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.

This post may contain affiliate links, view my full disclosure policy.

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.

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

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

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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