You know that feeling when you gaze out your window, and your view is less than inspiring? That was me, staring at a plain cinderblock wall day in and day out. It wasn’t exactly fueling my creative spirit. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. How, you ask? By crafting a DIY planter wall that would turn that dull space into a vibrant, living centerpiece! Now, instead of a blank wall, I’m greeted by a lush, green oasis that instantly lifts my mood.
The best part? Building a DIY planter wall is easier than you think. Follow along as I guide you through the process, step by step, so you can transform your own view and add a touch of handcrafted charm to your space.
Step 1: Picture This: Planning Your Planter Wall
Every masterpiece starts with a vision. Before diving into the build, I took some time to visualize the final product. Using painter’s tape, I outlined different dimensions on the wall to determine the perfect size for my planter. It took a bit of adjusting, but I finally settled on a six-foot-long design that would command attention from every angle inside my home.
With the vision solidified, it was time for a supply run! A trip to the hardware store yielded the building blocks of my planter: sturdy redwood 2×4 cedar planks.
Pro Tip: When choosing wood, inspect each board carefully. Lift one end and sight down its length – if you see any bowing or warping, choose a different board. Trust me, this small step will save you from headaches later on!
Step 2: From Vision to Reality: Constructing the Planter Frame
With my supplies prepped and my trusty miter saw at the ready, I began cutting the redwood planks to the desired lengths. Remember those visualization efforts? They came in handy here, making the cutting process a breeze.
Quick Tip: When in doubt, sketch it out! Visualizing your cuts on paper can prevent costly mistakes and ensure accurate measurements.
Laying out all the cut pieces on my garage floor, I started assembling the planter frame. The framing pieces, smaller side facing up, formed the outer structure, with five planks nestled snugly inside. Once satisfied with the layout, I secured the frame together using an impact driver. The satisfying whir of the impact driver always signals the start of something amazing!
To firmly hold the planks within the frame, I employed a combination of wood glue and my trusty nail gun. To ensure a fortress-like build, I pre-drilled holes and added screws for extra reinforcement. Some might call it overkill, but I call it peace of mind!
Remember: DIY is all about creative problem-solving. Don’t be afraid to adapt and experiment to find what works best for you.
My planter design called for five individual troughs – perfect for showcasing a variety of plants. To achieve this, I attached three triangular support pieces (one on each side and one in the center) to each of the wood planks. These little triangles played a crucial role, providing structural support while also simplifying the attachment of the trough fronts later on.
Wood glue and a few well-placed nails from my trusty nail gun securely fastened the triangle pieces in place.
Step 3: Adding a Touch of Color and Mounting the Masterpiece
I’m a big believer in bringing my online community into my creative process. When I put out a call on Instagram asking whether I should stain or paint the planter, the response was overwhelming: Team Stain! But as any true artist knows, inspiration can strike in unexpected ways, and I ultimately decided to go with paint.
Out on the lawn (no need to risk those fresh garage floors!), I gave the planter and trough fronts a sleek black finish using spray paint. If spray paint isn’t your thing, a paint sprayer or traditional brush will also do the trick.
With the paint dry and the planter ready for its grand debut, it was time to tackle the challenge of mounting it to the cinderblock wall.
diy planter wall
Conquering Cinderblock:
Cinderblock can be a tricky surface, but I had a plan. Using a masonry bit, I carefully drilled holes through the wood planks and into the wall. To ensure a secure hold, I used barrel anchors – these ingenious fasteners expand inside the cinderblock, creating a rock-solid grip that prevents the screws from pulling out.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Enlisting the help of a friend (thanks, @honeydohandyman_bbh!) made the mounting process a breeze. With an extra set of hands to hold the planter steady, we attached it to the wall, securing it with screws through the barrel anchors.
The pre-painted trough fronts were next. Using my go-to combination of wood glue and a nail gun, we attached each front piece to the planter base. Once again, having an extra set of hands proved invaluable during this step.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch: Bringing Your Planter to Life with Succulents
This was the moment I’d been waiting for – bringing the vision to life with a vibrant display of succulents! Now, I know what you might be thinking – succulents are supposed to be low-maintenance. And you’re right, they are. But for this project, I went the faux succulent route. Hey, no judgment here!
Faux Realness: My secret to making artificial plants look incredibly realistic? Real dirt! I simply scooped handfuls of dirt into each trough, creating a natural base for the succulents. You can use a cup or small shovel for a less messy approach.
With the dirt in place, it was time for the stars of the show to shine! I carefully arranged the faux succulents within the troughs, varying their height, color, and placement to achieve a natural, visually appealing look.
DIY Planter Wall: Creating a View You Love
And there you have it – a stunning DIY planter wall that transformed my once-drab view into a captivating focal point! This project was a true labor of love, and I’m so thrilled with how it turned out.
Remember: If you don’t like your view, change it! DIY empowers you to transform your surroundings and create a space that truly reflects your style and passions.
Looking for more home improvement inspiration? Check out my other DIY adventures, like my Loft Playroom makeover and the eye-catching Skinny Slat Wall project.
Don’t forget to share your own creations with me! Tag Robert Kline Art on social media – I can’t wait to see the magic you create.
Ready to embark on your own DIY journey? Stop dreaming, start doing! Head over to the Robert Kline Art website to discover a curated selection of handcrafted treasures that will add a touch of artistry and personality to your home. From unique gifts to statement pieces that spark conversation, you’re sure to find something truly special.