How to Build Planters With Landscape Timbers

Cutting End Lap Joints

• 1

  Examine the wood stock to be sure that the timbers are not warped or cracked.

• 2

  Determine the overall width and length of the planter. For this example, a planter that is two feet wide and four feet long is used. The depth is 24 inches, which means the planter requires four layers of six-inch-thick logs.

• 3

  Set a timber in the crossbuck and cut all the pieces to length. For this planter, each layer needs two pieces at a length of two feet and two pieces at a length of four feet. Since each piece gets an end-lap joint at each end, there is no reason to adjust the length of any of the pieces. Overall, you need 16 pieces, eight that are two feet long and eight that are four feet long.

• 4

  Mark six inches from each end of the timbers to begin the notching.

• 5

  Cut at the mark with a cross-cut saw. Cut across the timber at a 90-degree angle. Cut until the saw incision is half-way through the timber.

• 6

  Move the saw 1/2-inch closer to the end of the log and start another cut. Cut until it proceeds half-way through the thickness of the timber. Cutting making cuts until the end of the timber is filled with saw cuts that go half-way through the log. You should have 12 cuts over the course of six inches.

• 7

  Chop out the wood between the saw cuts with a wood chisel and a hammer. Smooth out the flat part of the notch with the chisel and hammer.

• 8

  Repeat the process so every piece has a notch at each end that is six inches long and continues half-way through the round timber.

Building the Planter

• 9

  Choose a level and smooth place on good soil to place your planter. Place two short pieces on the ground with notches facing up. Complete the rectangle by placing two more long pieces with notches facing down at right angles.

• 10

  Nail the first layer together with #20 galvanized nails. Drive the nails through the corners where the notched ends overlap at right angles. This joint is called an end half lap.

• 11

  Put the second layer on top of the first in the same manner. Nail the second layer to the first layer with the galvanized nails. Toenailing may be necessary.

• 12

  Add the 3rd and 4th layers. Be sure each layer is nailed tightly.

• 13

  Fill with top soil and plant.