5 Eye-Catching DIY Planters Made with Scrap Wood

Are you ready to get your green thumb on? Today I’m potting up 5 Eye-Catching DIY Planters. They’re easy to build and they’re made with scrap wood, so they’re practically FREE!!!

For your convenience this post contains affiliate links to products or tools I used to complete this project. Click here to visit my site policies.

I’m sooo ready for summer! It seemed like the long, cold, snowy winter would never end. Then spring came and it was chillier and rainier than normal. The unofficial start to summer is finally here. The days are sunnier, drier and warmer. I can finally get outside to enjoy my back yard and start setting up my patio.

Where do you like to spend your summers? I’m an introvert, so for me hangin’ at home on my patio is a way better option than hanging out at some crowded vacation spot. Plus, last year I updated the garden gate and started to give the patio the feel of a tropical vacation destination. First I made some coffee can tiki statues. Then I added some bamboo to the walls of the patio area. Why would I leave when I’m practically on vacation in my backyard?!

Another way I create the illusion of a tropical destination is by filling the patio with container plants. It seems tropical locales are always filled with clusters of container plants. With more than 30 containers, my patio is overflowing with plants! Just when I think I might have too many containers… I add a few more! Many of the containers are store bought, but lately I’ve been getting into building my own planters.


5 Eye-Catching Scrap Wood DIY Planters


The planters I’m sharing today are super easy to make. Plus, they were all made with scrap wood, so they are practically FREE! Not only would they be a great addition to your porch, patio or deck, but they would also make a great DIY gift. They’re perfect for a birthday gift, coworker gift or even a gift welcoming new peeps to the neighborhood.

Tiered Wood Planter

These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE... they're all made with scrap wood - Tiered Wood Planter

My friend Linda saw this tiered wood planter and said “This looks easy, but do you really think someone like me with no DIY skills could make this?” I said “ABSOLUTELY!”  And you can do it too! This tiered wood planter is soooo easy to make. All you need are a few basic hand tools. OK, I used a nail gun in a few of the assembly pics, but you can totally use a hammer instead.

The only difficult thing about the tiered wood planter is deciding how you’re going to finish it. I went with an “almost ombre” chalk paint look. I started with a cheery yellow chalk paint. Then I got two small containers and poured a tablespoon of yellow paint in each. In one container I added a tablespoon of white chalk paint and in the other container I added two tablespoons of white chalk paint. Give them a stir and now you have ombre chalk paint!

How would you finish this planter? How about red, white and blue for a patriotic look? What about spraying them with a stone look spray paint to make them look like stone? What about doing a faux terracotta look? Or what about wood stain to let the wood grain show? I think I’ll have to make more of these!


Antiqued Wooden Patio Planters

These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE... they're all made with scrap wood - Antiqued Wooden Patio Planter

These antiqued wooden patio planters were made entirely with scrap wood and trimmed with scrap molding. These are so easy to make and a perfect way to use your scrap wood.

The planting area inside the container is 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, but you can customize them for larger or multiple plants. All you have to do is adjust the length of the sides to make them longer. These would look great as a rectangular planter box.

My antiquing technique was a little rusty on this project. Since then I’ve perfected my no sanding required chippy paint technique and used the technique on this chippy paint candle holder.


Rustic Tool Caddy Planter

These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE... they're all made with scrap wood - Rustic Tool Caddy Planter

Have you seen tool boxes or tool caddies upcycled into planters? I LOVE those things! A tool caddy was my inspiration for this rustic tool caddy planter. I wanted a way to use some scrap wood and thought a little planter would be the perfect way to do it.

I had some cedar leftover from another project. Be careful when working with cedar. Some people, like me, are allergic to cedar dust. I decided to face the rough side of the wood out for a rustic look. To continue the rustic look, rather than use a wood handle, I opted for some sisal rope.

I also love succulents and that’s how I chose to fill my rustic tool caddy planter. Annuals, herbs or maybe even some salad greens would also be a good choice.


Wooden Tiki Mask Planter

These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE... they're all made with scrap wood - Wooden Tiki Mask Planter
I LOVE color and I especially love to add color to my outdoor decor. Without a doubt, this vibrant wooden tiki mask planter adds a pop of color to my patio!

Just like the antiqued patio planters, the tiki mask planter is just a simple wooden box and was made with scrap wood. The planting area inside the container measures 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. Want more planting space? Well it’s a cinch to make it bigger. Just adjust the length of the sides to make them longer.

How can you resist those colorful tiki faces?! Sure, they’re a little scary, but that’s what adds to their charm! Painting the faces is easy too thanks to my “paint by number” system. Anyone can look like a freehand painting pro with this easy technique! If you like tikis, be sure to check out my coffee can tiki statues.


Flower Power Bus Planters

These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE... they're all made with scrap wood - Flower Power Bust Planters

I’m a Volkswagen lover from way back. In fact, my family jokes my first word was “Bug”! I love them all… Beetles, Buses, Squarebacks, Karmann Ghias, Rabbits, GTIs, Jettas and Sciroccos just to name a few. Not only do I love them, I’ve owned my fair share… at least seven that I can remember.

There’s one VW model I’ve never owned and that’s the Microbus. Not that I don’t want one. I’d buy a bus in a heartbeat if I found the right one. Until I find the right bus, I’ve done the next best thing. I’ve DIYed my own bus, actually a pair of buses. A DIY Flower Power Painted Wood Bus Planter! I’m flipping out with how cute these are!

Painting the buses is easy too thanks to my “paint by number” system.  Anyone can look like a freehand painting pro with this easy technique!

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Searching for some cheap planter ideas? These wooden DIY outdoor planters are practically FREE! They're all made with scrap wood. They're all unique and they're all perfect for your garden!

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