MYO Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

What you'll learn

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

Course tutors

The Bower

The Bower is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to: Reduce the amount of hard waste going to landfills through education, repair, reuse and resale, Raise awareness of the value of waste...

View The Bower's profile

Classes Online Courses

MYO Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

Sat 16 May 2026

1 session, 5 hours total

9am - 2pm (UTC+10:00)

The Summer Hill Workshop

The Bower

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 16 May 2026	9am - 2pm	Workshop Room - The Summer Hill Workshop

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for MYO Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber