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DIY Railing Planter Ideas That Instantly Transform Your Deck
By NICK POLISHCHUK
To make your own railing planter, buy several 1x6s or 1x8s cedar planks, which are resistant to moisture and pests. If you’re making one 3-foot planter, buy about 12 feet of board.
Cut the three long pieces to the length you want using a hand saw, table saw, jigsaw, or miter saw. Alternatively, ask the store associate to cut the boards for you.
Next, consider how the long sides will attach to the bottom piece — on its top or at its sides — and measure the width. Then, use this measurement to cut the two short size pieces.
Glue the pieces together — use clamps and nails to secure them as the glue dries. Then, stain the planter, attach angles to its corners, and drill drainage holes at the bottom.
If the railing is flat, put the planter on top using U-bolts from Lowe's, drill holes to fit the bolts, place the planter, slide the U-bolts into the holes, and tighten the nuts.
If the railing isn't flat, you can make cleats if you have a miter saw, but it’s tricky if you can't make a bevel rip cut. If you can, rip a 1x3 or 1x4 plank at a 45-degree angle.
Attach one of the pieces to the railing with the longer side of the bevel facing away — now you have a cleat. Next, glue and nail the second piece, bevel-down, to the planter.
Once the glue dries, hang the planter onto the cleat. You can also just screw it onto the railing with heavy-duty angles. Now, you can stain, decorate, and fill it with flowers.