DIY An Affordable Window Planter Box From A Leftover Wood Pallet

Chances are, if you're interested in DIY projects, you've either created items using wood pallets, seen tutorials using these often-free materials, or decorated with them. One of the great things about making small pallet wood DIY projects for your home and garden is that the main material is often low-cost or even free. You can find wood pallets by contacting local businesses, moving companies, construction sites, and warehouses, or through ads on social media. If you already have a leftover wood pallet that you don't know what to do with, consider using it to make a DIY window planter box that will look adorable on your deck or patio.

GardenFork on YouTube takes you through the process of upcycling a wood pallet to create a box that dresses up less attractive plastic planter boxes on the cheap. The best part is that the process is simple and the tutorial leaves your creativity intact by allowing for a customizable finish that will match your decor.

To begin your project, you want to first get your tools ready. You'll need your wood pallet, a plastic planter box, nails or a nail gun, screws, a saw — GardenFork used a circular saw — a drill, and something to break apart the wood pallet. The idea is to make a wooden planter box that houses its plastic counterpart. This serves two purposes: The DIY project elevates the plastic planter, and because the insert holds the dirt, moisture, and plants instead of the wood, there's less chance of the wood rotting away.

Take the pieces of your wood pallet apart, separating the boards from the studs. Then, measure your plastic planter box lengthwise, add 6 inches, and grab a few boards from your pile. You want to use enough boards to cover the plastic planter's height so that it nests down inside your DIY project. Mark your boards and cut, making sure to avoid any contact between the saw and the screw heads left in the pallet. Measure the sides of your plastic insert and cut boards to that length as well. Now, you have the four sides of your DIY planter box.

To bring the project together, use studs from your wood pallet pile to create corners — you'll need four. Measure the height of the wooden side pieces and cut the studs to just short of the measurement. Nail two studs to each of the short sides.

Next, lay your plastic window planter on its side and grab the wooden ends you've created, placing one on each side with the studs facing out. Take the cut planks that make up one side of the box and nail them to the studs. Flip the project over and nail the remaining planks to the other side. You're almost done!

Now that you have the basic shape, how will the plastic insert stay within the flower box you just assembled? Turn the box upside down and measure the distance between the front and back planks. Cut two or three studs, depending on the length of your box, to support the underside of the plastic planter and keep it in place. Attach the studs underneath the insert, nailing them to the planks. Once the box is together the way you like, reinforce the piece with screws, waterproof wood glue, or both.

This is when you can let your creativity shine. Either leave the wood as-is, stain it to match your deck, or paint it to match your shutters or other planters — whatever you like. When you have your DIY pallet project just perfect, fill it with the best flowering plants for window boxes that fit your style and add to the beauty of your outdoor space.