What kind of wood should you use to make a planter box? Well, that depends on what you’re planting.
If you have a green thumb, and are looking to cultivate your garden, then you’ll need a sturdy wood that can withstand the elements.
But if you’re just looking for something to spruce up your front porch, then any old wood will do.
Check out this blog post to find out the best wood for planter boxes.
Best Wood for Planter Box
- Pressure treated wood
- Cedarwood
- Redwood
- Douglas fir
- Teak
- Cypress
- Pine
- White oak
- Spruce
What wood to use for planter box?
1. Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumbers are the best woods for outdoor planters. With this wood type, you can build a raised bed that produces healthy plants. Their use depends on the following:
- Your needs.
- Your budget.
- Your growing zone.
Further, you can treat pressure-treated lumber using preservatives like micronized copper azole and CCA to prevent rotting. The two are the most popular residual lumber treatments.
However, when buying pressure-treated wood, ensure your pick has a safety label. This label indicates if you can use the wood on the ground. In addition, reputable supply retailers can give you the wood’s safety data sheets.
The data sheets give you extra info about the wood’s treatment chemicals. Further, unlike its alternatives, pressure heat-treated wood is economical.
Pros
Cons
2. Cedar Wood
I recommend using cedar for building your wooden planter box. That’s so since they’re the best woods for that purpose. Also, if you’d love a lively home, pick this wood type.
It’ll make your flower bed ideas successful. Check out our boat planter ideas to inspire you to create a unique and eye-catching planter box.
Further, Cedar doesn’t need chemical treatments. And it’s a naturally rot-resistant wood. Moreover, this wood type withstands any climate, lasting beyond a decade.
Cedar wood is highly water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor planter boxes. The western red cedar wood naturally resists insects since it has chemical oils.
Read: How to stop wooden planters rotting
Pros
Cons
3. Redwood
As we said earlier, Redwood is among the popular woods for raised garden beds. It makes highly durable and quality outdoor garden boxes. Moreover, this wood type is naturally decay-resistant.
Raised garden beds from Redwood withstand weathering and insect attacks. It’s high-quality makes it a durable pick for planter boxes. Also, Redwood is rot-resistant since it naturally produces a rot-preventive oil.
Thus, a raised garden bed from it lasts beyond 20 years.
Pros
Cons
4. Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is another suitable wood for building a wooden planter box. Its makeup has no harsh chemicals. Thus, it’s an eco-friendly wood pick for planter boxes. Then again, Douglas Fir wood is affordable.
Further, if you’re a gardening newbie, this wood type suits you since it’s beginner-friendly. Outdoor planters from Douglas Fir last beyond ten years when well maintained. Also, it isn’t toxic to outdoor environments or human skin.
Pros
Cons
5. Teak
Another common wood type for garden boxes is Teak. It naturally resists all weather because of the natural oil it produces. Moreover, it lasts beyond a decade since it’s hardwood.
Unfortunately, its color changes if you don’t treat it using color-preserving sealants.
Further, Teak wood has rot-resistant properties. Thus, it’s perfect for plants that love a moist environment.
Pros
Cons
6. Cypress
If you’re looking for a pine or cedar alternative, I recommend trying cypress. I say so since the wood adds to your garden a rustic elegance. Also, most woodworkers consider cypress a top-tier because it’s naturally rot-resistant.
Besides that, unlike cedar and pine wood, it has more heartwood. Further, Cypress can resist harsh outdoor elements since it has natural oils. Cypress-raised garden beds last beyond a decade.
Cypress is also water-resistant. Even further, it withstands attacks from pests and insects.
Pros
Cons
7. Pine
Pinewood is another perfect wood for building planter boxes. It’s a softwood with unique features and an attractive wood grain. Also, pinewood is affordable.
Most woodworkers or homeowners use this wood type as an alternative to redwood and cedar. But it would help to consider a wood’s cost if you’re planning to build several planter boxes.
Further, pinewood has exceptional qualities, making it a perfect pick for outdoor projects.
Pros
Cons
8. White Oak
White oak is another perfect material for a planter box since it’s a naturally rot-resistant wood. White Oak is more potent by 50% to 100% than other woods. Moreover, it has an attractive grain, making your raised bed look more beautiful.
Also, White oak comes with a natural texture, making it suitable for stain or finisher application.
Pros
Cons
9. Spruce
I’d recommend picking spruce when planning to build wooden planter boxes. But that’s if you’re considering the price and mobility of wood.
