How to Waterproof a Wooden Planter Box: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Allow the Planter Box to Fully Dry. First things first, you need to make sure your wooden planter box is thoroughly dry. ...
- Make Drainage Holes. Next, you need to make drainage holes in the box to allow excess water to escape. ...
- Seal any Cracks. Now is the time to seal any cracks by applying a bead of silicone caulk to fill them in. ...
- Apply An Oil-Based Varnish. Apply an oil-based varnish on the exterior of the wooden planter box. ...
- Remove Excess Varnish. Using a clean cloth, wipe the excess varnish off of the surface. Then, allow the varnished planter box to cure for one day.
- Polish the surface. Polish the varnished surface using some fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply one or two additional coats of varnish, letting it dry for a day between applications.
- Line the Interior with Plastic. Next, line the interior of the wooden planter box with thick plastic. ...
- Accommodate The Drainage Holes. Locate the spot (s) in the plastic above the drainage hole (s) at the bottom of the planter then cut a hole in the plastic ...
- Add the Soil. Lastly, lay a small piece of permeable fabric or mesh inside the planter to cover the drainage hole (s) and keep soil from falling through.
How do you waterproof the inside of a planter?
You can use 6 mil polyethylene sheeting -used commonly for greenhouses- but even a plastic bag can work to waterproof the inside of the planter. To achieve the best results, try folding the plastic bag in half to double its thickness.
How do you seal a wood planter box?
Apply the sealant using a paintbrush dipped in the sealant, using slow, graduated strokes and evenly covering all surfaces of the wood planter box. Wait for 24 to 48 hours until the first coat of sealant has dried.
How to use wood as a planter box?
If you are going to use the wood as a planter box, drill 4 to 6 holes at the bottom of the box, especially the central plank. They should be ¼” in diameter. This allows any excess water to drain from the soil of your plant. 2. Apply silicone caulk Before starting, you need to protect your hands.
How to waterproof a wooden box?
A majority of wooden boxes are built with pressure-treated or untreated lumber. To prepare the box for waterproofing, you need to set it on a flat surface in a room. Let it rest for two to three weeks, especially if it has recently been assembled. This is done to allow the wood to dry properly and not seal in moisture.
How do I keep my wooden planter from rotting?
The best way to prevent deck planters from rotting is with a liner. Lining a wood planter prevents water and fungi from contacting the wood. Preventing rotting by separating that which is good for the plants, water and fungi from the wood.
How do you seal a wooden planter?
Brush an oil-based varnish on the outside of the planter box, or rub it on the wood with a cloth. You might consider wearing a protective glove to avoid getting varnish on your hand. Apply varnish to the exposed wood where the drainage hole(s) were cut.
Do I need to waterproof my planter box?
Because it's exposed to the elements, your planter needs to be protected. Whether it's from the rain or the sprinklers that water your plants, too much moisture can lead to rot and weaken the structure overall. Not to mention, a rotting planter doesn't make the best accent piece for your yard.
How do you seal untreated wood for planter boxes?
Raw linseed oil, derived from the flax plant, is a perfect, natural alternative when it comes to wood treatment if you're trying to avoid chemical sealants that could end up harming your plants. Applying this linseed oil to untreated wood will increase its water-repellant properties, and help weatherproof it.
How do I Weatherproof my outdoor planter?
Not only is epoxy a strong bonding material, but it is also water resistant. Using an epoxy glue or gel over any cracks that you may have on your planters will prevent any future leaking and will keep your plants getting the moisture they need to grow and is how to protect deck from planters damage.
How do I waterproof my outdoor planter?
0:020:32How to Waterproof a Wooden Planter Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a putty knife apply roofing cement to the inside of the planter that will protect it from waterMoreWith a putty knife apply roofing cement to the inside of the planter that will protect it from water and keep it from rotting.
Should I line my wooden planter with plastic?
Protecting the wood To protect the wood, line the planter inside with plastic, such as old plastic compost bags, fixing it with small nails. Make drainage holes before filling it with compost.
Do I need to seal a wood planter box?
While wooden planters need to be sealed, they also must have good drainage, else water collects in the planter and leads to rot and disease. Excess water prematurely ages wood sealants and causes plant death. Before applying sealant to your planter box, ensure that drainage holes are at the bottom.
Do I need to put a liner in a wooden planter?
Does a wooden planter box need a plastic liner? Yes, wood planters will last much longer when lined with plastic. Plastic liners prevent moisture from being in constant contact with the wood. This in turn prevents the wood from rotting prematurely.
Can you waterproof a wooden box?
Fortunately, by using varnish, you can turn any wooden box into a waterproof outdoor storage container that will stand up to the elements and protect your belongings.
