Modern Fence Picket Planter or Raised Bed

This clean-lined outdoor planter features mitered corners and a simple stacked-board design using affordable cedar fence pickets. The structure is hidden inside, so all you see is clean lines on the outside! The plans include easy to modify sizes, so you can build the perfect planter for your patio, porch, deck, or garden! Whether you want a small accent planter or a large statement box, this customizable design is easy to modify, budget-friendly, and built to last outdoors. Step-by-step instructions, cut lists, and sizing options make this modern raised planter project simple for any skill level. We built it in the square size - scroll down to see build photos and a quick build reel.

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Modern Fence Picket Planter or Raised Bed dimension diagram 1

What you need

2x4 boards for inner frame
2-3/4" deck screws for building inner frame

cedar fence pickets (72" x 5-1/2", not dogeared) for the exterior covering and "floor"

1-5/8" deck screws for attaching cedar to inner frames

Top trim is cedar fence picket ripped in half - but you could use a 1x3 board as an alternative

exterior wood glue (recommended for durability)
exterior wood stain

Planters can be made in different sizes (up to 72" if using fence pickets). The following sizes and cut lists are optimized for efficient use of materials

72" x 36" - Raised Garden Bed (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (four inner supports)

This size is great for larger garden beds, with two or three rows of plants, accessible from all sides

8 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
8 - 2x4 @ 32" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 36" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
5 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 36" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
72" x 24" - Raised Garden Bed (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (four inner supports)

This size is slightly narrower, could still hold two rows of plants (depending on the plants)

8 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
8 - 2x4 @ 20" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
72" x 18" - Narrow Planter (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (four inner supports)

Long and narrow, great for under windows, or single rows of plants

8 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
8 - 2x4 @ 14" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
3 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
72" x 18" - Narrow 4 Board Tall Planter (23" height) (four inner supports)

Long and narrow, slightly taller, great for under windows

8 - 2x4 @ 22.5" - legs
8 - 2x4 @ 14" - horizontal frame support pieces
8 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
8 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
3 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 72" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
48" x 24" - Raised Garden Bed (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (three inner supports)
6 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
6 - 2x4 @ 20" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 48" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 46" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 48" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
48" x 24" - Raised Garden Bed (4 Boards Tall) 23" height (three inner supports)
6 - 2x4 @ 22.5" - legs
6 - 2x4 @ 20" - horizontal frame support pieces
8 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 48" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
8 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 46" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 48" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
24" x 24" - Raised Garden Bed (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (two inner supports)
4 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
6 - 2x4 @ 20" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 23" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 24" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
18" x 18" - Raised Garden Bed (3 Boards Tall) 18" height (two inner supports)
4 - 2x4 @ 17" - legs
6 - 2x4 @ 14" - horizontal frame support pieces
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends beveled at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel
4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 17" long - planter "floor"
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim
2 - 2-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 18" long - both ends mitered at 45 degrees, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel - top trim

Step by step

Step 1

Build the inner frames as shown. You'll need an inner frame for each end, and then about ever 24". So for a 72" long planter, you'd need four inner frames. Use 2-1/2" exterior deck screws, two per joint, to attach.

Step 2

Miter the longest side of the planter side boards first at 45 degrees. Carefully attach to the inner supports with the 1-5/8" deck screws. You can pin together with brad nails (galvanized) first but screws are needed for longer term durability (or 6D galvanized framing nails)

Step 3

Measure and cut the end pieces to fit and attach to the frame.

Rip cedar fence pickets in half so they are about 2-1/2" wide (or use 1x3s boards)

Miter and cut to fit. Tack in place with nails, finish with 1-5/8" deck screws or the galvanized framing nails to ensure long term durability.

Modern Fence Picket Planter or Raised Bed, step 4

Lay fence pickets down inside and tack in place.

If using without containers, line with a landscaping fabric and place drainage holes.

Modern Fence Picket Planter or Raised Bed, step 5

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.