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.

DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter. Full instructions and printable PDF plans!

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
Cedar for DIY Chippendale Planter

**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.

Cedar Tongue and Groove for DIY Chippendale Planter

Join pieces together with wood glue and clamps.

Sand off any rough spots or imperfections.

Clamping Cedar to Make Panels for DIY Chippendale Planter
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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.

Use Affordable 2x4 Cedar Cut in Half for DIY Chippendale Planter
2x4 Cedar Cut in Half for DIY Chippendale Planter

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.

Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes

Step Four: Attach Planter Legs

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

Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes
Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes

Step Five: Construct Planter Box

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

Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes

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

Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes

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

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Making a DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter with Pocket Holes

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!)

angle_cuts_for_DIY_chippendale_planter_cedar-1 copy
angle_cuts_for_DIY_chippendale_planter_cedar-2 copy
Angled Cuts for Decorative DIY Cedar Planter

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.

decorative_chippendale_planter_DIY-1 copy
Angled Cuts for Decorative DIY Cedar Planter

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.

Mitered Top for DIY Cedar Planter with Decorative Panels
Nailing Down Mitered Top for DIY Cedar Planter with Decorative Panels

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.

General Finishes Outdoor Oil on Cedar Planter

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). 

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

Interior Of DIY Chippendale Planter
Interior Of DIY Chippendale Planter

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

DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter. Full instructions and printable PDF plans!
DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter. Full instructions and printable PDF plans!
DIY Cedar Chippendale Planter. Full instructions and printable PDF plans!

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

Make a Chippendale Planter : Free PDF Plans and Instructions

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7 thoughts on “DIY Chippendale Planter”

    1. Angie @ House Becoming Home

      Thanks Pamela! Under the very last photo there’s a series of icons under a small heading “did you enjoy this post? please share!” If you click the pinterest icon, you should be able to pin this post. If you end up building the planter, I’d love to see it! 🙂

  1. This planter is stunning, Angie! I bet your mom absolutely loved it! This has me itching to make a whole bunch of them for around my house!

  2. Oh my gosh! I didn’t even know what a chippendale planter was, but I am in love with it now! Those designs on the side are to die for. I love your tip on clamping them in place. (I love clamps)

    The wave petunias are the perfect flower for this planter.

    kudos!

    pinned!

    gail

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