This summer we built an outdoor fire pit area in our backyard and it has easily become one of our favourite spots to gather and relax. I’ve always loved the ambiance string lights provide outside and I wanted to find a way to incorporate them around our fire pit. After a little bit of designing, we came up with our version of these DIY planter boxes with poles to hang the lights from. This might be one of my favourite DIYs yet!
To create these we visited our local Home Hardware where we found all of the supplies needed to build the planter boxes. These LED String Lights are also from Home Hardware and we used 3 packs of them. They are warm white and commercial grade so they are bound to last the test of time.
Here’s How you can recreate these planter boxes!
Material List
17- 1″x2″x8′
4- 2″x4″x8′
7- 2″x2″x8′
9- 1″x6″x8′
4- 4″x4″x8′
3- 1″x4″x8′
4- 12″x12″ Tile stones
3″ Screws
2″ Screws
1 1/4″ Screws
1 1/4″ Pin nails
2 3/4″ Screw hooks
Wood glue
Minwax pre-stain
Minwax provincial stain
Tool List
Drill
Chop saw
Pin nailer
Kreg jig
Countersink bit
Orbital sander
Sledgehammer
Cold chisel
Hammer score
Cut List (all cuts were made using a chop saw)
1”x6” – 12 at 16” (4 sides of the box)
1”x2” – 8 at 16 1/2” (top and bottom rails)
2”x2” – 4 at 16” (corner posts)
1”x4” – 4 at 16” (floor)
1”x3”- 1 at 16” (floor)
2”x2”- 4 at 15” (floor supports)
1”x2” – 4 at 19 5/8” parallel cuts at 48 degrees (the X’s)
1”x2” – 8 at 10” long dimension. 48 degrees and 90 degrees for now. (the X’s)
2”x4” – 4 at 16 5/8″ (post brace)
2”x4” – 4 at 7” (post brace)
Start by building the sides of the box. Use wood glue and a pin nailer to attach the 2- 1″x2″ to the 3- 1″x6″. Using a countersink bit pre-drill 1 1/4” screws to the back of the 1”x6” boards. Repeat for all 4 sides.
Using a kreg jig make 3 pocket holes on each side of the 4 panels (aka walls of the box). Attach 2 corner posts to one of the panels you just built using 2″ screws. Repeat until all 4 sides are built.
Create floor supports by countersinking 2” screws into 15” 2”x2″ pieces (each piece lapping the previous one flush to the floor).
Build the floor of the planter box using 4-1”x4” and 1-1”x3”. Using 1 1/4” screws attach to the floor supports checking square. (If you prefer you can also use 3/4” plywood as the floor).
Next, create the decorative X’s on each side of the box. Using a chop saw cut the 1”x2” at 19 5/8” parallel at 48 degrees. Using the 1”x2” cut another two pieces at 10” on the long dimension (one end at 48 degrees and one end at 90 degrees for now). Be sure to test fit all these pieces before gluing.
Begin by gluing the longer 19 5/8” piece and secure using 1 1/4” pin nails.
Find the centre of the x. Confirm your angles and finish cutting off the 90-degree angle on your remaining 2 pieces. These were cut at approximately 6 degrees. Glue and pin nail.
Build the 2 braces for the post.
Attach the 16” pieces to the 7” pieces staying flush on the bottom with 3” screws.
Using 2” screws secure the 7” pieces to the inside of the wall panel and 3” screws through the bottom of the floor support into the 7” pieces. Keep in mind the 8′ post will sit in the centre of the planter box and this brace must line up with that.
Flip the second brace upside down and attach the same way.
Stain using Minwax Pre-Stain and Minwax Provincial Stain after sanding. I love this shade so much! It’s one of the most versatile shades I’ve found to date.
Pound in the post from the top and secure with 3” countersink screws on an angle to the supports.
Using a cold chisel and a hammer score and break patio stones or landscaping stones to add weight for support.
Pre-drill a hole for the screw hook and twist it into place. String the lights along the hooks to your desired look.
That’s it! I ended up using faux greenery for the top of the planter boxes however these can also be filled with soil and real plants or flowers. I love how these turned out and how they are totally mobile if we decide to move the lights elsewhere. These string lights tie the entire space together and create such a cozy feeling when we are outside in the evenings. It was the best decision ever!
Thank you to Home Hardware for sponsoring this post and supplying the materials needed to complete this project. If you are ready to get started on your next DIY be sure to pay them a visit. Their customer service, expertise, and products never cease to amaze me. Whether it be DIY or even getting ready for winter, they have you covered! 🙂
