How to build a planter box?

[Brain]

Hi there

I am have build a frame for plant box using timber. What material is good for surface cover?

[Brain]

I mean outside of the frame 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Brain. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a planter box.

You could clad your frame with treated Pine plinths. It would be best to line the inside of the planter with Builder's plastic to prevent the soil coming in contact with the timber. This will help to extend its lifespan and avoid decay.

Can I ask what timber you're using for the frame? It's important that if it is in contact with the soil it is suitably treated.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Brain]

hi Mitchell

Thank you for ur great advice. 

I just dismatled some pallates to save my budget and used them to build the frame.

If I use treated Pine plinths,  can I paint them? Or what will happen if I use plywood?

Cheers

[Jason]

Hi @Brain,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the community. We're looking forward to seeing your project come together.

Just wanted to add to Mitch's reply that we have some fantastic step-by-step guides showing how to build various raised garden beds and planter boxes.  

I'm sure you'll get loads of helpful advice as well as inspiration from the guides. Also check out our Top 10 most popular raised garden beds and Top 10 most popular planter box projects to get more inspiration from members.

Jason

[Brain]

hi Jason

Thank you very much for useful links and advice. they help a lot. 

I am trying to make something like the attached

photo. box with seater

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Brain,

Yes, you can paint the treated Pine plinths. 

Your pallet timber is not suitable to be left in contact with soil and it will decay quite quickly, I'd recommend adding the Builder's plastic on the inside of the frame to prevent soil from contacting it. 

You could use plywood for the exterior, but at a minimum, it should be marine-grade and coated to prevent moisture contact. The glues in plywood are not very resistant to moisture.

Mitchell

[Brain]

Well noted. Thank you for your advice.