There’s just something satisfying about turning a $3 fence board into something beautiful—and useful. This week in the garage, I cranked out a few planter boxes made entirely from cedar fence pickets, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
These projects are simple, affordable, and make your yard or porch look like you actually have your life together (even if the inside of your garage says otherwise).
Why Cedar Fence Pickets?
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, smells great, and has that rustic charm baked right in. And fence pickets? Well, they’re cheap. I can usually grab one for a couple bucks at the local hardware store. That makes them perfect for projects like this, especially when I want to build in bulk or experiment with designs.
The Build
I kept this build basic—nothing fancy, just good ol’ square boxes.
What I used:
- 3–4 cedar fence pickets per box
- Miter saw
- Brad nailer and wood glue
- Exterior wood screws (for extra hold)
- Optional: sandpaper, torch, or stain
Steps:
- Cut the pickets to size. I made mine roughly 16″ long and 8″ tall, but you can customize for herbs, flowers, or even small veggies.
- Assemble the sides and bottom using glue and brads. For extra strength, I screwed the corners together.
- Add a bottom with small gaps for drainage.
- Finish if you want—I burned the wood with a propane torch on one, and left the others natural to gray over time.
These boxes look great on a porch, hanging on a fence, or lined up along a garden path. And because they’re cedar, they’ll hold up to the weather for a good long while.
In the Garage
Working on these in my garage is one of those simple pleasures. I pop open the door, let the breeze in, throw on some tunes, and just get to building. It doesn’t take long to knock out a few of these in one session, and by the end, I’ve got sawdust in my hair and a few solid pieces to show for it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy weekend build that won’t break the bank, give cedar fence picket planter boxes a shot. They’re beginner-friendly, customizable, and way more rewarding than anything mass-produced at the store.
Let me know if you try building one—I’d love to see what you come up with.