How do you waterproof a raised garden bed?
Beeswax is a safe alternative. It's been used as a non-toxic wood treatment and waterproofing sealant throughout history. And since it's all-natural and even antifungal and antibacterial, it's a great choice to waterproof your raised garden bed. To use beeswax as a waterproof sealant, start with a block of beeswax.
Should I stain the inside of a planter box?
Semi-transparent penetrating stains can be beneficial to soft woods like cedar and can prevent the planter or raised bed from being damaged by rain or sun. Some stains may have an adverse effect on plants, so either stain the planter when it's empty or protect the plants inside.
What to use to waterproof a planter?
Thick, 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, commonly used for greenhouses, works well -- but even a plastic trash bag can be used to waterproof the inside of the planter. For best results, fold the trash bag in half to double the thickness of the liner. Trim any excess plastic from around the top of planter. Advertisement.
How to seal cracks in wood?
Apply a bead of silicone caulk to fill in any cracks in the wood and the joints where two pieces of wood meet. You might consider wearing tight-fitting, disposable gloves to avoid getting caulking on your skin. Wet your finger or glove and drag it along the uncured caulk to remove excess caulk and create clean lines. Allow the caulk to dry completely -- some products require several days to cure before you apply stain or water sealant.
Can you put roofing cement on a planter box?
Never coat the inside of a wooden planter box with roofing cement or tar to waterproof the wood. While it might be effective against water damage, the chemicals in the roofing cement can leach into the soil, which is particularly hazardous if you grow edible plants in the planter.
Does pressure treated lumber warp?
Wood naturally degrades over time, and exposure to moisture softens wood and hastens decay. Even pressure-treated lumber can warp and become weathered with moisture exposure. Extend the life of your wood planter and preserve its natural beauty by waterproofing to protect it from exposure to elements on the outside and from exposure ...
Does a pressure treated wood planter box last longer?
Note: A wooden planter box made from pressure-treated lumber will last longer, but the wood contains chemical preservatives and care must be used when cutting the wood; whereas, an untreated wooden planter box will not last as long, but there is no concern about chemical preservatives. Advertisement.
How long does it take to seal a wood planter box?
Wait for 24 to 48 hours until the first coat of sealant has dried. Then, reapply as directed by the sealant's manufacturer-specific guidelines.
Why use wood planter boxes?
For example, wood helps shield roots from rapidly fluctuating temperature changes, a problem sometimes experienced with plastic or metal planters. And, thanks to its natural appearance, wood planters often blend in better with plants.
Do wood planters decay?
Unfortunately, untreated wood planter boxes also start to decay when exposed to the harsh elements. For optimal planting and long-lasting beauty, prepare your wood box before planting to defend it from the harmful effects of water and ultraviolet light.
How to waterproof a wooden box?
A majority of wooden boxes are built with pressure-treated or untreated lumber. To prepare the box for waterproofing, you need to set it on a flat surface in a room. Let it rest for two to three weeks, especially if it has recently been assembled.
How to protect wooden boxes?
To protect the structure and integrity of a wooden box, you need to waterproof it. The process is not difficult, and you can accomplish the steps using a few supplies which can be found in your garage. Other items can be bought at a hardware or home improvement store.
How to get caulk off of a drywall wall?
Using your gloved finger, drag the caulk along the cracks and joints. You can also dip your gloved finger in water to help in removing the excess caulk and allow the creation of clean lines. Let the caulk completely dry. This may take a few hours to a few days. 3.
How to fill cracks in wood with silicone caulk?
This helps to prevent the caulk from coming into contact with your skin, which could be a problem if your skin is sensitive. Take the silicone caulk and apply a bead to fill any cracks in the wood and joints. Using your gloved finger, drag the caulk along the cracks and joints.
How to varnish a box?
Apply oil-based varnish. Mix the oil-based varnish according to the instructions provided. Using your brush, apply the varnish to the inside and outside of the box; remember to have your gloves on when doing so. Apply the varnish all over the box and make sure you have added extra varnish around the drainage holes.
Why do people use wooden boxes?
Wooden boxes have a wide range of uses; they can be used for storage purposes especially if you have old belongings that you don’t want to throw away. They can also be used to plant a wide range of flowers and other exotic plants. The reason wooden boxes are used as a planter’s box is that they blend well with nature due to its natural appearance.
How to plant seeds in a wooden box?
If you are using the wooden box for planting, then you have to line the interior with the plastic sheet. Cut the plastic sheet with the precision knife if necessary. Fold the plastic sheet to double the thickness. From here, you can proceed with seeding and planting.
