MYO Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

Learn carpentry with our Woodwork courses in Sydney!

Turn reclaimed timber into something practical, beautiful, and built by you in this hands-on planter box workshop. Across the day, you will move from concept to completion, learning how to design a planter that suits your space while understanding key fundamentals like proportions, timber strength, drainage, and moisture management. With guidance from an experienced tutor, you will plan your build, create a simple cutting list, and confidently select and prepare reclaimed materials ready for construction.

In the workshop, you will gain real carpentry skills as you measure, cut, and assemble your planter box using essential tools such as drop saws, drills, and clamps. You will learn safe work practices, how to de-nail and prepare reclaimed timber, and step-by-step assembly techniques to ensure a sturdy, square finish. The day also covers outdoor finishing options, including oils and sealers, so your planter is made to last. By the end, you will walk away with a completed planter box, practical woodworking skills, and the confidence to take on future DIY projects at home.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this intermediate carpentry course, you should have :

• Apply safe workshop practices, including correct use of PPE and handling of reclaimed timber
• Plan and design a functional planter box, including sizing, proportions, and drainage considerations
• Accurately measure, mark, and prepare timber using appropriate carpentry tools
• Cut, de-nail, and assemble components to construct a square and stable planter box
• Use drills, clamps, and fixing techniques effectively to ensure a strong build
• Select and apply suitable outdoor finishes to protect and extend the life of the planter box

Course content

What will be covered in this planter box workshop: 

Safety & Tools

• Workshop safety briefing
• PPE overview (eyes, ears, dust)
• Safe handling of reclaimed timber
• Tool demonstrations:
• Measuring and marking tools
• Drop saw or circular saw
• Drill/driver
• Clamps and squares
• Hand tools for de‑nailing
• Safe work practices and expectations

Design & Planning

• Planter box design fundamentals:
• Size and proportions
• Timber thickness and strength
• Drainage and moisture management
• Internal lining options
• Understanding a simple cutting list
• Selecting reclaimed timber for sides, base, and legs (if used)
• Measuring and marking up individual builds

Cutting & Preparation

• De‑nailing and timber preparation
• Cutting components to size
• Squaring ends and checking accuracy
• Light sanding where needed
• Dry fitting components prior to assembly

Assembly

• Step‑by‑step box assembly:
• Fixing sides
• Squaring the box
• Installing base slats with drainage gaps
• Drilling pilot holes and fixing techniques
• Using clamps effectively
• Troubleshooting common build issues
• Optional variations (feet, legs, handles)

Finishing for Outdoors

• Outdoor durability basics:
• Moisture movement in timber
• Ground contact considerations
• Finishing options:
• Natural oils
• Exterior sealers
• Leaving raw (pros and cons)
• Applying finish (as appropriate)
• Installing liner material if used

Wrap‑Up & Reflection

• Final checks and tidy‑up
• Group show‑and‑tell of finished planter boxes
• Maintenance and care advice
• Ideas for adapting or scaling the design at home
• Feedback and next‑steps resources

Intended audience

Who is this carpentry course for?

This course is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Carpentry Course or have prior carpentry experience. 

Course venue

This course is offered the Summer Hill Campuses. 

The venue details will be provided upon enrolment; please ensure you check your enrolment confirmation for workshop location. 

Course materials

What tools and materials are provided:

• Reclaimed timber
• Outdoor‑rated screws
• Liner material (weed mat or similar)
• Finishing oils or sealers
• PPE

Tools

• Drop saw or circular saw
• Drill/drivers
• Clamps
• Measuring and marking tools
• De‑nailing tools
• Sanding tools

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please don't wear your best clothing
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes, no heels, please
• Please do not wear jewellery