Cedar Planter Boxes Woodworking Class

With Sineah McGrady

*You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Build a beautiful and long-lasting cedar planter box, perfect for any garden, patio, or balcony. This workshop guides you through constructing a classic planter from naturally rot-resistant cedar, teaching you fundamental woodworking skills along the way. You’ll learn to safely use power tools to cut and assemble your project, leaving with a finished planter ready for soil and seeds. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A sturdy, naturally weather-resistant cedar planter box, measuring approximately 18" x 18". Its classic design is ideal for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables, adding handmade charm to your outdoor space.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Essential woodshop safety

  • Properties of wood for indoor and outdoor projects

  • Shopping for and cutting lumber to specific dimensions

  • Assembling a box using simple, strong construction

  • Using a nail gun for quick and secure fastening

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Miter saw, table saw, nail gun, bandsaw, and drill.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety Overview: Woodshop rules, project plan, and safe tool use. Power point shared for reference.

  2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates each step of the project from cutting to assembly in stages.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students receive guidance and feedback as they build their own shelf.

  4. Wrap-Up: Tips for home finishing (stains, paints, or oils), and personal feedback.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 15+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

Sineah has been teaching beginner woodworking classes at the Denver Tool Library since 2018. She grew up in Maine, constantly curious to do things independently. After moving to Denver in 2016, Sineah discovered the Tool Library and soon after began encouraging others to safely use tools and build things with their own hands. She started teaching friends in her own backyard until we opened up the workshop. She has taught stool/ plant stand, bookshelf, leaning shelf, cutting board workshops and more. Sineah will encourage you to creatively problem solve and by the end of class, will send you home with a project intended to impress your friends and yourself. Check out Sineah’s work on Instagram at @diyworkshopcollective