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Table of Contents
Here’s a quick and easy way to build your own table top centerpiece! This DIY Wood Planter Box only took me about 30 minutes to build and sand.
For the finish, I used Rust-Oleum Linen White Chalked paint and Rust-Oleum Chalked protective topcoat. This planter box was also featured on The Home Depot Blog.
Related Articles
Tools, Supplies, PPE, and Steps
I’ve linked to several different retailers below for your convenience. I encourage you to shop around as I’ve found that each item may sell for less at a different retailer.
Tools
DEWALT 12″ Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT Rolling Miter Saw Stand
DEWALT 16-Gauge Brad Nailer
DEWALT Random Orbital Sander
DEWALT Tape Measure
Pony Jorgensen Clamp
Paint Brush
Carpenter Pencil
Supplies
Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint Linen White
Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat
Gorilla Wood Glue
DAP DryDex Spackling
Gator 120 Grit Sanding Discs
Gator 220 Grit Sanding Discs
Gator 320 Grit Sanding Sponge
1x6x8
1x4x8
Personal Protective Equipment
Firm Grip Dura-Knit Gloves
RZ Mask Dust Mask
- Amazon
- Northern Tool
- RZMask.com – Use promo code DIYDAD10 to get 10% off*
3M Safety Glasses
3M Earmuff
Related Article: PPE: DIYers Should Use Personal Protective Equipment
*Cannot be combined with other promo codes. Can only be used one time, per person.
Steps
Time needed: 3 hours.
How To Make A DIY Wood Planter Box Centerpiece
- Cut the 1×6 bottom board and 1×4 sides down to the desired lengths.
- Sand all of the individual pieces.
- Before attaching, add a bead of Gorilla wood glue everywhere the wood pieces join together.
- Nailing up from the bottom, attach the two sides to the bottom board.
- Again nailing up from the bottom, attach the two ends.
- If there’s any warping in the 1×4’s, clamp the sides to the end pieces before nailing.
- Fill the nail holes with spackling.
- Paint the box with Rust-Oleum Linen White Chalked paint.
- (Optional) Sand the box down to the bare wood in random spots to add a distressed finish.
- Complete finishing by applying Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat.
DIY Wood Planter Box
The materials list is simple: a 1×6 bottom and a 1×4 for the sides. Depending on the size of your dining table, you may need one or two more 1×4’s.
Measurements
The measurements for this DIY wood planter box as pictured is 5 1/2″ W x 26″ L x 4 1/4″ H. I did not alter the widths of the 1×6 or 1×4. Simply cut the lengths as needed.
Sanding
I lightly sanded with 120 grit, then 200, then 320. After painting, I again sanded the planter box all the way down to the bare wood in random spots to give it a lightly distressed finish.
Assembly
Add a small bead of Gorilla wood glue where the wood pieces join to give it a stronger hold. Nailing up from the bottom, fasten the two long sides to the bottom board first with your nail gun. Then attach the shorter ends, again nailing from the bottom and the sides.
Clamping the sides together before nailing will help pull any warping in. Fill any nail holes with spackling.
Paint
Using Rust-Oleum Linen White Chalked paint provides a nice matte finish. Finally, add a layer or two of Rust-Oleum Chalked protective topcoat.
Filling Your DIY Wood Planter Box
Now that your planter box is built, what are you going to put in it? In the photos above, we added some cedar clippings and this Lavish Home 3-Piece LED Flameless Votive Candle Set with Remote from The Home Depot.
These are wax candles with a LED “flame” that actually flickers! They give off such a relaxing, warm glow and also a light vanilla scent.
There you have it! I would love to know in the comments below if, after reading this article, you decided to built a DIY wood planter box centerpiece like this. Tell me about your experience!
