Looking to add a touch of greenery and privacy to your outdoor space without breaking the bank? This weekend DIY project is the perfect solution. We’ll show you how to build a stunning floating vertical planter wall using beautiful, weather-resistant cedar wood. The secret? We’re using affordable cedar fence pickets instead of expensive cedar lumber! With a little elbow grease and the right techniques, you can achieve the same high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

This project not only saves you money but also provides an excellent opportunity to hone your woodworking skills. By smoothing the rough surface of the cedar pickets and applying a protective finish, you’ll create a durable and visually appealing planter wall that will last for years to come. And to complete the look and protect your wood, we’ll be using SuperDeck® Exterior Oil-Based Transparent Stain, known for its exceptional weather resistance and ability to enhance the natural beauty of wood.

Ready to transform your outdoor area? Follow our step-by-step guide and create your own unique floating vertical planter wall.

Why Build a Floating Vertical Planter Wall?

• Enhance Your Outdoor Space: Adds beauty, privacy, and a touch of nature to your patio, deck, or balcony.
• Affordable DIY Project: Uses inexpensive cedar fence pickets, making it a budget-friendly alternative to expensive lumber.
• Customizable Design: Allows you to create a unique design that complements your personal style and outdoor décor.
• Space-Saving Solution: Perfect for small spaces, such as balconies and patios, where traditional gardening is limited.
• Easy to Build: With our step-by-step instructions, even beginners can complete this project successfully.
• Improved Air Quality: Plants help purify the air and create a healthier outdoor environment.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools. This will ensure a smooth and efficient building process.

• 1 gallon SuperDeck exterior oil-based transparent stain
• (15) cedar fence pickets (5/8″ x 6″ x 6′)
• (4) cedar 2x4s (8′ long)
• #8 x 1 1/4″ deck screws
• #10 x 2 1/2″ deck screws
• 3 sheets of 18″ x 24″ clear acrylic (0.093″ thickness)
• Thickness planer (optional, but awesome). If you don’t have one, you can use a belt or random orbit sander
• Drill
• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Sandpaper (60 or 80 grit)
• Paintbrushes or rollers for staining

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cedar Pickets

The first step is to prepare the cedar fence pickets. This involves smoothing the rough surface to create a more refined look. While this step is optional, it significantly enhances the overall appearance of the planter wall.

Using a Thickness Planer (Recommended): Run each cedar fence picket through a thickness planer to remove the rough surface. This will create a smooth and uniform finish. If you don’t own a planer, consider borrowing one from a friend, renting one from a home improvement store, or utilizing a local tool library.

Using a Sander (Alternative): If you don’t have access to a planer, you can use a belt or random-orbit sander with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to remove the rough surface. Sand each picket thoroughly until it is smooth to the touch.

Step 2: Cut the Cedar Pickets

Next, cut the dog-ears off the tops of the pickets, bringing them to 71 inches in length. Then, rip three of the newly-made cedar boards into 4″ and 2″ widths, and one board into 2″ strips. You should end up with:

• Six strips at 2″ width (three 2″ slats, and three 2″ pieces for trimming the front)
• Three boards at 4″ width
• Six boards at 6″ width
• Three boards at 5″ width (top and side trim pieces)

Step 3: Build the Frame

The frame is the backbone of the planter wall, providing structural support and stability. It’s a simple square made from cedar 2x4s.

Cut the 2x4s to the following lengths:

• 2 pieces at 68 inches (top/bottom)
• 2 pieces at 56 1/2 inches (sides)

Assemble the Frame: Build a square using the 68″ pieces for the top and bottom, and the 56 1/2″ pieces for the sides. Fasten everything together using 2 1/2″ decking screws, ensuring the angles are as square as possible.

Step 4: Add the Feet

The wall needs ‘feet’ to keep it upright. The construction of these feet will depend on where you plan to install the planter wall.

Simple Feet Option: Cut 2′ pieces from the leftover cedar 2x4s and affix each to the bottom of the frame, perpendicular to the frame.

Step 5: Create the Hidden Groove

Create the hidden groove that will hold the plexiglass shelves, giving the wall a ‘floating’ effect. On each of your 6″ wide cedar slats, cut a 1/4″ deep groove using your table saw blade, 1/2″ from the edge of the board.

Step 6: Attach the Cedar Slats

Stand the frame up, and begin putting the cedar slats on. The pattern is:

1. 6″ wide piece in the front (with groove at the top/back)
2. 6″ wide piece in the back (with groove at the bottom/front)
3. 4″ wide piece in the back
4. 2″ wide piece in the back

The second 6″ wide slat needs to overlap the first one by 1″. The groove on the top/back of the first 6″ wide slat will line up with the groove on the one facing it. The third and fourth slats should be spaced 1/2″ above each previous slat.

Install the slats with galvanized nails (using a hammer, or a nail gun). You can also screw them in place with decking screws if you prefer.

Step 7: Add Trim

Trim out the frame and hide the joints. Using 5″ wide cedar boards, trim the sides and top of the frame. Then, use 2″ wide pieces of cedar, cut to 12″ long, to cover the bits of the frame that still show on the front of the piece, between the slats. Measure the gaps for these trim pieces first – they may not have ended up at exactly 12″.

Install all the trim with galvanized nails.

Step 8: Apply Stain

Although cedar is weather-resistant on its own, it will fade to a dull gray if left unstained. To maintain a sharper, richer look, stain the planter wall using SuperDeck oil-based transparent stain.

Staining Process:

1. Clean the wood with a damp rag to remove any dust or debris.
2. Allow the wood to dry completely.
3. Apply the stain with a brush or roller, ensuring even coverage.
4. Let the stain dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9: Cut and Insert the Plexiglass Shelves

Cut the plexiglass shelves to width using a table saw. Ripping them on the table saw is fast and easy, but make sure to use eye protection, as the plastic shavings tend to fly about.

Now, insert the shelves into the grooves, and add plants, candles, or decorative items.

Enjoy Your New Floating Vertical Planter Wall!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own floating vertical planter wall. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility it brings to your outdoor space.