I’ve been wanting a fun planter for a space on my back patio for a long time.  I LOVE how this baby turned out!

Check out my $10 DIY Ladder Planter!

DIY Ladder Planter

Shanty2Chic Ladder Planter

How fun is that?  This is such a fun and simple build!

As always, we have FREE plans for this project!  You can download the free plans HERE or by clicking the button below!   We are so happy to team up with Jay of Jay’s Custom Creations.  He puts all of Shanty 2 Chic’s original ideas into printable plans for our readers.  You should check his site out!  He has some great plans himself!  I will also share some tips and tricks below…

Print Free Plans Ladder Planter

You will need three 6ft cedar pickets for this project.  I used 3/4″ pickets which I would recommend over the 5/8″.  I started by cutting my long side pieces.  Both of these will be 46″ long and I cut each end at a 10 degree angle to help it stay sturdy when it’s leaning.

Wood for the ladder planter

Miter Saw

Next, I cut my rungs.  Each of these are 16″ long.

Wood for ladder planter

Next, I used one of my new, very favorite tools to cut my holes!

New Ryobi Cordless Jigsaw

Check out the new Ryobi 18V One+ Jigsaw… LOVE this tool!  It cuts like butta.

To make my cuts, I started by tracing around a can of stain to mark my circles.

Draw circle for planter

Draw a circle

Next, I drilled a few pilot holes with my Kreg bit.  You can use any drill bit that is large enough.

Drill a pilot hole

Then, I fit the blade of the jigsaw into the pilot hole to allow me to start cutting forward.

Cutting a hole with a jigsaw

I actually cut about 1/2″ wider than the circle I had drawn.  I didn’t have a good circle that size to trace so I just made the circle I was cutting larger.

Ladder Planter Tutorial

I used my Ryobi Corner Cat sander to remove all the little rough pieces and splinters.

Ryobi Corner Cat Sander

Time for pocket holes!  I waited to add the after cutting the circles to make sure I put them wide enough on the board without going into a circle.  I lined them up in my Kreg Jig like this…

Kreg Jig

Here is what they looked like after I added my 3/4″ pocket holes…

How to build a ladder planter

I drew lines on my side pieces to help me line them up.  Mine are spaced 11″ apart starting from the bottom.

I added a bit of wood glue to each rung before attaching using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Wood glue

I used my Ryobi drill to attach each piece.

Build a ladder planter

I repeated the same thing on the opposite side and I was done!  I decided to keep my wood unfinished for this project.  I LOVE the look of raw cedar.

I found all of my succulent plants at the Home Depot.  They have the best selection!  I also bought 6″ pots for each plant.

I used a potting mix that is fast draining and good for succulents.

Potting Mix for Succulents

I put one plant into each pot and covered the top with a few white rocks.  I love the clean look of the rocks on top!

Succulents from Home Depot

Here are a few more shots of it all finished up!

Ladder Planter DIY

Planter Ladder Tutorial

How to build a DIY Ladder Planter

Shanty2Chic Ladder Planter

DIY Ladder Planter

What do you think??  Not bad for $10, huh?!

Remember, you can check out the full set of FREE plans HERE!

I would LOVE for you to share and PIN this project with all your friends!  Let me know if you have any questions at all!

~Whitney

Also, be sure to check out some of our other outdoor projects!

Address Post Planter

Address Numbers Post with Planter

Hanging Basket Wood Stand

Hanging Basket Stand

DIY Porch Swing

Porch Swing DIY

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One Comment

  1. hi i love this DIY but i would like to know what if i don’t cut the circles for pots? will it work? or do Home depot guys cut circles for us?