A deck planter will spruce up any deck with color and life. Planters are a great way to make your deck feel alive rather than just an empty space.

And if you have already explored the other areas like the deck benches section, then you know how great planters and benches go together.

Take a look at your deck and start thinking about the kinds of plants you think would go well.

If you want splashes of color, then smaller flowers may do the trick with a planter over a railing. More giant deck planters can accommodate plants that give more privacy like small evergreens.

Be sure to read this article about How to Build Planters

Remember that planters can also be attached over railings for a nice touch. We have also found some manufacturers who make some beautiful planters just if you decide you aren't ready to build your own.

But here are a few things you should know before you start building a planter on your own.

Planter Basics

There are two common types of deck planters - those which have waterproof liners and those which simply hold smaller plastic containers.

A planter that holds the container inside it is less susceptible to moisture problems because the moist soil never touches the inside walls of the planter. Although you still have to have drain holes or spaces between the supporting planks.

Whereas a planter that actually holds soil, it must be built with waterproofing in mind. The best kind of liner is EPDM rubber tacked in place at the top of the walls, under the lip.

The soil will hold the rubber in place. But you still have to have drain holes in the bottom of the planter and have corresponding holes in the rubber to prevent your deck planter from turning into a swamp.

Be sure to put some gravel or small stones at the bottom of the planter on top of the liner before filling it with soil. It acts as a filter and keeps your soil from draining out with the water onto your deck.

Another small but important point so that your planter lasts a long time.

Consider screwing in some adjustable metal chair legs into the bottom of the planter. They allow for adjustments on uneven surfaces and prevent wood on wood contact where water may pool.

Just a small point, but it makes a difference over time.

Ok, have you got a free afternoon? Good, let's build a basic deck planter.