Looking for a new way to showcase your planters? If you want to garden using outdoor planters, but don't have space on your patio or balcony, we have the solution! Build a DIY Vertical Garden to spotlight the hanging plants, fruits, and vegetables growing in your planter boxes. Here's how.
1. Read all instructions before you proceed.
2. If you want to spray paint the metal flanges or the copper pipe, do this first.
3. Cut your lumber:
4. Smooth and rough edges on the boards with sandpaper.
5. Pre-drill all screw holes with a 3/32 in. drill bit before attaching pieces together. See instructions for where to place the pilot holes.
STEP ONE
The stairs are formed from two 4-step risers and eight 3 ft. lengths of 5/4 inch by 6 in. boards. Set aside four of the 3 ft. boards for Step Three.
Pre-drill two pilot holes at each short edge of the step board for four in total. These holes should be 3/4 in. from the board's rough edge, and 1 in. from each long edge.
Steps:
STEP TWO
Place the stair risers securely against a wall; you may want someone to hold them in place while you work.
Note: To make sure the risers are in the correct position, be sure the 8 1/2 in. sections are horizontal and the shorter 7 in. sections are vertical. (See diagram)
Starting with the top step, line up the edge of the first 3 ft. length of 5/4 in. by 6 in. board with the outer edge of the stair riser and secure in place with two 2 1/2-in. deck screws. Do the same at the other end of the board and the second riser.
Repeat to attach the three remaining boards. The entire unit should be 3 ft. wide when assembled.
Steps:
STEP THREE
The front step boards extend slightly beyond the front edge of the risers.
Pre-drill two pilot holes at each short edge of the step board for four in total. These holes should be 3/4 in. from the board's rough edge, and 1 in. from each long edge. Because of the step board's overhang, drill the second pilot hole 1 in. from past the first, so 2 in. from the back edge.
Steps:
STEP FOUR
The support frame is made from two 6-foot pieces of 2 in. by 4 in. boards, two 3 ft. pieces of 2 in. by 4 in. boards, and a length of copper pipe that will be used for hanging plants.
Using 1 in. screws, attach one floor flange to each of the 6 ft. pieces of lumber 3 in. from the top of the board. Secure the copper pipe into the flanges.
Then, drill two pilot holes at the top of each of the 6 ft. boards, 1 in. from both the top and outside edges. Using the 2 1/2 in. deck screws and the pilot holes, affix one of the 3 ft. pieces of 2 in. x 4 in. lumber to the top of the assembly held together by the copper pipe.
Steps:
STEP FIVE
Place the staircase steps in a level position and line up the back edge of the support frame with the back edge of the risers.
With the staircase level, secure the support frame to the sides of the risers with four 2 1/2 in. deck screws.
Attach the remaining 3 ft. piece of lumber between the support frame, behind the staircase steps, approximately 16 in. from ground. This gives the whole unit extra stability.
Steps:
STEP SIX
We have painted the vertical garden in this example a single coat of brown wood stain.
Steps:
STEP SEVEN
Time to get creative with your vertical garden! Here are some ideas:
Steps:
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.