The spruce is affordable and lightweight. Moreover, compared to hardwoods, spruce offers easy handling. Since it’s a softwood, planter boxes are prone to pest and insect attacks.
To prevent that attack type, you can pressure treat it before building the planter box.
Pros
Cons
See Also: Best Strawberry Containers
How to Make a Wooden Planter Step by Step
Materials & Tools, and steps
- Pressure-treated wood.
- Gravel Board.
- Drill.
- Saw.
- Wood drill bit about 3mm.
- Try square.
- Screwdriver.
- Tape measure.
- Pencil.
- Zinc-plated screws.
Here’s how you can build a wooden planter box:
- Decide how small or large your planter needs to be. That’ll help you pick the correct wood size for your planter.
- Look for pressure-treated wood from reputable wood dealers or online shops.
- Cut down your pressure-treated wood into the correct sizes.
- Create some pilot holes within the two boards.
- Use zinc-plated screws to fasten the boards.
- Measure the inner length and width. Doing so helps you determine the wooden planter box’s bottom size.
- On your planter box’s bottom, drill some drainage holes.
- Place a vinyl or nylon screen layer inside your wooden planter.
- Sand the rough edges.
- Stain, prime, or paint the planter’s outside.
- Add a thin gravel layer, then add the potting soil or compost.
- Add your favorite plants/flowers or any seeds you want to cultivate.
- Enjoy your new wooden raised garden bed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the best wood to use for planter boxes
i. Durability & strength
Durable wood types make the best wood planters. With them, you can build wooden planters that can last beyond a decade.
ii. Moisture and weather resistance
Moisture/weather resistance is among the primary factors affecting a wood’s durability. Thus, pick a wood type that’ll produce a raised garden bed that lasts longer. Also, choose one that’s rot or decay-resistant.
iii. Safety
A wood planter shouldn’t pose any health or safety risks to anyone or the environment. For that reason, only consider non-toxic woods.
iv. Cost
Another thing, it would help to consider your budget. That’s so since timber is somewhat expensive. And because of that, I’d recommend using concrete-built or metal planters.
v. Treated lumber vs. untreated wood
I highly suggest using natural wood when building your wooden garden box. I say so because they’ve got no chemical treatments. Fortunately, modern wood treatments like ACQ and CA are human and pet safe.
Even though it’s human or pet safe, avoid CCA-treated wood.
Related: Best Planter for Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Types of Wood to Avoid for Planter Boxes
- CCA-treated wood: Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood is a type of pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic, which can leach into the soil and be harmful to plants.
- Railroad ties: Railroad ties are unsuitable for use in planter boxes because they are treated with creosote, which is toxic to plants and can contaminate soil and groundwater.
- Plywood and MDF: Plywood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) are not suitable for use in planter boxes because they contain adhesives and other chemicals that can be harmful to plants. Additionally, they are not durable and can deteriorate quickly when exposed to moisture.
FAQs
What kind of wood should I use for a planter box?
Redwood and cedar are popular among the best wood for planter boxes. Moreover, you can’t go wrong with any. Plus, they’re always available. Most people prefer cedar specifically for their crack-resistant qualities, durability, and lightweight.
On the other hand, Redwood is a naturally rot-resistant wood.
See Also: Best pot for African violets
What kind of wood should I use for a raised garden bed?
Most woodworkers often consider cedar as the best wood for use on garden beds. That’s because cedar wood is naturally rot-resistant. Even though most prefer using western red cedar, the white and yellow variants are also high-quality. That’s mainly for construction projects done outdoors.
Can you use untreated wood for planter boxes?
Wooden planters from untreated wood materials will serve you longer than you think. And yes, untreated wood decomposes after some time. But, since it’s untreated, you’ll reduce the potential risks of toxins attacking your garden.
Read: The Best Planter with water reservoir
How to waterproof the inside of a wood planter box
To waterproof a wooden planter box, start by preparing the surface. Use sandpaper to remove rough spots or splinters, and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Then, apply a waterproof sealant or line the box with plastic or pond liner, making sure to cover all seams and corners. It’s crucial to ensure a tight and thorough coverage, so take extra care with the application. Allow the sealant or lining to dry completely before adding soil and plants.
The Best Wood to Make Planter Box Summary
The best wood for planter box depends on several factors. For example, you can pick pressure-treated pine because of the following factors:
- You won’t grow veggies or other plants within your kitchen.
- You’re looking for low-cost or cheap wood.
- You’re looking for long-lasting or durable wood.
But if you want a lively home, then cedar would be your best option. In short, pick a wood type to create a raised garden bed that suits your needs.
