Scrap Wood Slatted Planter

Check out this DIY Scrap Wood Slatted Planter created with scrap wood and common supplies. This plan can easily be modified in size and shape to fit your scraps and your favorite plant.

Directions

1. Gather or rip some 2x material into 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” strips. You will need twelve (12) 12” long pieces for each planter if you make the above size. Note: you can modify the dimensions to match your scraps. You need twelve (12) of the same length 2x2’s for any size square planter.
   
2. Rip 75 3/4” strips of any wood material you have. For this size, they are 23 1/4” long.
   
3. Using wood glue and 2 1/2” wood screws, assemble three (3) frame pieces end to end or in a circle-like shape. This way, all four sides will be the same. Use screws from Power Pro if you have as they are exterior rated, don’t require any pre-drilling and have a no strip star head. You can also use Titebond III, because it is rated for exterior use.
   
   
4. Attach slats to top frame first starting with the both outside pieces using wood glue and 1 1/4” 18ga brad nails. Proceed to place the remaining slats. The first side will take 17 of the 3/4” slats. There will be some minor gapping between the slats.  
   
   
5. Cut some scrap spacer to 9” blocks to help install the middle, or shelf, frame piece. Rest the second frame piece on top of them and proceed to nail the slats to the piece one at a time. Do the same with the bottom frame piece.
   
6. Repeat on opposite side.
7. Install 6 slats on the middle shelf using wood glue and 1 1/4” 18ga brad nails. Leave gapping to allow for drainage. If you want to plant something permanent inside these planters, you will need to staple in some planting plastic to hold the soil in.
   
8. Attach slats to the last two sides using wood glue and 1 1/4” 18ga brad nails starting with the outsides first. Once the two outside slats are flush and installed, lay all the other slats (19 total on these sides) down and nail.  
9. Finish your planter with Shou Sugi Ban technique, the ancient Japanese art of preserving wood. Use the my Bernzomatic TS8000 and MAP-Pro to quickly burn. This torch gives direct control to where the wood is burnt or charred.
   
   
10. Once charred, lightly brush off any of the loose material and liberally apply two coats of outdoor finishing oil. This enhances the color and ensures the color will not rub off.
    
11. Add your favorite plant and done!