Elevate the ambiance of your outdoor living space by incorporating built-in planter designs. These cleverly crafted planters can instantly transform a lackluster area into an oasis, all while maximizing limited space. With their unique ability to seamlessly integrate greenery, these 33 ingenious built-in planter ideas are ideal for smaller outdoor settings, allowing you to add a touch of nature without sacrificing precious square footage.
33 Creative Built-In Planters
Save space and add functionality with tiered projects from this list. For instance, you can combine seating and planters to create a beautiful deck feature that also supports climbing plants without the need for a wall trellis. This multi-functional design offers ample planting space while providing a lovely spot to relax. Budget-friendly options are abundant on this list, utilizing affordable materials like wooden crates and concrete blocks.
Alternatively, opt for natural, earthy charm with stone and rock-built planters that exude a sense of serenity and simplicity. With 33 DIY projects to explore, you’re sure to find inspiration to elevate your outdoor space without breaking the bank.
Deck Bench with Built-In Planters
To create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, bring the elegance of a classic dark with white tuxedo theme from your kitchen to your deck. One way to achieve this is by repurposing extra posts from your deck fencing, cutting them in half, and using them as the legs for custom-built benches. This clever hack not only adds visual cohesion but also provides additional seating options for outdoor gatherings.
DIY Concrete Built-In Deck Planter
To create a unique and modern planter, start by crafting a mold using plywood to the desired size. Then, pour in a quick-setting, concrete-countertop mix to form your planter. Once it’s set, you can customize the look with a translucent stain that harmonizes with your home’s décor. The combination of rustic and contemporary elements is trendy for outdoor spaces, allowing you to seamlessly blend traditional furniture and accessories with sleek, modern pieces.
Stacked Stone Planter with Bench
To construct your natural stone wall, begin by sorting your stones into three categories: large, medium, and small. Start with the larger stones as the foundation, overlapping them slightly where they meet in the lower layers. Then, mix in stones of varying sizes and colors to create a random, organic appearance. For walls under 18 inches tall, you won’t need mortar, but for higher structures, apply beads of masonry construction adhesive or mortar between courses to enhance stability.
Before committing to your design, experiment with different stone arrangements, swapping out stones until each layer contributes to the overall aesthetic you envision. This approach not only yields a visually appealing result but also celebrates the natural beauty of locally sourced materials, making it an ideal choice for decks and outdoor spaces.
Built-In Wooden Box Deck Planters
In urban environments, small outdoor spaces like patios, backyard decks, and balconies often struggle to ensure adequate privacy. However, this issue can be addressed by incorporating clever design elements without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics. A great solution is to utilize tall, narrow planters constructed from wood slats that provide a natural screen while minimizing floor space requirements.
By adding tall grasses, these planters not only create a sense of separation but also allow for the passage of sunlight and gentle breezes.
Flower Bed with Built-In Stone Planter
The featured Pinterest post showcases a stunning light stone planter, where individual stones are framed by a subtle mortar border. Although designed to be used with mortar, its compact height makes it possible to achieve a dry-stacked look without mortar altogether. The contrast between the textured planter and surrounding elements like the fence, stove, candleholder, lush grass, and delicate fern-like foliage creates a visually appealing combination.
DIY Wood Bench with Planters
The cedar bench features an unconventional design, where asymmetrical planters are cleverly integrated into the structure. The application of varnish allows the natural grain of the wood to shine through, lending a laid-back, effortless charm to the overall appearance. The staggered arrangement of the planter boards further amplifies the airy, open feel of the piece.
This unique blend of form and function has the potential to harmonize seamlessly with a variety of decorative styles, including rustic, coastal, contemporary, or even eclectic mixes.
DIY Rusty Metal Garden Planters
While some may argue that American gardens should pay homage to our cultural heritage, others choose to incorporate rustic elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity. At brokohan. com, we appreciate this approach, as seen in the use of recycled corten steel planters. These unique containers are crafted from rolled metal sheets, allowing you or a skilled metalworker to shape them into any desired form and size.
The exterior develops a beautiful rusted patina over three to six months, while the interior remains protected from the elements, ensuring these planters stand the test of time.
Wooden Planter for Small Spaces
Turn an ordinary space into an extraordinary one by repurposing shipping palettes into a narrow planter. This creative solution can help you cleverly conceal an air conditioner or garbage can on your patio. To start, gather four boards and attach them to the ends of the palette, creating a sturdy base. Next, add a cap around the top to complete the structure.
