How to Make a Faux Stone Planter

Looking for a modern outdoor planter box without the designer price tag? This easy DIY rectangular planter project shows you how to build a long, modern-looking planter that looks like real stone or concrete—using just a single 1×6 board, a few screws, and stone-look spray paint. Store-bought versions of these sleek concrete-style planters often cost hundreds of dollars, but with this beginner-friendly woodworking project, you can create the same high-end look for a fraction of the cost. Perfect for patios, balcony or tabletop décor, porches, or gardens, this budget-friendly planter is simple, stylish, and a great first build that requires only a saw, a drill.

What You’ll Need

Tools

Materials

• (1) 1 x 6 x 8’ Boards
• 1 5/8-inch Exterior Wood Screws
• Wood Glue
• Wood Filler
• Exterior Primer or Paint to create a durable base coat
• Stone-look Spray Paint (Rust-oleum MultiColor Textured Spray Paint in Caribbean Sand or Rust-oleum Stone Spray Pint in Gray)
• Interior/Exterior Clear Protective Topcoat Spray Paint

Cut List

Here is the list of the cuts you’ll need to make before begin assembling.

• 1 x 6 Box Sides – 2 @ 24 inches
• 1 x 6 Box End – 2 @ 7 inches
• 1×6 Box Floor – 1 @ 24 inches

Steps for Building a Outdoor Stone-Look Planter

1. Cut the Boards to Length

Using a miter saw or miter box and hand saw, cut the 1×6 boards to length.

2. Prep the Boards with Pilot Holes

On the long side boards, mark the location of five screws along the bottom edge. I like to mark out the edge the board I’m joining so I can better position my screws. To do this, mark a line ¾-inch from the bottom edge of the board, and then center the screws within the height of the space. Repeat to mark line along the bottom edge and side edges of the  planter end pieces.

3. Drill the Pilot Holes

Now drill pilot holes at the placement of each screw being sure to keep the drill bit perpendicular to the board so it will guide the screw in straight. Tip: Place a piece of foam below the board to protect the work surface.

4. Attach the Sides to the Floor

Apply glue to the long edge of the floor board and place the side board against it with flush with the bottom of the floor board. Clamp the parts in place. Drive 1 5/8-inch exterior screws through each pilot hole and into the edge of the floor board. Repeat to attach the second side board.

5. Attach the Ends

On one end of the assembly, apple glue to the edges of each board. Place the end board against the assembly. If possible, clamp the pieces together, or at least clamp the u-shaped assembly to the work surface to hold it steady. Drive screws through then pilot holes and into the assembly to secure the first end board. Repeat to secure the remaining end board. Allow the glue to fully dry.

6. Prep for Paint

Conceal the screw heads with exterior-grade wood filler. Using an orbital sander or a sanding sponge, slightly round over the corners for a softer look. Sand the wood filler smooth and wipe the surface clean with a slightly damp cloth.

7. Prime

Apply a coat (or two) of any interior-exterior paint to all surfaces of the box to create a solid base coat. 

8. Spray Paint

Layer light coats of textured spray paint, allowing proper dry time between coat, to achieve the desired look.