Building a hexagon planter is a fun and creative DIY gardening project that can add a unique touch to your garden. With a few materials and tools, you can create a beautiful hexagon planter for your outdoor space. In this guide, we will provide detailed instructions on how to build a hexagon planter, including measuring and cutting lumber, staining or painting, and assembling the planter.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, this planter tutorial is perfect for you. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create your own hexagon planter and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your favorite plants in a stylish and functional container.
To begin, let’s gather the materials and tools you’ll need for this project.
Gather Materials and Tools
Before starting your DIY hexagon planter project, gather the necessary materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Pressure-treated wood
- Self-drilling screws
- Galvanized or stainless-steel nails
- Paint or stain
Tools:
- Circular saw or sliding compound miter saw
- Driver and bit for screws
- Hammer
- Rafter or “speed” square
- Measuring tape
- Paintbrush
These materials and tools can easily be found at your local home improvement store. Having everything on hand before you begin will help streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need to complete your DIY project.
Image:
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | Circular saw or sliding compound miter saw |
| Self-drilling screws | Driver and bit for screws |
| Galvanized or stainless-steel nails | Hammer |
| Paint or stain | Rafter or “speed” square |
| Measuring tape | |
| Paintbrush |
Measure and Cut Lumber
To create the hexagon shape of the planter, precise cuts are needed. Measure the lumber carefully and cut on the waste side of the line. Use a sliding miter saw or a circular saw with a square to make these precise cuts. Cut the 2×10 boards with opposite 30-degree angles on each end, creating a trapezoid shape. Cut the 1×3 trim pieces with a 30-degree angle on each end as well. The measurements and angles are crucial to ensure the pieces fit together properly.
Creating the hexagon shape requires accurate measurements and precise cutting. When measuring the lumber, ensure you are precise and cut on the waste side of the line. For the best results, use a sliding miter saw or a circular saw with a square to make these cuts.
The 2×10 boards should be cut with opposite 30-degree angles on each end, resulting in a trapezoid shape. This will form the sides of the hexagon planter, adding an interesting visual element to your garden. Similarly, cut the 1×3 trim pieces with a 30-degree angle on each end to match the shape of the planter.
Accurate measurements and precise cuts are essential to ensure the pieces fit together snugly and create a stable structure. Take your time when measuring and cutting the lumber, and double-check your angles to achieve the desired hexagon shape.
Now that you have the necessary measurements and cuts, you’re ready to move on to the next step: staining or painting the wood. This will not only protect the wood from weathering but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your homemade planter.
Stain or Paint
Before assembling the planter, you have the option to stain or paint the wood to enhance its aesthetic appeal and provide extra protection. If you decide to use pressure-treated lumber, remember to allow it to dry thoroughly before applying any coatings. It’s important to create a smooth surface by sanding any rough parts of the wood. This step will ensure that the paint or stain adheres properly and gives a polished finish.
To begin the staining or painting process, find a well-ventilated area where you can work comfortably without any obstructions. Adequate ventilation will prevent the accumulation of fumes and ensure a smooth application of the chosen finish. You can use an exterior stain or paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use. These products are formulated to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection for your planter.
If you prefer a natural wood look, staining is an excellent choice. Consider using an exterior polyurethane sealant after staining to maintain the wood’s integrity and protect it from moisture. This additional step will help prolong the lifespan of your planter, especially when exposed to weather conditions.
Whether you decide to stain or paint your planter, take your time to apply the finish evenly and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and curing times. This step will help you achieve professional-looking results and ensure that your planter stands out in your garden.
Build Outside Frame
Now that you have gathered all the materials and tools, it’s time to start building the outside frame of your hexagon planter. This frame will serve as the base structure for your planter and provide stability.
Follow these simple steps to build the outside frame:
- Stand the six outer pieces of lumber on edge, with the short sides facing outwards. This will create the hexagon shape of your planter.
- Align the first two pieces and fasten them together with screws. Use self-drilling screws to ensure a secure connection.
- Repeat this process for the remaining pieces, making sure that all the corners look the same. This will ensure that your planter has a uniform and professional appearance.
- If the wood is splitting, you may need to pre-drill pilot holes to prevent further damage.