Give your new planter a fresh coat of varnish, stain, or paint to match your outdoor decor, and enjoy the unique touch it brings to your patio.
Tiered Concrete Built-In Deck Planters
For homeowners who reside in hillside or mountainside properties with steep slopes, finding a stylish yet practical solution for their outdoor spaces can be a challenge. One innovative option is the tiered concrete planter. Not only do they provide a visually appealing contemporary look, but they also serve as a retaining wall, effectively taming the slope and eliminating the need to navigate potentially hazardous terrain.
This clever design ensures that your garden or yard remains safe and manageable, while also showcasing your unique personal style.
DIY Stacked Stone Plant Beds
Creating stacked stone planters allows for endless design possibilities. To get started, envision the shape you want your planter to take and mark it out with a garden hose or clothesline rope. Next, define the area within the outline using spray paint. Clear a one-foot wide path inside this marked zone, then compact the soil to provide a sturdy base for your structure.
If your desired location features a slope, consider building multiple tiers by linking each level’s capstone under the foundation of the next higher tier, starting with the lowest layer.
Built-In Planter Half-Wall with Bench
For homeowners seeking to mask unsightly high fences or walls, a long planter and bench combination can be an effective solution. By planting dwarf trees within the planter and pruning them in an espalier style, you can create a visually appealing display that draws attention away from the wall’s rough exterior. Alternatively, you could opt for taller plants like tree kale, which can add a pop of greenery to the area.
Additionally, consider incorporating a trellis into your design to support climbing vines, allowing them to cascade down the planter and create a lush, verdant atmosphere.
DIY Tiered Wood Planter Boxes
Transforming your outdoor space into a thriving botanical haven is achievable even with limited square footage. Instead, think vertically! Utilize readily available materials such as two-by-fours, wooden wall-shelf supports, and small cedar window boxes to create a unique and functional vertical garden.
Attach this innovative setup to the cross supports of your fence’s interior, cleverly filling in the gaps between vertical posts with an assortment of flowers, herbs, or shallow-rooted vegetables like salad greens.
Concrete Block Planter and Decoration
Transform your space with a show-stopping concrete planter! Start by painting the concrete blocks and half-blocks a bold, dramatic color that complements your décor. Then, get creative with the arrangement – stack the blocks to form an intriguing shape, leaving some of the full blocks protruding from the front and others spaced apart to create visual interest. Finally, add some greenery to the visible holes by placing potted plants inside.
The result is a one-of-a-kind planter that’s sure to draw attention.
Planter Boxes with Climbing Trellis
For areas where you desire a privacy screen while still allowing sunlight and a gentle breeze, this planter presents a unique solution. To achieve this look, place a series of planters along the area you wish to screen, and then attach lattice work trellises to each planter. By growing flowering vines or vining vegetables that climb up the trellis, you can create a visually appealing display with more blooms or produce towards the front of the planter while still maintaining an open feel.
Built-In Patio Planter Boxes
Transform your urban apartment balcony or patio into a charming outdoor oasis by thoughtfully arranging planter boxes of different sizes and heights along the walls and railings. Fill these containers with compact trees, shrubs, and flowers to create a lush atmosphere reminiscent of a meadow. Strategically place tall plants, trellises, vines, or hanging baskets with climbing foliage around areas you’d like to screen or conceal.
Alternatively, utilize the planters to cultivate an urban vegetable garden, bringing the great outdoors into your small space.
Built-In Deck Planters for Privacy
If you’re fortunate enough to have a spacious backyard with a larger deck, consider transforming it into an oasis by creating large concrete planters that can accommodate small trees. To achieve this, intersperse the trees with native shrubs or taller plants that thrive in shaded environments, reminiscent of those found beneath tree cover in local woodlands and forests. This naturalistic approach will successfully recreate the ambiance of a woodland glade on your deck, bringing the outdoors in.
DIY Wood Crate Planter Boxes
To craft this visually appealing arrangement, start by conceptualizing the dimensions you want for the overall structure and individual planters. Cut boards to the desired height, width, and length for each planter’s sides and bottom, as well as slats of equal length to form the front and back faces of each planter. Secure the planter bottoms and slats to their respective sides in a way that aligns with your desired layout.
This versatile design can be used to create planter columns, an archway, or even a vertical garden for herbs or vegetables, effectively defining an entrance, screening off a space, or adding greenery to your outdoor area.
