Growing plants in containers and placing them in your garden or patio area will definitely add a stylish accent to any space.
There are many types of containers available on the market today.
Nothing, however, can compete with a beauty of an elegant, wooden planter box.
Wooden containers are easy to make and can be painted in different colors to match your surroundings.
Before you make a box take some time to explore some specific qualities of different types of woods.
Remember that wood may rot over time and attract carpenter ants or sow bugs.
If you don't plan on sealing your planters consider making them out of redwood, cedar or teak.
This type of wood is not only very attractive and versatile but also long lasting and resistant to rot.
Less durable material like birch or pine will have to be varnished to make a container moisture resistant.
Here is a simple list of items that you will need in order to complete your project.
A wood saw, wood boards, a hammer, a drill equipped with a half or three fourth of an inch drill bit, wood glue (optional), stain, a waterproof liner, a T or L square and few nails.
If you don't want to bother with cutting the boards yourself remember that most hardware or lumber stores can cut the wood for you.
You can use either a newly bought wood or gather some leftovers from a previous project.
On a piece of paper draw a shape of your container.
Most of the boxes are rectangular but you may choose to make a square or a triangular one.
Think of the size of your box.
What type of plants will you be planting in it? Will the plants grow big and need more room for their roots in the future? Measure out the dimensions of your box on a piece of wood.
Cut the sides and the base of your box to the size you want.
Be very exact as your box will look off center if the pieces don't match nicely.
If you don't have a solid piece of wood you can use few 2x4 boards cut in equal length.
You can glue them together to form a solid base.
Arrange the remaining 4 pieces of wood into a box shape.
Screw them together and place them on the base.
Secure the sides to the base with a single two and a half inch nails on every corner, piercing though the overlapped surfaces.
For a more stable structure you may hammer one nail every two inches along the edges of the box.
Drill few holes in the base of the box to help with drainage.
Make sure the box is dust free before applying two or three layers of varnish as a final protective layer.
Allow enough drying time between the layers.
It is recommended not to varnish below 60 F as the box may take a very long time to dry.
The longer it will need the more dust will settle into your finish.
If the weather is hot and humid you will face the same problem.
Talk to a representative at your local supply store and let them know what you need.
They will be able to recommend the best type of varnish that works well in your region.
Consider putting a waterproof liner or black plastic in the box before filling in with dirt.
Drill holes to allow for a proper water drainage.
This will protect your box from moisture and extend its longevity.
Add some brass or stainless steel hardware to the sides of the box for a more sophisticated look.
To properly maintain your beautiful container you will most likely need to repeatedly varnish or paint it every year or every other year especially if it is placed outside.
You may want to add four plastic or block feet under the bottom of the box to lift it up and prevent water absorption from the ground.