Here’s How to Build Planter Boxes with String Light Posts

Adding planter boxes to your backyard can really enhance your outdoor décor. So can string lights, but sometimes it’s a challenge to find a place to hang them. Here’s a unique design solution which combines both ideas into one fantastic DIY project. The planter box acts as a base to securely mount the light post, while also enhancing your yard with flowers, herbs or other plants. Follow DIY expert Chantelle Lourens’ easy steps to build your own planter boxes with string light posts.

Here’s What You Need*:

• (17) 1"x2" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• (4) 2"x4" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• (7) 2"x2" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• (9) 1"x6" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• (4) 4"x4" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• (3) 1"x4" Spruce (8-foot lengths) 

• 3" Screws 

• 2" Screws 

• 1 1/4" Screws

• 1 1/4" Pin Nails 

• 2 3/4" Screw Hooks

• Wood Glue 

• Pin Nailer 

• Mitre Saw 

• Cordless Drill 

• Countersink Bit 

• Pocket Hole Jig 

• Sander 

• Cold Chisel 

• Minwax Pre-Stain 

• Minwax Provincial Stain 

• Paint Brush 

• LED String Lights

*Lumber may vary depending on your location. To see all your options, use our Store Locator to find the Home Hardware Building Centre or Home Building Centre closest to you.

Cut List Per Planter (all cuts were made using a mitre saw)

1"x6" - Twelve 16" long boards (4 sides of the box) 

1"x2" - Eight 16 1/2" long boards (top and bottom rails) 

2"x2" - Four 16" long boards (corner posts)   

1"x4" - Four 16" long boards (floor) 

1"x3" - One 16" long board (floor) 

2"x2" - Four 15" long boards (floor supports) 

1"x2" - Four 19 5/8" long boards with parallel 48-degree angle end cuts (decorative X accents)  

1"x2" - Eight 10" long boards with 48-degree angle at one end (decorative X accents) 

2"x4" - Four 16 5/8" long boards (post brace) 

2"x4" - Four 7" long boards (post brace)

Here’s How to Make It

This summer we built an outdoor fire pit in our backyard and it’s quickly become one of our favourite spots to gather and relax. I've always loved the ambience of string lights and I wanted to incorporate them around our fire pit. After some design brainstorming, we came up with our version of DIY planter boxes complete with poles to hang the string lights. So we headed out to our local Home Hardware where we found all of the supplies needed. Note: The steps below are to make one planter. We ended up building four, but you can build two, three or more and tie them all together with string lights.

Step 1: Building the Planter Sides

Each side of the box was made up of three 1"x6" boards. We laid these out flat and attached them together with 1"x2" boards on each end, using wood glue and a pin nailer. Once in place, we used a countersink bit to pre-drill holes, and 1 1/4" screws to permanently attach the pieces together. We then repeated the process for the other three sides.

Step 2: Attaching the Corner Posts

To attach our corner posts, we used a pocket hole jig to make three pocket holes on each side of the four panels. We then attached two corner posts to each panel using the 2" screws. This process was repeated until all four sides were built.

Step 3: Building the Planter Floor

First we had to create the floor supports by countersinking 2" screws into our 15" long 2"x2" boards. Each piece had to overlap the previous one so all four supports would sit flush on the floor. To cover the entire floor space, we used four 1"x4" boards and one 1"x3" board, securing all with 1/4” screws.

Step 4: Creating the Decorative “X” Accents

Each “X” accent was made out of three pieces of 1"x2" wood. Next, create the decorative X’s on each side of the box. The longer piece was cut to 19 5/8" in length, with 48-degree angle cuts at each end. The other two pieces were cut to 10” in length, with the 48-degree angle cut at one end only. After testing the fit, we glued the longer piece on first and secured it with 1 1/4" pin nails. Before gluing on the short pieces, we tested their fit too. We ended up having to shave off 6 degrees from the flush end to enable a proper fit. Once glued, we pin nailed them on as well.

Step 5: Building the Light Post Braces

For the post braces we attached our 16" pieces to the 7" pieces with 3" screws, ensuring that everything was flush on the bottom.

Step 6: Securing the Light Post Braces Inside the Planter

Our 8-foot post has to sit dead centre in the planter box, so our post braces needed to line up perfectly. For the bottom brace, we used 2" screws to secure each end of the brace to the inside of the wall panel. Then we turned the unit over and drove 3" screws through the bottom of the floor into the end pieces (not shown). We turned the planter over again, flipped the second brace upside down and attached it the same way.

Step 7: Sanding & Staining

After smoothing over the rough spots with a power sander, we decided to use stain vs. paint for a more rustic look. We opted for the Minwax Pre-Stain and Minwax Provincial Stain. I love this shade so much! It's one of the most versatile shades I've found to date.

Step 8: Securing the Light Posts

To mount the light post we pounded it in from the top and secured it with 3” countersink screws on an angle to the supports. Then we broke up some patio stones with a cold chisel and hammer to add weight for more support.

Step 9: Hanging the Lights

Last step! We pre-drilled a hole for the screw hook and twisted it into place. After building the rest of our planters we simply strung the lights along the hooks to create the entire perimeter.

That's it! We chose faux greenery for the top of the planters, but you could just as easily fill them 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. The string lights tie the entire space together and create such a cozy feeling when we are outside in the evenings. This might be one of my favourite DIYs yet! Once again the staff at our local Home Hardware were a huge help, providing great advice on both the design and the building process.