Green Wall Backyard Planter Project
The Gro-Wall is a cutting-edge, modular system for vertical gardening that can be permanently attached to a wall or fence. Its modularity allows you to design a wall of any height and length, making it an ideal solution for indoor or outdoor spaces. With the option to create single- or double-sided walls, you can enjoy a lush, green oasis on one side and a private, verdant screen on the other.
The system’s integrated watering mechanism ensures efficient water use by containing leaks within each modular unit, reducing waste and conserving this precious resource.
Built-In Patio Planter with Bench
To complete the L-shaped bench, start by creating molds for the planter and end corner supports using a quick-drying concrete countertop mix. Select a stain that complements your home’s style and décor. Then, use a caulking gun and masonry construction adhesive to attach the bench supports to the planter. Next, build each length of the bench seat, placing the straight ends into notches before attaching the mitered ends to the square wood that caps the center support.
Finally, add pillows to soften the overall look.
Built-In Rock Garden for Succulents
At the heart of this charming patio side table is a repurposed planter, fashioned from two halves of a shallow crate that once carried artwork. The rustic aesthetic is further enhanced by the use of short succulents, which thrive with minimal care, and the smooth stream pebbles that create a striking visual juxtaposition against the weathered wood. This unique piece would seamlessly integrate into a southwestern-inspired setting or one that blends contemporary and rustic elements.
Tiered Wooden Crate Built-In Planter Boxes
Create a unique and functional decor piece by crafting crate-like planters. To add visual interest, combine shallow and deeper planters in a harmonious arrangement that can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. These planters can also be used to create a decorative railing for your patio or deck by attaching them to the posts, or you can attach them to fence posts to soften or conceal your outdoor fencing.
Built-In Planters with Water Feature
Combine the calming effects of nature’s sounds with the serenity of a peaceful outdoor space by incorporating a unique feature-rich planter into your backyard design. This innovative concept involves adding a pump, filter, and tubing to create a soothing waterfall effect beside an above-ground or in-ground pond. The addition of fish and water plants will not only enhance the visual appeal but also produce a gentle background noise that can help to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
Imagine this planter as the focal point of a meditation garden, inviting you to slow down and connect with nature.
Deck with Built-In Planter Boxes
To achieve a whimsical woodland boardwalk ambiance on your deck, start by placing tall box planters along its edges. Ensure they’re only slightly taller than the deck’s edge to create a seamless visual flow. Fill these planters with small ornamental trees, flowering plants, and lush ground covers. For an authentic touch, opt for native woodland species that thrive in shady conditions.
DIY Metal Tub Planter Boxes
When it comes to raised-bed planters, metal tubs are a practical and eco-friendly option. Consider repurposing old tubs that have never held toxic substances, adding a touch of upcycled charm to your garden. If you don’t have any on hand, you can find new ones in various shapes and sizes. Fill them with an assortment of flowers, herbs, or vegetables for a visually appealing and functional addition to your outdoor space.
One of the biggest benefits of raised beds is their accessibility – they allow individuals with mobility limitations to tend to their plants with ease, whether it’s gathering fresh-cut flowers for arrangements or harvesting homegrown produce.
Easy Planter with Built-In Bench
At gardengurus. co. uk, we’re excited to share with you our unique planter design featuring a charming, centrally-located bench crafted from railway ties or sleepers. What sets these planters apart is the visually striking contrast between the railway tie’s irregular shape and size compared to other boards used in similar projects. However, it’s crucial to use only new, untreated railway ties for your project.
Avoid using old ties as they may have been treated with creosote to repel wood-boring insects. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote is classified as a possible human carcinogen and is not approved for treating any wood intended for residential use, including landscaping purposes.
Patio with Built-In Planters and Benches
The rooftop oasis boasts a thoughtful layout, utilizing planters to carve out distinct zones for various activities. A striking focal point is the concrete planter with an integrated bench, situated at the forefront. The adjacent pergola features a built-in window blind, which allows for adjustable shading, while vines from the planter begin their ascent up the posts. With time, these lush tendrils can be trained to cascade across the structure, providing an additional layer of shade.
Meanwhile, in the meditation area, a cleverly designed C-shaped planter creates a serene retreat for a second-hand bench, situated atop a raised platform adorned with pebbles. Accessible via a gentle ramp, this peaceful nook overlooks a shallow planter that captures the soft, soothing flow of a concrete and metal water feature’s cascading waterfall. The space is further enhanced by plush pillows, adding warmth and texture to the overall design.
