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How to Build an Outdoor Tiered Planter

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Learn how to build a tiered planter for your outdoor space, read on and watch the video for full instructions.

how to build a tiered planter photo 2 - Creative Ramblings

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Last year we planted a garden for the first time at our home.  My girls absolutely loved planting and tending to the garden and are so excited to do it again.  This year we are doing things a bit different, I built this tiered planter to grow herbs and berries on our raised deck just off the kitchen.

Our garden is a hike down stairs and out to the back of the yard and I found I was not using my herbs as much because they we so far away.  Having this tiered planter just off my kitchen means I can grab fresh herbs as I’m cooking.  Watch the full video below and see how you can use some hardware store supplies to build your own.

learn to build a tiered planter

This tiered planter looks like a set of stairs.  It has a shelf on top for potted plants and a birdbath, then 2 planter boxes for herbs and berries.  In addition to having herbs in this tiered planter I put my strawberries here as well. Last year they were eaten by critters before we could get to them.  I’m hoping by having them up off the ground we will get to enjoy them.

Watch how to build an outdoor tiered planter

Here is the full supply list, I picked up most of my supplies at Home Depot.  

Some of the following are affiliate links, view my full disclosure policy here

  • (2) 3 step stair stringers
  • (2) 2×4 legs cut to 19 1/4 inches
  • (2) 2×4 supports cut to 14 inches
  • (1) 1×12 board cut just wider than the width of the planter
  • 2 rectangular planter boxes
  • 2.5 inch screws
  • 1.5 inch screws
  • washers
  • Clamp
  • Drill and bits
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain – my favorite stain, classic gray
  • Sealer
tiered planter supplies

Start by attaching legs to the inside top end of each stringer. Use 2.5 inch screws to secure these.

Adding leg to stair stringer

Next, stand the stair stringers up and place a a support between the stringers next to the legs. Hold this in place with a clamp. Lay the whole thing down and screw the support into place. Repeat this process for using a support at the bottom of the stairs.

Place each planter box on a stair and secure them to the wood using screws through the drainage holes.

Finally, add a shelf to the top step with screws. At this time, sand down any rough spots and wipe the whole plnater clean.

Use a water based stain and sealer to protect the wood then this planter is ready to be filled and taken outside.

This planter is on my deck and holds herbs and berries. I find that when these items are up and away from the main garden they last longer, no critters to eat them. I am also more inclines to use the herbs grown here because they are just steps from my kitchen.

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Thanks for visiting!

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Ginger Beer Mojito Recipe - Creative Ramblings

Saturday 16th of June 2018

[…] to use ginger beer in this week’s cocktail as well as some herbs that are flourishing in my tiered planter.  I tried my hand at a ginger beer mojito and it came out perfect!  It blends refreshing […]

Wendi@H2OBungalow

Sunday 27th of May 2018

This is such a smart project. I do the same thing, if something is too far away, I don't use it. Love that your herbs are right on your back porch now!

Molly

Tuesday 22nd of May 2018

What a perfect idea to grow herbs in a tiered planter! And it’s an easy project to boot. My preschooler would love this :)

Sam - Raggedy Bits

Monday 21st of May 2018

What a fabulous idea!! Sure makes your pots look all nicely presented rather than one jumbled mess!

Michelle Leslie

Monday 21st of May 2018

Love how it turned out Sarah and it makes it so much easier to pick the herbs and it's a lovely space saver too.

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