Build a Four-Foot Planter: Mobile Garden Box for Porch or Deck

Snapdragons and alyssum thrive in this roomy 4-foot-long planter. Placed near the house, it can hide a gloomy window well while allowing circulation—never block a fire-exit window.

Instructions

1. Make inner frames. Build lower inner frame from 2×2 stock, upper from 2×4 stock. Drill mounting holes, add two 3-inch deck screws per joint. Each frame: 13×40 inches.

2. Add sides. Cut ¾-inch exterior plywood to size, screw to lower 2×2 frame. Drill ~16 half-inch drain holes through plywood.

3. Complete the box. From ¾-inch stock, cut end and side pieces to length, miter-cutting corners and center pieces. Nail end pieces to frames with galvanized nails. Nail front and back pieces.

4. Add trim. Rip 1×6 material to 4¼ inches wide for top trim. Inside edge of top trim flush with inside edge of top frame. Miter-cut to length, nail to assembly top. Optional: rout ¼-inch chamfer along top outside edge.

5. Finish. Let weather naturally, or apply exterior stain/sealant.