our patio. This sprayer would make that go oh so much faster that I could actually sit and maybe read a completely non-school related book or 2 this summer 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Hip, hip HOORAY!! Congratulations to all of you as I know it takes a family to make it through. We hope to be there some day.

  33. Charlene says

    Love it! You sure are handy with tools.

  34. Patti says

    My husband does woodworking projects and he often times likes to stain the pieces he makes. I’m sure we could make great use of this handy tool. ?

  35. Paula says

    Cute planters! Thanks for the plans so we can do too! We need to “finish” a picnic table that we built. The sprayer would save alotta energy!

    • Larissa says

      Ooh…it would indeed because I hand-stained my a couple of years ago and it’s a 12′ table with 4 benches. I soooo could’ve used this thing!

  36. Patty Soriano says

    Oh, Larissa, you just keep bringing the best to us! I love these planters! What a sweet giveaway, thank you for the opportunity! Wish I had it now… we’re redoing our deck. But I can always find something else!

    • Larissa says

      I give it my best, Patty. Thank you for saying so. You certainly will find uses for it! I do!

  37. Sandy says

    i love how you can see something new in something old. The stain sprayer looks amazing.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the love, Sandy. It really is an amazing tool.

  38. Kaycee F says

    Larissa, you a such a power tool diva, I am so impressed with your idea, these planters came out better than store bought! I love that you can customize your plans to fit your own needs. I would love to win the HomeRight Stain sprayer to take care of my deck, railings, and stairs this summer!

    • Larissa says

      tee hee hee. I love to build more than anything, just need the time to do it. Sounds like this sprayer would get a workout at your house. 😀

  39. Jessie says

    I would paint my son’s dresser.

  40. Nicole Martin says

    I love the planters! I have a beautiful older bench that I would love to spruce up!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I have one that’ll be getting renewed too. Yay!

  41. Brenda Van Riper says

    These planters are awesome and since Iam disabled this sprayer would make it so much easier Thank You for the giveaway!!!

  42. Rachel says

    I absolutely love your build! I would paint a pair of side tables I recently bought.

  43. Michelle says

    The dressers sitting in my garage!

  44. Michelle says

    These are absolutely adorable! Nice work!

  45. Sian says

    I would tackle my deck and porch!

  46. Crystal says

    I love all of your work and tutorials!

  47. Mike Bartley says

    Waay nicer than the pallet one I made for my home

  48. Melinda says

    I am so amazed by what you can do! I would love to be able to do half of what you can accomplish,love the planters!!

    • Larissa says

      I try to share productive ideas for you and I totally appreciate you saying so. Thank you!

  49. Karen Baumgardner says

    Love the planters, they look wonderful and very “upscale” too. I would love the sprayer – we put in a new wood fence last fall and now it needs to be stained…would that ever be a time saver, and yes, save our backs, too, lol. Thanks for the opportunity.

  50. Lori says

    We just bought our first home! I would love to win these for it. 🙂

  51. Bridgett Wilbur says

    I just love the project you did, and if I won, I would make the same project as your my for my front porch. They look amazing.

  52. Annette says

    Love your build! I would tackle my fence. I don’t like the color.

  53. Karyn says

    Adorable planters! I’d love to use the sprayer for my deck which is in desperate need of staining!

    • Larissa says

      This would make your work so much easier. Thanks for stopping by!

  54. Kaitlyn says

    I love browsing your beautiful creations! I’ve done a few but I’m not nearly as awesome as you! Do you by chance have a blog about your favorite paints, stains, waxes, etc.? I’ve just been using what my local hardware store has but I would like to use something else.. Thank you!!!

    • Larissa says

      What a fun thing to hear. Thanks! I typically use a Glidden paint, RustOleum stains, and make my own wax. Nothing fancy, but I do use other brands from time to time. Just depends on what I’m after. Have a good one!

  55. Elaine says

    Love the planters but would like to know what the wreath is made of. Boxwood? What kind of frame used? It’s beautiful. Thank you

    • Larissa says

      It is a faux boxwood wreath with pre-lit lights from Balsam Hill.

  56. Ashley Manning says

    Can you tell me what color the front door is? 🙂

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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