How to build a rot-resistant cedar planter for your deck
In short: Transforming a simple deck into a garden feature doesn't require expensive masonry. By combining western red cedar with repurposed milk crates, you can construct a durable, professional-grade planter box designed to withstand the elements without any additional finish.
In this project from the 'Ask This Old House' series, general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor demonstrate a method for building a deck box planter using western red cedar. This specific wood is chosen for its natural resistance to rot, making it ideal for outdoor use. A key innovation in their design is the use of milk crates, which can be sourced from home centers, to act as the internal structure for the planting area.
The construction process involves precise woodworking techniques. The legs are crafted from 4x4 cedar, which is first cut to length and then resized to 2.5" x 2.5" on a table saw. To create a professional aesthetic, Silva employs a jig to taper the legs over an 8-9" span, removing approximately 1/2" at the widest point. The edges are then smoothed using a router with a 1" roundover bit.
The frame is assembled using 5/4" stock, with the bottom rails measuring 5" wide and the top rails 2.5" wide. The assembly relies on a stacked dado blade to cut 3/8" dadoes into the rails and 3/8" rabbets into the 1x4 panels. Using a pocket hole jig and pocket screws, the rails are attached to the legs, leaving a small 1/8" gap in the bottom rail to allow for wood expansion. To finish the planting mechanism, 12" square grow bags are placed inside the milk crates, which are then seated on a bottom spacer piece designed to keep them flush with the planter's top.
Once the cedar structure is complete, the project is finished by adding topsoil to the crates. Because of the properties of western red cedar, the wood can be left to weather naturally without the need for additional protective finishes.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cedar Deck Box Planter | Build It | Ask This Old House
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