DIY Chippendale Planter

I recently spotted an adorable Chippendale Planter and quickly fell in love with its simple geometric pattern. With a small stack of cedar lumber, I set out to recreate the chippendale planter to give to my mom for Mother’s Day this year.

Read on for the step-by-step instructions and printable pdf plans for this DIY Chippendale Planter. And if you’re looking for more DIY outdoor projects, be sure to scroll to the end of the post. You’ll find links to some of my favorite bloggers who joined me in creating something for this month’s DIY Outdoor Challenge.

Build a DIY Chippendale Planter

Materials

• (1) 2×4 Cedar Lumber
• (4) 1 x 4 x 8 ft. Cedar Tongue and Groove Boards OR Cedar fence pickets
• Wood glue
• 18 gauge 2″ nails
• Wood Filler

Tools

• Miter Saw
• Table Saw or Band Saw
• Nail Gun
• Wood clamps
• Rag or brush for applying finish

**This post walks through the building steps. For step-by-step instructions, a cut list and diagrams download the project plans pdf.**

Step One: Build Four Planter Sides

Begin by making four square panels from cedar lumber. I constructed mine from tongue and groove cedar boards that I found on the free section of craigslist, but any cedar about ½”-¾” thick will do. Cedar fence pickets are especially affordable and would work well too.

Join pieces together with wood glue and clamps.

Sand off any rough spots or imperfections.

Make pocket holes in the inside left, right, and bottom sides of each panel.

Step Two: Cut and Prepare 2×2 Cedar Sides and Legs

Using a table saw or bandsaw, rip a cedar 2×4 in half. Sand. Cut four legs and four panel bottom pieces.

Step Three: Attach Panel Bottoms

Using 1-¼” exterior pocket hole screws, attach a bottom piece to each of the four sides. This piece should be flush to the inside of the panel.

Step Four: Attach Planter Legs

Using 1-¼” pocket holes and exterior screws attach planter legs to two  of the side panels.

Step Five: Construct Planter Box

Using pocket holes and screws, join one of the “legless” side panels to one of the “legged” panels.

Using pocket holes and screws, join the other “legless” side panel to the other side of the “legged” panel. 

Finally, attach the last panel to the three already joined panels. 

Step Six: Add Decorative Strips to Panel Sides

Using a table saw or bandsaw, cut strips of cedar to the same width, then bring them to the miter saw to cut each piece to size. (I’ve got the exact dimensions already calculated for you! Download the PDF plans to see a detailed diagram of each piece so you can start building now!)

Make sure the small cedar pieces are a good fit, then attach to the panel using wood glue and clamps. Let dry. Repeat until all four panels are done.

Step Seven: Add Top

Make 45 degree miter cuts on ¾” cedar pieces to form a top, then nail into place. Fill holes with wood filler.

Step Eight: Add A Protective Outdoor Finish

Protect the planter with a product intended for outdoor furniture. I applied General Finishes Outdoor Oil with a rag.

Step Nine: Add Plant Pot Supports 

Cut two 1×4 cedar pieces to size, then add pocket holes to each end. Determine the height these need to be attached (this will vary depending on the height of your flower pot). 

Flip the planter over, and install these with the pocket holes facing the bottom. 

And here it is all finished, with a big pot of purple wave petunias!

Printable PDF Plans : Chippendale Planter

Visit the House Becoming Home Shop to immediately download the plans and start building!

Check Out More from the DIY Outdoor Challenge

• Addicted 2 DIY : DIY Pool Towel Rack
• RemodelaCasa : DIY Outdoor Coffee Table with Planter
• Jaime Costiglio : DIY Brass and Wood Outdoor Planters
• The Created Home : DIY Outdoor Chandelier
• Anikas DIY Life : DIY Outdoor Dining Table
• The Awesome Orange : DIY Outdoor Cooler Deck Box
• DIY Huntress : Modern Planter with Hose Storage
• My Love 2 Create : DIY Porch Planters 
• My Repurposed Life : Gas Meter Cover 
• Ugly Duckling House : DIY Outdoor Corner Table
• House Becoming Home : DIY Chippendale Planter
• Joyful Derivatives : DIY Cedar Window Boxes

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