Skip to main content
Bunnings
Lowest Price Policy^
+40,000 Products

How to create a wooden planter box

By Bunnings Magazine / Spring 2026

A wooden planter box with green plants next to an outdoor sofa on a deck.

Overview

This bespoke wooden planter box is made from affordable but durable fence palings and treated pine, with decking used for the mitred capping. Finished with a rich, walnut stain it’s a stylish piece that will suit most outdoor spaces and is renter friendly, too! Make this trendy outdoor addition with this easy step-by-step how to guide.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cutting list

    From 1800 mm x 1590mm x 25mm palings:

    • Sides: 600mm (6)
    • Ends: 550mm (6)
    • Base pieces 545mm (2)
    • Base ends 545mm x 120mm (4)

    From 50mm x 50mm pine:

    • Legs 480mm (4)

    From 88mm x 21mm decking:

    • Capping 650mm (4)
  2. 2

    Cut the timber

    Follow the cutting list (above) and use a circular saw to cut the capping, legs, side, end and base pieces. For the base ends, rip a paling offcut to 120mm wide, then cut two 50mm notched corners on each with a jigsaw. Rip one paling to cut 25mm-wide base supports.
    Hands cutting timber with a circular saw and a rafter square.
  3. 3

    Predrill the holes

    Predrill all screw holes with a 5mm bit, 20mm in from the edges. On the side pieces, drill 40mm from the ends. On the end pieces, drill 30mm from the ends. On the base supports, drill three evenly spaced holes. 
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Use a square-drive bit to finish all screws just below the surface.
    Hands using a drill to predrill a hole in a piece of timber.
  4. 4

    Assemble the end panels

    To make each end panel, set out three end pieces, edge to edge. Position legs on either side, flush with the sides and top and extending 30mm at the base to form the feet; apply adhesive and clamp to dry. Flip the panels over to secure through predrilled holes with 40mm screws.
    Hands applying adhesive to a piece of timber.
  5. 5

    Attach the base supports

    On each end panel, centre a base support between the legs, flush with the bottom edge; secure with adhesive and screws. On two side pieces, centre base supports, flush with the bottom edge; secure with adhesive and screws.
    Hands attaching a base support to a timber panel with adhesive
  6. 6

    Secure the panels

    Stand an end panel upright, feet at the top. On both sides of the panel, position and secure three rows of sides pieces flush with edges, then attach the base supports with adhesive and screws. Secure remaining end panel between the sides using screws.

     

    Hands positioning a timber panel make a wooden box.
  7. 7

    Reinforce the box

    Turn the box upright and apply adhesive along the top of the base supports. Position the base ends with notched corners to fit around the legs. Install the base pieces with equal gaps for drainage. Press firmly onto the supports and leave to dry.
    Hands reinforcing the inside of a wooden planter box with a notched timber base piece.
  8. 8

    Position the capping

    Use a mitre saw to cut 45° corners on the capping pieces. Position the capping around the top of the box, checking the overhang is even. Predrill into the legs on both sides of the mitre joins; secure with adhesive and screws.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Wet the pea straw mulch by cutting a small hole in the bag, popping in the hose and running it for about five minutes. Wet mulch is easier to apply and you’re less likely to breathe in the dust.
    A person screwing a mitred capping onto a wooden planter box.
  9. 9

    Apply stain and varnish 

    Drill drainage holes through the base with a 5mm bit, locating one in the centre. Sand the box all over, removing any sharp edges; wipe away dust with a cloth. Apply two coats of exterior stain and varnish with a brush, leaving to dry after each coat.
    Hands holding a paintbrush to stain a wooden planter box a dark brown colour.
  10. 10

    Keep in mind

    • When using power tools or cutting treated pine, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses, wear a mask (gloves are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Keep stain, varnish and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • Stain and varnish colours may vary on application.
  11. 11

    Looking for more garden and landscape ideas?

    Check out our article on how to install garden edging.

     

    Photo credit: Reuben Looi, Matt Wilson.

     

    *Timbers vary by region; contact your local store for further information.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.