How To Build a Planter Box for Your Deck Railing (DIY)

Introduction

Got leftover wood? Try this compact project. It takes about a day to build and you don’t need a lot of woodworking skills to give it a try.

I wanted to spruce up our deck while adding a touch of greenery so I decided to create a deck railing planter. I had some leftover cedar wood from a deck project, which was perfect for this project.

This is a pretty simple project, so it’s great if you’re a new DIYer. Plus, it takes less than a day to build it. Railing planters make a great addition to a deck, giving it some bright colors that really add to the overall setting. There are huge variety of plants you can grow in planters, and a wide selection of them that don’t require a green thumb.

Planters also provide a practical way to grow your favorite plants, herbs, or flowers. If you don’t have a lot of space for a big garden, or if you just want to squeeze in a few more plants around your house, this project takes advantage of the space along your deck railing. This means you can enjoy a flourishing garden without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Family Handyman

Pro tip: Line the bottom few inches of the planter with rocks to help keep it securely in place.

Part	Qty.	Length	Width	Thickness
A – Long Sides	2	36″	9 1/4″	3/4″
B – Short Sides	2	7 7/8″	5 1/2″	3/4″
C – Bottom	1	34 1/2″	5 1/2″	3/4″
D – Long Slats	8	36 1/8″	1 1/2″	3/4″
E – Short Slats	8	7 1/8″	1 1/2″	3/4″