I’ve been searching for a pair of planters to flank my front door FOR.EV.ER. but haven’t been able to find some that were a) exactly the size and style I wanted and b) at a price I could live with. Enter Whitney from Shanty 2 Chic. With the help of Ana White, she built a couple of lovely planters for her front door. Inspired by her talent and Ana’s design plans, I decided to try my hand at building them myself. Off I went to Lowe’s to gather supplies. Shortly after, I was measuring and cutting all my pieces.
Measure twice, cut once (no, I didn’t have one too many milkshakes… that’s a baby bump)!
Here we go!
After all the pieces were cut, I constructed them with my Kreg Jig according to Ana’s plans. I didn’t take any progress pictures because at that point, it was super late and I was working by candlelight. Just kidding. I was just lazy. Sorry about that.
Here’s a similar planter sold at Lowes for $29.94. Um, yeah… just one of those costs almost as much as both of my planters. No, thanks, I’ll pass.
After I primed and painted the planters, I popped them on my front stoop and voila!
Cost Breakdown:
- Wood: $26.82
- Pocket hole screws: already owned
- Wood glue: already owned
- Primer/Paint/Paintbrush/Polyurethane: already owned
- 8 Medium Craft Finials: $6.76
Total cost: $33.58 ($16.79/each)
Whitney says
Ahh just saw these too! SO cute!
Jen says
Thanks Whitney! And thanks for the inspiration!
Ginny @ goofymonkeys says
I love these! My front porch is pretty big and has these 2 tiny planters (which I like but are too small). I’ve been planning on DIYing a few planter boxes similar to yours so it’s great to see a tutorial. Good job!
Jen says
Definitely! Ana’s plans make it easy to adjust for your own measurements. Would love to see them when you’re done!
the cape on the corner says
that looks great, and i have such front stoop envy!
Athena at Minerva's Garden says
Hi Jen: I love this project, and the finials on the corners just set it off perfectly! Love that you are a songwriter–my hubby and I are cabaret entertainers!
Jen says
Nice!
Mique says
These are awesome Jen! Gosh I need to get some more confidence in DIY and just get in there and make them. Thanks for linking up to my Pity Party! xo
Jen says
Thanks so much, Mique! And thanks for having me at your link party!
Meg says
These are really nice looking. Adding another planned DIY to my (my husbands list)!
Angie says
I love these! Where did you find the craft finials? We’re they at Lowe’s? If so, what department? Thanks!!
Jen says
Thanks! I found the finials at Lowe’s, in the same aisle as the plank paneling, crown molding, etc. Good luck!
Bernadette @ B3HD says
Totally CUTE planters and great job. It’s amazing what we can make ourselves for far less than people want to charge us for it. I made box planters out of cement pavers and those three planters have stood the test of time. Love how durable we can make our own goods. And you GO GIRL with your power tool loving going on.
Bernadette from http://www.b3hd.blogspot.com
Jon - Outdoor Furniture Centre says
Jen, you put all male DIY’ers to shame (I’m covering for myself here). I’m debating as to whether I should show this to my wife in case she says – “yeah, go ahead”. Here’s another great idea – just invloves a little mixing of cement http://pinterest.com/gfcuk/gardens/
Your finished containers look expensive. Great job.
Jen says
Thanks, Jon! I’ve never worked with cement before and am a little intimidated by it. Maybe someday, if I muster up enough courage!
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