how to waterproof planter box? Make drainage holes, apply silicone seal at the edge of the wooden planter, apply oil-based varnish, add a landscaping fabric to the drainage hole, and cover the planter with a plastic waterproof.
how to waterproof planter box? I have made a cheap way to waterproof a planter box for you because I have made over 18 before writing this blog post.
In this article, I will walk you through the tools to waterproof a wooden planter and how to waterproof planter box. I have broken down all the steps for you. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Tools And types of equipment For Waterproofing A Wooden Planter
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Oil-based varnish/ Flex Seal spray
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Carpenter stapler
- Newspaper
- Masking tape
- silicone-based caulk
- Thick industrial plastic liner
- landscaping fabric or a mesh screen
- Driller
- Disposable glove.
How To Waterproof The Inside Of A Wood Planter Box Step By Step
Step 1: How To Waterproof Planter Box? Preparing The Planter Box For Waterproofing.
After buying or building your planter box or having an existing planter, you must keep the planter in the sun to dry out water if the planter is wet.
Suppose your planter has been outside for a while. It might be wet due to weather conditions before asking how to waterproof a wooden planter.
- Sun the planter until it gets dry; it can take 3 to 5 days to dry, depending on the weather temperature and wetness of the planter.
- Once the planter is dried, sand the inside parts of the planter to make the surface rough. The roughness will allow the sealant to stick firmly to the wood.
- Use a rag, brush, or air compressor to get rid of the dust from the planter.
If you don’t know how to make a wooden planter box, learn how to make a wooden planter (small or standard size).
Learn how to make a standard-size planter.
Learn how to make a small wooden planter box.
Note; we left the wood to dry so you can appropriately sand the wood and the sealant can stick to the wood.
Step 2: Drill The Bottom Of The Wooden Planter.
Make about 4 to 7 holes in the center of the bottom of the wooden planter, which will serve as a drainage hole that allows excess water to flow out when watered.
The ideal size of the hole should be about 1/4-inch, or use your available bit. Let the hose separate from each other about 1 ½ to 3 cm.
Also, read How To Make A Hanging Planter
Step 3; Seal The Wooden Planter Box With A Sealant
- Use your preferred sealant to seal all the planter’s edges to avoid opening or leakage, especially the bottom part. I mean where the wood was joined together. And use your finger to dress it up.
You can use your finger or put on a disposable glove when applying the silicon caulk.
When it looks sticky on your finger, dip your finger in water to make your finger sleepy over its sealant.
In my case, I used a silicone-based sealant for this project. You can also use the same I use.
- Set the planter apart and Let the sealant dry.
Also, learn How To Make Wooden Terrace Planters
Step 4; Apply Oil-Based Varnish To The Planter
- Use masking tape to tape the four edges of the planter together with a newspaper to avoid the outside being stained with varnish.
- Once the silicone sealer is dry, Use a brush to spread out the oil-based varnish on the planter to the inner part of the planter.
Apply appropriately by following the product directions. But make sure the wood absorbs the oil base varnish.
- Allow the varnish to dry, then remove the newspaper and the tape.
- Turn the planter over (upside down) and Apply the oil base varnish at the bottom bass of the planter to avoid rot and moisture because the drainage hole will continuously release water, which can make the bottom wet.
- (Option) Use a brush to apply colored vanquish on the outside of the planter, but this is optional. You can also use the same varnish you use inside for the outside. Allow it to dry.
Also, read How To Make A Vertical Succulent Garden.
Step 5; Cover The Draining Hole Of The Planter.
- Cut a piece of landscaping fabric or mesh screen. Let it be a bit wider and longer than the drainage hole. You can add an extra 4 cm to the length and width of the material.
- Apply glue to the edge of the landscaping fabric or a mesh screen. Avoid gumming the center; only the edge needs gum.
- Cover the draining hole with a piece of landscaping fabric or a mesh screen to prevent the soil from draining out and to prevent the soil from blocking the draining hole.
Step 6: Waterproof The Planter Box
In this step, we need an industrial plastic or polythene waterproof to line the bottom of our wooden planter.
The plastic protects the wood; it prevents the soil from coming in contact with the wood and is also responsible for the long-lasting of the wood.
- Place the polythene on top of the wooden planter and use your hand to press it down to get the inner shape of the planter.
- Use a carpentry stapler to attach the plastic to the planter But make sure you staple the upper part of the waterproof because the pin creates a small hole It is important we fold the corner and never cut anything But you can trim The part that is longer than the planter.
- Use your finger to trace the drainage hole you drill at the bottom of the planter. Cut off about 3 cm wide of the waterproof the length will determine the number of rows you drill.
The purpose of cutting the plastic is to let water flow out free from the soil.
Your planter is ready; you can add potting soil to the wooden planter without trouble. It is how to waterproof the inside of a wood planter box.
also, read How To Build A Planter Outdoor with Bricks
Conclusion To Waterproofing A Wooden Planter Box
Now I have shown you how to waterproof inside of a wood planter box. Remember to use the vanish correctly or read the manufacturer’s directions.
Since this is a cheap way to waterproof a planter box, keep in mind that sealing the edge of the planter box is essential and making a drainage hole is also important. this is how to waterproof planter box easily.
You can also read how to prepare a planter for planting.
