How to Build Wooden Hanging Planters

Preparing The Wood

• 1

  Measure and mark the 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch timber into 14 pieces, each 10 inches long. Use a panel saw and miter box to cut the lengths. This ensures a straight edge.

• 2

  Mark drilling holes on the same face of each 10 inch piece of timber. Make sure this is centered and 1/2 inch from each end. Drill the holes on an off-cut of wood, using the 1/8 inch drill bit.

• 3

  Mark drilling holes on the plywood board. 1/2 inch in from each side, at each corner of the square. Rest the plywood on an off-cut of wood, and drill the holes using the 1/8 inch drill bit.

• 4

  Mark eight evenly spaced points for drilling drainage, on the plywood square. Rest the plywood on an off-cut of wood and drill through at these points, using the 3/8 inch drill bit.

Assembling The Box

• 5

  Use wire cutters to cut the strong plastic coated wire into two lengths, at least 12 inches long. Thread one length of wire through the two top holes in the base board, then repeat with the other length in the bottom two holes. Pull the wires flush with the board.

• 6

  Place the plywood square flat, so that there are four pieces of wire standing upright from it. Ensure these four pieces are equal.

• 7

  Build up the sides of the box, threading the wires through the holes drilled in the side pieces. Alternate one pair of opposite sides on the plywood, then the other. Placing wood pieces alternatively on sides one and three, then sides two and four, ensures gaps in the sides of the planter. These are used for planting side plants as you would in a regular hanging basket.

• 8

  After threading through the last pair of sides, twist each wire end around a pencil to make a secure loop. This will be used to attach a chain or cord for hanging. Cut off any excess wire with the wire cutters.

• 9

  Paint the box inside and out with the water-based preserver. You may chose to use a colored one if you desire. A marine varnish may be applied if a natural wood finish is required.

• 10

  Add a polythene sheet as a plastic liner once the box is dry. Push the liner well into the box and cut slightly longer than the top of the rim. Remember to punch drainage holes through the plastic before planting.