Concrete Planters and In-Set Grass Patches
Transform your rooftop or deck into an oasis by incorporating lush greenery and creative design elements. One unique approach is to install grassy patches of lawn on elevated platforms created from cut-down deck boards. Shape these platforms into circles or custom designs that add visual interest to the space. To maintain a sense of seclusion, consider using white and light gray planters to create cozy nooks.
Fill these containers with dwarf trees, tall plants, and vines trained to grow up trellises, providing a natural barrier between your outdoor retreat and the surrounding environment.
DIY Wood Planter with Built-In Benches
The patio’s design expertly blends seemingly opposing elements to create a unique visual harmony. The combination of warm, natural materials like varnished wood planters and benches, alongside darker wood accents, evokes a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the two black metal chairs, the chairs with plastic seats and chrome legs, and the hanging light fixture add a touch of retro flair reminiscent of the 1950s.
The pièce de résistance is the round coffee table and light-colored wood bench with black cushions, which skillfully merge these contrasting styles to create a cohesive whole.
DIY Tiered Wooden Corner Planter
If your deck or patio is missing a touch of greenery and charm, consider adding a tiered corner planter. This innovative design allows you to combine low-maintenance succulents with taller grasses as a stunning backdrop for flowering plants. The result is a visually appealing display that adds vibrancy and character to the often-neglected corners of your outdoor space.
Tiered Planter Garden With Waterfall
Transforming a sloping area into an inviting outdoor space is a great way to enhance your property. This innovative design from 1001gardens. org showcases a clever arrangement of wooden planters, steps, and a slide that not only caters to the natural slope but also provides a functional play area for kids. The planters serve as a retaining wall, preventing soil erosion while making it easy to tend to the surrounding flora.
Meanwhile, the wavy design of the blue slide adds a visually appealing touch, reminiscent of a miniature waterfall. This unique landscape feature effectively bridges the gap between form and function, creating a harmonious blend of beauty and practicality.
Concrete Block Corner Garden Planter
For a unique and effortless statement piece on your outdoor space, consider creating a stacked block planter. To do this, arrange cement blocks and half-blocks in an uneven mound shape, with a triangular base providing stability. The resulting structure will provide a quirky yet visually appealing focal point for your deck or patio. Simply fill the holes left by the blocks with small potted plants to add a touch of greenery and texture.
Built-In Tiered Wood Planter Boxes
Elevate your pergola’s functionality and aesthetics by incorporating both privacy and a vertical garden space. To achieve this, alternate two to three trellis-like slats with built-in shelving for planters. This clever design allows you to fill the planters with an assortment of plants, including herbs, low-growing vegetables, flowering plants, or a harmonious blend of all three.
Corner Planter Box with Climbing Trellis
Transform your outdoor space by crafting a square planter that perfectly occupies a corner on your patio or deck. To add visual interest and depth, incorporate a trellis into the design, attaching it to two sides of the planter. The resulting combination of black lattice, posts, and top piece can evoke an oriental ambiance, but feel free to experiment with different wood tones, colors, and shapes to create a look that’s reminiscent of Victorian elegance, rustic charm, or even sleek modernity.
Our Favorite Front Door Flower Pots to buy on Amazon
When it comes to choosing the perfect planter for your home or office, you’re spoiled for choice. From modern and sleek to rustic and charming, here are 15 unique planters that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Starting with the Stack Planter, its vertical design makes it ideal for small spaces while still showcasing your favorite plants. Next up is the Ceramic Planter, offering a classic and timeless look that blends seamlessly into any décor.
The Cottage Planter brings a cozy touch with its distressed finish and charming details. For those who appreciate the dramatic, the Black Urn Planter provides a striking focal point. Medium Stack-A-Pot offers a more minimalist approach, perfect for those who prefer understated elegance. White Tall Planter adds a pop of color and brightness to any room, while Ella Tall Planter brings a touch of whimsy with its playful design. For a natural look, the Green Planter is hard to beat.
Rustic Barrel Planter Set evokes a sense of country charm, while Black Patio Planter provides a sleek and modern alternative. Sierra Bronze planter adds a warm, earthy tone to any space, Log Planter brings a rustic touch with its natural wood design. Ceramic Planter set offers a versatile collection for your plants, and Imperial Urn Planter makes a statement with its grandeur and ornate details.
