DIY Project: Herb Planter Box / Step-by-step Instructions to Build

You know backyard gardening is super popular now. Capitalize on that buying market by building an herb planter! Not sure what size to make an herb planter that’s ideal for rooftops, patios or other urban gardens?

I have good news!! I’m going to show you how to make this easy herb planter that will be sold out before you know it. This project requires very few tools and you don’t have to be a master of woodworking to build it, although you will feel like a professional when it’s finished.

Woodworking projects don’t have to be elaborate to sell out; they just have to be a hot commodity. And, these DIY herb planters are hot on the market this summer. If you would like to learn more about what is hot on the market right now, check out this article to see how the top Etsy shops are doing it!

This herb planter is not only easy to make, but sellable! Easy, low-cost, and in demand is what you want to be offering when running a small wood-working business.

The cost to build one of these herb planters is around $12-15 meaning you could make up to $23 per planter if you sell them for $35.

This DIY project can be assembled using a crown stapler, brad nailer, or just a drill and some screws. You can also use an exterior waterproof glue to reinforce whichever method you choose. Having options is beneficial because you can use whatever you have on hand, and use the tools you are comfortable using.

DIY Project Tools and Materials:

• Safety Goggles
• Sander
• Miter Saw
• Crown Stapler (alternatives: brad nailer OR a drill and some screws)
• Square
• Exterior waterproof glue (optional)
• 3 – 1x4x8 boards – I used Pine
• 1” OR 1 ¼” staples (same length if using screws)
• Minwax Golden Oak Stain

Preparation:

It’s much easier to do everything in batches, so first you want to sand and cut your boards. Then cut the boards as follows:

• 4 at 14” long
• 6 at 12” long
• 6 at 10 ½” long

Cut two 12” pieces and three 9” pieces from the board left overs for the bottom of the planter.

If there is any tear out splinters left on the ends after cutting the boards, just quickly run some sandpaper over it to remove them.

Assembly:

Legs and sides:

First, grab two of your 14” pieces for the legs and place them at the edge of your workbench to use it as a straight edge. Place both pieces face down, aka pretty side down, since you will be assembling it from the back. Space them about 10” apart to start.

Then, grab three 12” pieces and place them face down, horizontally on top of the legs. Place the top 12” piece flush with the top of the leg. Take another piece of wood and use it as a spacer to create a ¾” space between the sides, and the edge of the leg.

Use your square edge to make sure that everything is somewhat square. This doesn’t have to be perfect, but it will definitely help.

Put two staples on one end of each 12” board and check the back to make sure the staples aren’t coming through. Re-measure the other side with the extra piece of wood to ensure the ¾” space, and staple the remaining ends. 

Repeat this process for the other side.

Next, grab three 10 ½” boards for the 3rd side.

Turn your two previous sides upside down, so the legs are facing up and the top of the planter is flush with the surface you are working on. 

Place your first 10 ½” board in the ¾” gap of space, check it with your square, squeeze the sides in if needed (to close any gaps), and staple it into the end of your 12” side piece. You could use a clamp during this process as well to firmly hold the sides in place. It is much easier to make sure everything is squared up as you go. 

Repeat for each board on both sides.

Bottom:

Now, take your two 12” pieces to create a base for the bottom of your planter.

Place each piece 6” down on the inside of the planter and staple.

Last, lay the three 9” pieces across the bottom and staple into the base you just created.

If you loved this DIY project, then you will love hanging out on my Facebook page where you can find this video tutorial and plenty of others! 

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If you try this DIY project please leave a comment below and let us know how it went!