How to Build a Porch Planter

By Home & Garden Last updated Sunday, June/16/2024

Rail Planter

1). Cut front and back pieces that measure 6 1/2 inches by 25 inches. Cut sidepieces that measure 5 1/4 inches by 8 inches. Cut a bottom piece that measures 7 1/2 inches by 24 inches. Cut four bottom spacers that measure 1 1/4 by 1-1/2 inches to secure the planter on the rail.
2). Drill three 1/2-inch-diameter holes evenly spaced along the bottom piece for drainage holes.
3). Attach the front and back pieces to the sidepieces with wood glue, so the top edges line up. The sidepiece is shorter than the front and back pieces so the planter fits on the rail. Screw two 1-inch-long screws through each edge to secure the pieces.
4). Glue a spacer piece near each bottom corner on the front and back pieces, and then secure each with two 1-inch-long screws. Place the bottom piece in the planter, on top of the spacer pieces. Screw the bottom to the planter with two 1-inch-long screws along the four sides.
5). Set the planter on the rail so the front and back panels hang over the front and back edge of the rail to hold the planter in place.

1). Cut two end pieces that are 15 1/2 inches square. Cut two sidepieces that measure 14 3/4 inches by 15 1/2 inches. Cut one bottom piece that is 13 7/8 inches square. Drill a 1/2-inch-diameter hole into the center of the bottom piece.
2). Cut four pieces of trim 17 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide by 3/4 inches high for the top edge.
3). Cut two bottom ledge pieces that measure 14 inches long by 3/4 inches wide and 3/4 inches high. Cut two bottom ledge pieces that measure 12 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inches wide by 3/4 inches high.
4). Glue the front and back pieces to the sidepieces to make an open square. Screw two 1-inch-long screws into each edge to hold the pieces in place. Glue the trim to the top edge of the square and attach it with four 1-inch-long brad nails evenly spaced on each side.
5). Glue the ledge pieces about 3/4 inches from the bottom edge. Secure the pieces by pounding four 1-inch-long brads to hold them in place. Slide the bottom piece into the planter so it rests on the ledge.