Introduction: Planter Crates Without Screws

By

Here you can create planters without any hammering or screwing.
The connection as well as the grips are completely made of rope, providing a uniform design.

What you need

  • Wood (min 25cm x 125cm)
  • Rope (around 5m)


Tools

  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Measuring rule
  • Tape
  • Clams

Also visit the tutorial on Behance!


This instructable is in collaboration with
Simon Jackson
Simon Boury
Jeroen Van Belleghem
Joeri Boi (myself)

Step 1: Technical Drawing

In our case we used multiplex wood to create the crate. You can use any type of wood or composite material.
Use the technical drawing as a template for your measurements, and draw all edges and points.

Step 2: Sawing

In order to make one box you need 5 planks. For an easy cut, follow measurements below. The picture provided is one large plank we cut into 5 pieces.

1 = Height of the planter
2 = Height of the planter - 2 * material thickness
3 = Length of the planter
4 = Total length

We chose to make a cubic box (250 x 250 x 250 mm). The material had a thickness of 9mm, so our measurements looked like this.

1 = 250 mm
2 = 250 - 2 * 9mm = 232 mm
3 = 250 mm
4 = 1214 mm

Step 3: Drilling

Drill holes close to the edge. Each hole has diameter 10mm and the distance in between is 40mm.
When drilling multiplex wood or most other types of wood, it is advised to tape off the bottom to prevent wood chipping. As two of the sides are exactly the same, you can drill 2 holes at the same time. Clamp them together. When clamping, do not forget protection as you don't want any clamping damage to your woodwork.

Step 4: Varnishing

Varnish the wooden plates the colour you like the most. Make sure the varnish is wood-protective and is applicable for outdoor use.

Step 5: Weaving

For each planter, you need 5m of rope. It is advised to have a rope-thickness at least 1mm below the diameter of your drilled holes in order to provide a smooth passage. We recommend to start in a lower corner, and move up following your weaving pattern.

Step 6: Optional Knotting

Now it's just a matter to make a finishing knot in the ending lower corner.
However, in a collaboration to make a hanging planter, drill a hole in the bottom plate of the box and guide the rope through. Make a loop so your hand fits well and make a finishing knot here.

Step 7: Protecting the Woodwork

In order to protect the woodwork from rotting too fast, cut root fabric or any other breathable membrane in the pattern provided. Depending on the size you choose the pattern will have to be adapted. Once you cut out the membrane you can very easily push this pattern to the bottom of the box.

Step 8: Plant

Now you can fill your planter with soil or whatever floats your boat. The heavier it gets, the more the rope tightens the connection. And maybe you can make the system somewhat modular in our next tutorial on how to make hanging planters.