Green Thumb DIY: Building a Bamboo Planter Box

Are you looking to add some greenery to your outdoor living space? Building a bamboo planter box with an attached trellis could be your next weekend project.

Not only is it easy and affordable, but it's also stylish and multi-functional.

Read on to learn how to make a durable planter and trellis in just a few days and save some money in the process.

What You’ll Need

Materials

• Bamboo poles of varying diameters
• Wood boards (pine, cedar, or pressure-treated lumber)
• Deck stain
• Plastic planters or pots
• Wire ties
• Adhesive

Tools

• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Router
• Drill
• Hole saw kit
• Clamps
• Measuring tape
• Twister tool

Cost and Time

Making a bamboo planter and trellis won't break the bank. You can complete this project for around $100 to $140, depending on your choice of materials.

Set aside a weekend, and you'll have a new home for your plants in no time!

Step-by-Step Guide

Frame it Up

Cut your wood boards into strips. You'll need different sizes for the top rim, legs, and frames. Once cut, glue these pieces together to form the sides of your planter box. Use clamps to hold them in place while drying.

Add the Slats

Cut about 120 bamboo slats. These will fill in the sides of your planter box. To make things easy, mark lines on the frames. This is where you'll glue the slats. Alternate between thin and thick slats to make it look cool.

Complete the Box

Once the glue dries, assemble the box. Add the floorboards. Make sure it's all square. Then, top it off with the rim boards.

Frame and Lattice

Create a frame from any leftover wood. Then, lay bamboo poles across it, forming a lattice. Secure each pole with screws, but remember to drill pilot holes first. Bamboo splits easily!

Attach Lattice

Once the lattice is done, build a frame out of larger bamboo poles. Attach this frame to your lattice. Use wire ties and a twister tool to secure them.

Finishing Touches

Paint or stain your planter box to make it look pretty. Then remove any masking tape. To keep it off the ground, add some furniture glides to the legs.

Place a plastic planter inside the box or fill it up with smaller pots. Your bamboo planter box and trellis are now ready for your favorite plants!

Pro Tips

• If you're new to working with bamboo, practice on some scrap pieces first.
• Always drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
• You can use wire ties to secure the lattice tightly.

Building a bamboo planter box and trellis is a rewarding project. It's not just a planter; it’s also a privacy screen and a trellis for climbing plants.

Best of all, you can build it in a weekend without spending a fortune. So, why wait? Get your tools and materials ready, and happy building!