DIY Criss Cross Outdoor Planters
I have been getting so many requests for the instructions on how to make the DIY Planters my father made me! I wish I could say I had a hand in making these, but he took the project into his hands whole heartedly. I've worked with him to the best of our ability to put together a step-by-step guide to making these!For another reference, check out these other bloggers' instructions:https://centsationalstyle.com/2013/04/diy-criss-cross-outdoor-planters/http://www.ana-white.com/2012/08/plans/cedar-planters-less-20 
Materials:[show_shopthepost_widget id="3276163"]Brad nailer, brad nails, Kreg Jig, measuring tape, wood glue, safety glasses, respirator, compound miter saw, wood screws, power screwdriver, power sander, wood. Cuts: (for one planter)Sides: 1 x 6” boards cut at 21.5” length (12 pieces)
Legs: 4 x 4” boards cut at 24” length (4 pieces)
Top and Bottom Slats: 1 x 4” cut at 16.5” width (8 pieces)
Interior Supports: 1 x 4” cut at 16.5” width (2 pieces) and 1 x 8” at 16.5” width (2 pieces)
Frame: 1 x 4" into 22" lengths (4 pieces)
Criss Cross Pattern: 1 x 2” cut at 42 degree (4 pieces at 22.5” length) and 7 degree angles (8 pieces cut at 10.5”length (see diagram below))
Start by constructing the sides. Lay your 3 side boards for one side next to one another. Place 2 additional boards on top of the three boards on the top and bottom. Assemble them using your brad nailer and nails. We did four nails per board. You can also use wood glue in between the boards before you place them together to make them extra secure. If you do this, you will need to wait for the wood glue to dry before completing the next step.(pink dots denote where we placed the nails)
Next you'll use your Kreg Jig to drill holes into the interior of each side, two per corner.
While turned over, install a screw into each of your boards to better secure the front plates to the boards.Next, it's time to put them all together. Using your holes drilled from your Kreg Jig, use wood screws and your power drill to assemble the sides into a box. For my planters, we used 4 - 4x4x8 pieces cut to 24 inches as the corner pieces to drill into.
(Picture from: Centsational Style )Once assembled, we used 2 - 2x4s cut to 18 inches as the interior supports at the bottom of the planter. For further assistance with this step, check out Anna's instructions.For my planters, my father decided to add a "frame" at the top of the planter boxes. I've really enjoyed the added frame at the top because it's convenient for setting things around the planter or decorating for various seasons. To create a frame, he cut 4 - 2x4s into 22 lengths, and cut the edge of each piece at a 45 degree angle. From there, you can brad nail or glue them on top of your boxes.
The last step is adding the criss cross pattern to the front of the boards. My criss crosses are thicker than most of the other plans out there, but this is totally based on person taste. He cut 4 - 2x4s to 22" length, and 8 - 2x4s to 10.5", then cut each edge to a 42 degree angle so that the wood should come to a point on each side. He said this part was somewhat difficult. His edges that go into the corner of the box are not identical. One side of the point measures at 2 1/2" and the other at 2 1/4". The edges are longer on one side. Use your brad nailer or wood glue to adhere them onto the planters.If you'd like to use the smaller x pattern (easier version) refer to Kate's post.
After this step you are all done! You can paint them or leave them in their natural state, like I did!I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!