Getting Your Greens

Rob Brown designs and builds custom furniture, and is editor of Canadian Woodworking and Home 

Improvement magazine. www.canadianwoodworking.com

Here’s How to make the Tiered Cedar Planter

Tools

• mitre saw 1347-117

• jointer

• planer 1260-219

• measuring tape 1048-291

• drill 1239-121

• screwdriver 1055-325

• hammer 1030-217

• carpenter’s square 1070-094

Materials

• 5/4 x 6 x 8’ cedar (4)

• 2 x 4 x 8’ cedar (2)

• 1/4” x 4’ hardwood dowel (2) 2624-443

• exterior glue 2020-067

• masking tape 1670-481

• sanding blocks 1061-406

• #8 x 2” stainless steel screws (2 boxes) 2165-427

• 3” stainless steel screws (4)

• exterior finish 1877-909

• Cut the fronts, backs, and sides of the three boxes to length, with bevels on their ends.

• Glue up boards for the bottom panels, plane to finished thickness, and cut to finished length and width.

• Machine a groove to accept the bottom panels in each of the parts. (photo 1)

• Place boards from one planter box end to end, face down on a flat surface and apply masking tape across three of 

the joints.

• Apply glue to bevel joints, install bottom panel, and wrap box together. Apply masking tape across final joint and let 

dry. (photo 2)

• Repeat for the other two planter boxes.

• Drill holes for wooden dowel pegs, then glue pegs and tap in. (photo 3)

• When dry, sand the faces of planter boxes flush, and ease all corners.

• Cut long side supports to length, and at correct angle.

• Mark on the long side support where the boxes will go. Place boxes and attach in place with screws. (photo 5)

• Place the second long side support on top of the three boxes and screw it in place.

• With the assembly still on its side, mark the angle of the short support legs, cut them to finished size, and screw them in place. (photos 6, 7 & 8)

• Take the unit apart and apply an exterior grade finish to all the surfaces.