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 do you protect wooden planter boxes from the Sun?
Additionally, oil-based varnish offers UV protection to prevent sun bleaching. Never coat the inside of a wooden planter box with roofing cement or tar to waterproof the wood.
How do you fix a cracked planter box?
The basic outline of this process involves drying the box, adding drainage holes, sealing the cracks, applying oil varnish, sanding the surface, and lining the interior with plastic. Let’s discuss these steps in detail. 1. Allow the Planter Box to Fully Dry First things first, you need to make sure your wooden planter box is thoroughly dry.
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 untreated wood for planter boxes?
Natural oils like linseed oil, tung oil, and hemp oil deeply penetrate the wood for a water-resistant seal. Using a natural oil will also enhance the natural colors and grains of the wood.
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.
Should you seal a wooden planter?
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.
How do you seal an outdoor wooden planter?
0:020:32With 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 you line wooden planters with plastic?
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.
How do you make wood waterproof?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
What do you line a wooden planter box with?
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.
What should I seal my planter box with?
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.
What do you seal a planter box with?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 1: Prepare the planter box
Before you can waterproof your planter box, you will need to prepare it. Start by sanding down the inside of the box to create a rough surface for the sealant of your choice to stick to.
Step 2: Seal the box
For this step, you will need the caulk. Squeeze some caulk onto all the joins where the different wooden panels come together. Once the substance is applied, smooth it over with your finger to form a seal and create a smooth finish.
Step 3: Apply the wood preservative
Once the caulk is dry, you can move on to the wood preservative. How you apply it, will depend on what kind of preservative you’ll be using. If you opt to go with an oil-based varnish or oil-based wood sealant then you will need a brush to apply it.
Step 4: Line the planter box
For the last step, you will need thick industrial plastic to use as a liner for your box. The plastic will further protect the wood against water damage, making it even more waterproof.
Should wood planters be sealed?
Yes, wood planters will rot very quickly if left untreated especially if it is made from softwood. Sealing your planter will increase its life expectancy and keep it looking great for much longer.
What can I put in the bottom of a wooden planter?
Seal your planter with a plastic liner before filling the bottom with filter media such as gravel, stones, broken ceramic, broken glass or plastic bottles. This will ensure the wood is protected against water damage and improve drainage from your planter by keeping the drainage holes open.
How can I prevent my wooden planter from rotting?
Seal it! The best way to keep your wooden planter from rotting is to seal it with oil-based wood preservative or sealant spray. You can also line the inside of your box with a plastic liner to reduce the contact between the moist soil and the wooded box.