Pro Tip:
To ensure that the corners of your hexagon planter are perfectly aligned, use a rafter or “speed” square to check for squareness. This will help you achieve a clean and symmetrical look.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have the outside frame of your hexagon planter ready. This frame will provide the necessary structure for the rest of the planter assembly.
Take a look at the diagram below to see how the outside frame should look:
Image: Hexagon planter outside frame
Now that you have the outside frame in place, you can move on to the next step of building your hexagon planter.
Build Interior
Once you have completed building the outside frame of your hexagon planter, it’s time to create the interior sections for planting. This step will ensure that your plants have their individual spaces to grow and thrive.
To begin, mark the center of each outer board along the top edge. This will serve as a guide for placing the interior dividers.
Next, carefully place the six interior dividers into the planter, one at a time. Make sure that the end of each board touches the center mark on the corresponding outer board. This will help create balanced sections within the planter.
Before adding fasteners, it is advisable to dry fit all the boards first. This means temporarily placing them in position without permanently attaching them. This step allows you to make any necessary adjustments to the placement of the dividers.
Once you are satisfied with the placement of the interior dividers, secure them with screws at each end. This will firmly attach the dividers to the outer boards, ensuring stability and structural integrity for your planter.
With the interior dividers in place, your hexagon planter is now ready for planting! The sections created by the dividers allow you to easily organize and cultivate different plants within a single planter.
Continue reading to learn how to add panels to your hexagon planter in the next section.
Add Panels
Once you have completed the base of your hexagon planter, it’s time to add the panels to create a stacked planter with a larger planting area. This step will further enhance the visual appeal of your DIY planter.
To begin, repeat the steps you followed to create the base hexagon. Use the same dimensions and materials for the second hexagon.
Place the base hexagon in its final location. Make sure it is properly aligned and positioned.
Now, stack the second hexagon on top of the base hexagon. Ensure that the second hexagon is aligned with the first one.
To secure the two hexagons together, use scraps from the trim boards. Align the scraps along the edges where the two hexagons meet and fasten them with screws. This will provide stability and ensure that the two hexagons form a solid structure.
By adding these panels, you are increasing the planting area of your hexagon planter. This allows for more plants and a greater variety of flowers or herbs to be grown in your DIY planter.
Glue Trim
Now that you have constructed the hexagon planter and created the base structure, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Gluing the trim pieces will not only enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the planter but also provide added stability. Here’s how to complete this step:
Dry Fit the Trim Pieces
Before attaching the trim, it’s essential to dry fit the pieces to ensure a proper fit. The outer trim pieces should fit together seamlessly, creating a picture frame effect around the planter. The interior trim pieces, on the other hand, should fit over the dividers, giving a clean and polished appearance to the interior sections.
Attach the Trim with Nails
Once you are satisfied with the fit, secure the trim in place by attaching it to the planter with nails. Take care to align the trim properly, ensuring it is flush with the edges and corners of the planter. This will help maintain a consistent and professional look throughout.
Note: You may want to use adhesive in addition to nails for extra stability. Choose an adhesive that is suitable for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
By gluing the trim, you not only add a decorative element but also ensure that the trim pieces are firmly secured to the planter. This step adds the final touch to your hexagon planter, giving it a polished and refined appearance.
Now that your hexagon planter is complete, it’s time to place it in your garden and fill it with your favorite plants. In the next section, we will discuss how to prepare the planting surface and provide plant options for your hexagon planter.
Place and Plant
Once you’ve built your hexagon planter, it’s time to find the perfect spot for it in your garden. Follow these steps to ensure a successful placement and planting:
Choose a Suitable Location
Look for a flat and level surface in your garden that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. This will provide the ideal growing conditions for your plants. Avoid placing the planter in shaded areas or spots with poor drainage.
Prepare the Surface
Before placing the planter, prepare the surface to prevent weed growth. Add a layer of cardboard or landscape cloth at the bottom of the planter to suppress any potential weeds. This will help maintain a clean and tidy garden environment.
Ensure Stability
Place the planter on a level surface to prevent any tilting or instability. Use a level tool to ensure that the planter is evenly balanced. This will prevent water from pooling in one area and promote even plant growth.
