Old Fences

Another great material to use to make planters with is old fence wood. This planter was made of less than one full plank of fence wood. This fence had been painted the brown color you see and got the nice rustic finish over time of weathering.

Long after the fence is no good, the cedar wood will serve as a planter well (cedar is rot and pest resistant). Also, the size of the fence planks (1" x 4") is a very useable one.

Local fence companies will often let you rummage through their dumpsters for old fences they tear out (some will even leave it out for you to haul off). This planter was simple enough to make, with a few simple cuts for the side pieces, a few cuts for the bottom, and some small nails. On this one, a simple nail and hammer was used. Finish nails with a nail gun is easier, but sometimes the nail heads add to the look (esp as they rust some over time). Just depends on your available tools and taste.

On the bottom there are two small strips of wood that keep the bottom off the ground. We also placed a small bit of burlap netting on the bottom and some small holes were drilled for drainage. Pretty easy.

Some people don't like the fresh cut edges, but they will weather soon enough over time and they give a fun color contrast that doesn't bother most. If you want the brown, older edge only, just make sure you alternate inside and outside with your side pieces and use end cuts from the fence planks.