How To Make A House Number Planter Box

It’s a combination of a house number and a planter box, so not only will it show your address, but it will also add a touch of greenery to your entryway. I’ve had my fair share of struggles finding the perfect spot for my house number. But with this nifty project, it's like killing two birds with one stone - or in this case, planting two seeds with one pot.

Let’s dive into it.

Cut List

Piece	Qty	Dimensions (Inch)	Thickness
Back	1	24 x 5-1/2	3/4
Side	2	6-3/4 x 5-1/2	3/4
Front	1	7 x 5-1/2	3/4
Bottom	1	6 x 5-1/2	3/4

 

Materials

Item	Qty	Specification
Wood glue	1
Wood stain	1
Wood outdoor paint	1
Wood filler	1
Sandpaper	3	80, 150, 220 grit
Finish nails	1	1-¼” 16 Gauge Finish Nail

Tools

• Miter saw or Circular saw
• Clamps
• Sander
• Nail Gun
• Speed square

Process

Step 1:

Cut out all the necessary parts for the planter box. Although our tool list above says a miter saw or circular saw is ideal, a mini circular saw (like the Hychika model I have) would work just fine here as well.

Ensure that the length of the back matches the size required for displaying the house numbers.

 

Step 2:

Attach the bottom board to the back board using wood glue and a nail gun. 

Step 3:

Repeat the previous step to secure the two side boards to the back and bottom, and then add the front piece of the box to complete the assembly.

 

Step 4:

Fill in any nailing points with wood filler to create a smooth surface.

Step 5:

Use a sander to sand all sides of the box for a refined finish.

 

Step 6:

Paint or stain the box according to your preference.

 

Optional: Add drainage

You know, even though the plan doesn’t mention it, I decided to take a proactive step and drill a hole in the middle of the bottom for drainage. I think it’s a good idea to prevent root rot. If the soil gets too waterlogged, it can cause the roots to rot, and nobody wants that for their plants.

Additionally, adding drainage can also help prevent wood rot by ensuring that excess moisture doesn’t hang around for too long.

 

Pro Tip: Apply Painter’s Caulking Before You Paint

Protecting the end grain of wood is key. The end grain is like a sponge when it comes to soaking up moisture, which can lead to all sorts of problems down the line.

Just to be extra cautious, I applied painter's caulking to all the end grain to seal off those corners inside and out. I did this before I broke out the paintbrush, just to add a little extra protection.  

 

Final Thoughts

Now, your DIY house number planter box is ready to take its place by the front door. It’s pretty easy to make, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.

It’s a practical project that could also be a statement piece that adds a splash of personality to our homes. And hey, if we manage to keep the plant alive, that will be a bonus!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this one. And if you want another plant-related project, I also have an article on how to make a hanging plant holder. It's pretty useful if you live in an apartment that doesn't allow you to make holes on the walls.