Fill with Quality Soil
To provide your plants with the best growing medium, fill the planter with good quality soil. You can use raised bed soil purchased from a garden center or create a mixture of soil and compost for a nutrient-rich environment. The right soil composition will support healthy root growth and overall plant health.
Add Fertilizer
Boost the nutrient content of the soil by adding a slow-release fertilizer. This will provide essential nutrients to your plants over an extended period, promoting vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the recommended dosage and application method.
Now that you’ve placed and prepared your hexagon planter, it’s time to add a touch of green to your garden!
Common Plants for Hexagon Planters
| Plant Type | Light Requirements | Watering Needs | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbs (Basil, Mint, Thyme) | Full Sun | Regular Watering | Varies by herb |
| Flowers (Petunias, Marigolds, Zinnias) | Full Sun to Part Shade | Regular Watering | Varies by flower |
| Succulents (Sedum, Echeveria, Haworthia) | Bright Indirect Light | Minimal Watering | Varies by succulent |
Plant with Herbs, Annuals, and Perennials
Now that your hexagon planter is prepared, it’s time to bring it to life with beautiful plants! The unique hexagon shape of the planter provides a versatile canvas for planting a variety of herbs, annuals, and perennials. Fill each section of the planter with your desired plants, ensuring that they receive the appropriate amount of sunlight and water.
Kitchen herbs are a popular choice for hexagon planters, as they can be easily accessed for cooking. Imagine plucking fresh basil, rosemary, or mint right from your planter to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. Additionally, you can experiment with colorful annual flowers to create a vibrant display in your garden.
When selecting plants for your hexagon planter, consider their growth habits, light requirements, and water needs. Make sure to choose plants that are well-suited for your climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
To give you some inspiration, here are a few suggestions for plants that thrive in hexagon planters:
- Herbs: basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, mint
- Annuals: petunias, marigolds, impatiens, geraniums, pansies
- Perennials: lavender, daisies, sedum, coreopsis, salvia
Visit your local garden center to explore a wide selection of plants and seek advice from knowledgeable staff members. They can provide recommendations based on your specific gardening goals and preferences.
| Plant | Sunlight Requirements | Watering Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Full Sun | Regular Watering |
| Rosemary | Full Sun | Low Watering |
| Petunias | Full Sun to Partial Shade | Regular Watering |
| Lavender | Full Sun | Low Watering |
Project Details
Building a hexagon planter is an easy DIY gardening project that you can complete in around 6 hours. It provides a creative way to enhance your outdoor space with a unique and visually appealing planter. This project is suitable for beginners with basic woodworking skills and tools.
To embark on this project, you will need an estimated budget of approximately $120 for materials. The cost may vary depending on the type of wood and finishes you choose.
The hexagon shape of the planter adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden. It creates a focal point and allows for more planting space compared to traditional rectangular planters. The dimensions of the planter can be customized to fit your specific needs and available space.
Before starting your project, consider the pros and cons of raised beds. While raised beds offer benefits such as improved drainage and reduced weed growth, they may require additional maintenance and protection from critters.
Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of DIY hexagon planter ideas and start building your own masterpiece!
Stay tuned for the next section, where we will guide you through the process of gathering all the necessary materials and tools for your hexagon planter project.
Pros and Cons
While undertaking a DIY gardening project like building a hexagon planter can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before diving in. One of the advantages of hexagon planters is their visual appeal. The unique shape adds a stylish touch to your garden, making it stand out from traditional rectangular raised beds. The versatility of hexagon planters also allows for creative design possibilities, enabling you to experiment with different planting arrangements and combinations.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge a few downsides. Hexagon planters may be slightly more challenging to critter-proof compared to rectangular beds. The curved edges and multiple sections can provide more access points for small animals and pests. Additionally, it’s worth noting that growing plants in-ground may provide more benefits for overall plant health and root growth. In-ground planting allows roots to spread more freely and access natural nutrients and moisture from the soil.
Despite these considerations, hexagon planters still offer a unique and attractive option for DIY gardeners. They serve as a focal point in your outdoor space and can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. If you desire a garden feature that stands out and adds a touch of creativity, a hexagon planter can be an excellent choice. Just weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine if it aligns with your gardening goals and requirements. Happy gardening!
