Frequently asked questions

Yes — every cut sheet is free, for every planter style, with no subscription and no per-order fee.

You’ll need a free account (email sign-in or Google) so we can email you the PDF and let you re-download it later, but the plans themselves never cost anything.

Each cut sheet includes:

• An exact lumber cut list — every board labeled by part, with lengths and quantities
• A hardware list with screw sizes and estimated costs
• A lumber cost estimate based on current US retail prices
• A visual cut diagram showing how to lay out your boards with minimal waste
• Step-by-step build instructions written for someone building their first planter

Your PDF is generated for your exact dimensions and configuration and delivered to your email, typically within about a minute of clicking “Get free cut sheet.” If you don’t see it, check your spam folder.

Yes, a free account is required — sign in with a Google account or an email magic link, no password needed. Your account is what lets us email you the cut sheet and lets you re-download any past cut sheet from your account page.

Most planters built from fence pickets cost between $20–$80 in materials, depending on size. Fence pickets are the most affordable option — a small 16″ × 16″ box typically runs around $20–$30, while a large 48″ × 24″ planter might be $60–$80.

Planters built from cedar or redwood boards cost more — often $80–$200+ — but last significantly longer outdoors. The Planter Kit cut sheet includes a lumber cost estimate based on current US retail prices so you know your exact budget before you head to the hardware store.

Cedar is the better choice for outdoor planters. It naturally resists rot and insects, holds up well through wet winters, and can easily last 10–15 years without any finish. Western red cedar is the most widely available variety and strikes a good balance of durability and cost.

Pine costs less upfront but degrades quickly in direct soil contact and repeated wet/dry cycles — untreated pine planters often show rot within 2–3 seasons. If you go with pine, use pressure-treated lumber and line the interior with pond liner to extend its life.

For most builds, cedar is worth the extra cost. The Planter Kit cut sheet shows a lumber cost estimate for whichever species you choose so you can compare before you buy.

It depends on the style — the configurator enforces a sensible min/max range for each one so the design stays structurally sound. Window boxes run from 18″ to 72″ wide, tall statement planters go up to 48″ tall, and raised beds scale from a compact 12″ × 12″ up to a large 96″ × 48″ footprint. Every style shows a live 3D preview as you drag the sliders, so you can see exactly how your size looks before you get the cut sheet.

For most styles you can choose between butt joints (the default and simplest — boards meet at square-cut corners) or overlap joinery (staggered courses for a different look), depending on the style.

Either way, you only need a circular saw or miter saw, a drill/driver, a tape measure, and clamps — no specialty tools required. Styles with legs or a mitered cap rail need slightly more precise corner cuts, but the cut sheet spells out every angle.