Gardening season is here, and if you’re growing climbing plants like cucumbers or beans, a functional and attractive planter with a trellis is a must.
We crafted a unique, sturdy, and stylish planter using upcycled materials for just $10—yes, including the cost of a cold beer. This guide walks you through every step to build your own for a fraction of the store price.
Why This Planter Works
- Cost-effective: Built with repurposed materials and only $2 spent on wire.
- Durable: Reinforced with metal bed frame brackets for strength.
- Functional: Includes a built-in climbing trellis for vining plants.
- Customizable: Adapt dimensions to suit your space and materials.
- Sustainable: Great example of upcycling and reducing waste.
What You Will Need
- 6 wooden bed slats (queen size)
- 1 metal bed frame (adjustable type with wheels)
- Screws: 1.5″ wood screws, small black self-tapping screws, 8 black wood lag bolts
- Paint: Black Rust-Oleum and clear coat
- $2 galvanized wire
Tools:
- Saw, drill (with metal bits), grinder or hacksaw, sandpaper, clamps
- Optional: Beer (for morale!)
Step 1: Design the Planter Box
We started by gathering our materials and sketching a basic layout. The key here is to let the materials guide your design rather than forcing a specific structure.
- Trim the ends off the 6 bed slats to remove pre-drilled holes.
- Cut 6 pieces at 56″. Then, cut 4 of those in half to get 8 pieces at 28″.
- From the remaining two slats, cut 4 sections at 14″.
- Use the 28″ and 14″ slats to build 4 rectangular frames, screwing them together with the longer sides butted against the short ends.
Step 2: Build and Assemble the Box
- Take one frame, place it over plywood, and trace the inside to cut a base floor.
- Attach the plywood floor with screws and add internal supports for stability.
- Stack the 4 frames together and secure them using scrap wood strips on the inside corners.
- Cut 2 bed frame pieces to fit the front outer corners for extra support.
- Coat the assembled box with clear Rust-Oleum for protection.
Step 3: Prepare and Attach the Legs
- Disassemble the bed frame, cutting off wheel ends from the two longest pieces. File the edges smooth. These become your front angled legs (67.5″).
- Cut the center pieces into two 9.5″ front corner brackets and two 22″ rear legs.
- Sand and spray all metal pieces with black Rust-Oleum.
- Attach the front corner brackets and rear legs to the planter using self-tapping screws.
- Position the front legs at a climbing angle, mark the bolt positions, pre-drill holes, and secure using 8 wood lag bolts.
Step 4: Add Trellis Wire and Final Touches
- Drill small holes along the front angled legs.
- Thread galvanized wire across to form a climbing grid.
- Avoid using one continuous wire—cut and secure each section individually for ease.
- Fill with soil, plant your vegetables, crack a beer, and enjoy your garden upgrade.
Note: This project is flexible—substitute wire with rope or other sturdy material if needed.
Other Details Display
- Finished Dimensions (approx.): 28″ width x 14″ depth x customizable height (based on your box stack and leg length)
- Materials Source: Upcycled bed slats and metal bed frames
- Trellis Material: Galvanized wire, crisscrossed for plant climbing
- Finish: Black high gloss and clear coat for durability
- Support: Internal wood bracing + metal L-bracket reinforcement
- Design Feature: Front legs angled outward to create climbing wall
Summary
This DIY upcycled garden planter is a cost-effective, sustainable solution for supporting climbing plants like cucumbers or beans. Using repurposed materials and spending just $10, we created a durable planter with a built-in trellis.
It’s the perfect way to enhance your garden space while reducing waste. DIY upcycled garden planter projects like this show that functionality and style don’t have to break the bank.
This plan is a contribution by [Stark Ideas]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
