How to Build a PVC Planter

For this workshop project, Ron built an outdoor planter using a material that most of us usually think of for plumbing, PVC pipe. Ron assembled together sections of this pipe, connecting them with the fittings that are also used for plumbing, to create a three-tiered planter.

When Ron finished assembling the frame, he set three plastic planters into the structure for a result that was inexpensive, simple to make and surprisingly attractive.

Click Here For a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

1. Cut pipe:

• To get this project started, Ron had to cut several pieces of the plastic pipe to exactly the same length. He set up a jig to do that, using two pieces of 1x3 lumber. He created an L-shaped fixture to lay the pieces of pipe in.

  View, download and print Ron's PVC Planter

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• Ron nailed the two boards together and clamped them to the workbench.

• Next, he cut a slot through both boards creating a small miter box, in effect.

• Ron wanted the first pieces of pipe cut to twelve-inch lengths. He put his tape measure in the saw groove and marked off twelve inches inside the jig.

• He then picked up a piece of scrap wood and put the end of it on the mark and clamped it in place. This created what Ron called a stop.

• Ron took the first piece of pipe, laid it in the jig and put the end of it right up against the stop. He then dropped his saw down through the slot that he had made, and cut the piece of pipe off. No matter how many pieces Ron cut, they would all come out exactly the same length.

• It was equally important is that the ends of the cut pipe were perfectly squared.

2. Assembly:

• Ron gathered the cut pipe and fittings he would need to begin assembling the first section of the planter.

• He began with the top frame, into which the top planter would sit. There would be three of these frames altogether. To assemble each one, he used four corner pieces, which were actually three-way elbows, and four straight pieces-- two long and two short.

• Ron glued the pipe sections to the fittings using two different materials, a primer and an adhesive.

• Ron ran the primer applicator around the outside end of the pipe twice and inside the fitting twice.

• He quickly repeated the process with the cement.

• Ron put the two together, gave the assembly a one-quarter turn and then held it for a second waiting for the pipe joint to become firmly welded.

• It only took Ron a matter of minutes to assemble all three frames.

• Next, Ron began to connect the frames together with the vertical pieces.