If you’re anything like me, your patio, garden, or balcony can always use more greenery. But not just any greenery—I’m talking about tall, statement-making plants that give your outdoor space that extra touch of elegance. Enter the tall planter box. These beauties are the perfect solution for creating vertical gardens, adding height to your landscaping, or even growing your favorite herbs, flowers, or small trees in a limited space.
Luckily for us DIY enthusiasts, building your own tall planter box ideas is way easier than you might think—and it’s so rewarding. Whether you’re going for a sleek vertical garden, a modern trapezoidal design, or just something simple and classic, these 10 free plans will get you started. So, grab your tools, and let’s dive into some of the best tall planter box plans for your outdoor space.
10 Tall Planter Box Ideas
1. Vertical Planter Box on a Stand
If you’re short on space but still want to grow a lot of plants, a vertical planter box on a stand is the way to go. This simple yet effective design involves stacking multiple narrow boxes on top of each other, allowing you to grow plants vertically. You can paint it in a bright color to make it pop or keep it natural for a rustic charm. It’s a great way to grow herbs, succulents, or even strawberries.
What you’ll need:
- Wood boards (2×4)
- Screws
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain
2. Trapezoidal Planter Box
This design is both modern and eye-catching, with its sleek trapezoidal shape adding a contemporary flair to your outdoor area. The wider top allows for plenty of room for plants to grow, and the slanted sides give it a unique look. This planter box design is perfect for larger plants or small trees like dwarf conifers.
What you’ll need:
- Lumber (cedar is a great option)
- Nails or screws
- Saw (to cut the trapezoid shape)
- Drill
- Outdoor wood sealant
3. Rustic Tall Planter Box
For those who love a bit of rustic charm, this tall planter box design is the one. With its simple wooden structure and natural finish, this box is perfect for a variety of plants and fits well with almost any outdoor aesthetic. Whether placed near your porch, driveway, or garden path, it’s sure to turn heads.
What you’ll need:
- Pallet wood or reclaimed wood
- Wood screws
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Outdoor wood finish
4. Stacked Vertical Garden Planter
If you’ve got limited space, vertical gardening is a fantastic solution—and this stacked vertical garden planter is one of the easiest DIY projects around. You’ll build a simple stack of square planter boxes, each a little smaller than the one below it, creating a pyramid effect. It’s great for growing flowers, herbs, or even trailing plants.
What you’ll need:
- Wood planks
- Screws
- Saw
- Drill
- Wood stain (optional)
5. Chevron Pattern Tall Planter Box
For something that’s a bit more stylish, why not try your hand at a chevron-patterned tall planter box? The zigzag pattern adds visual interest to the basic rectangular box, and you can use different wood stains to make the pattern pop. This design works great for a modern garden or contemporary patio space.
What you’ll need:
- Wood planks
- Screws or nails
- Saw (for angled cuts)
- Drill
- Wood stain or paint
6. Built-in Irrigation Tall Planter Box
If you’re all about low-maintenance gardening, a built-in irrigation system in your planter box will be a game changer. This design adds a drip irrigation system to a tall planter box, ensuring your plants get just the right amount of water, even on the hottest days. It’s perfect for larger plants that need regular watering.
What you’ll need:
- Wood planks
- PVC pipe or drip irrigation system
- Drill
- Screws
- Landscape fabric for drainage
7. Reclaimed Wood Tall Planter
Got some leftover wood or old furniture you no longer need? Reclaimed wood is a fantastic material to use for this DIY planter. Whether it’s from an old fence, table, or shelf, reclaimed wood gives the planter a weathered, rustic look. It’s a great way to upcycle materials and add some character to your garden.
What you’ll need:
- Reclaimed wood
- Wood screws
- Saw (for cutting to size)
- Drill
- Wood finish or sealant
8. Modern Concrete & Wood Planter Box
If you’re into a more industrial style, this modern concrete and wood planter box is perfect. The combination of raw concrete and sleek wood provides a minimalist, sophisticated look that fits perfectly in modern gardens, balconies, or patios. It’s durable, stylish, and perfect for adding height to your outdoor space.
What you’ll need:
- Concrete mix
- Wood planks
- Screws
- Drill
- Concrete molds (for the base)
9. Tiered Herb Garden Planter Box
For gardeners who love herbs (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), a tiered herb garden planter box is a fantastic DIY project. This design stacks several small planter boxes in a tiered fashion, with each tier dedicated to different herbs. The slanted design allows each plant to get enough sunlight, and the structure itself is an attractive addition to your patio.
What you’ll need:
- Wood planks (cedar is great for herbs)
- Screws
- Drill
- Saw
- Outdoor wood finish or stain
10. Upcycled Wine Barrel Tall Planter
If you’re a fan of repurposing items, then this upcycled wine barrel tall planter is just the project for you. Wine barrels add a touch of vintage charm to your garden, and with a little creativity, they make for great tall planters. Simply cut the barrel to the right height and add a sturdy base, and you’re good to go. This is especially good for growing larger plants or even small trees.
What you’ll need:
- Old wine barrel
- Saw (to cut the barrel)
- Drill
- Screws
- Outdoor wood finish
Conclusion: Your DIY Planter Box Awaits
Building your own tall planter boxes is a rewarding way to bring personality and style to your outdoor space. Whether you go for a simple vertical garden, a modern trapezoid shape, or something with a bit more flair like chevron patterns or reclaimed wood, these 10 plans have something for every DIY enthusiast. So, grab your tools, gather your materials, and get ready to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood—one DIY planter box at a time!
