How to make an Oxford planter - a DIY Experience

How to make an Oxford planter – a DIY Hardware Experience

We enjoyed the participation of a group of ladies in our second Power Tools Wood Workshop presented in collaboration with Ingco powertools, where we made an Oxford planter box.

We are grateful to Johan and Pierre of Ingco who helped our group of ladies find success in this project. Not only that, Ingco gifted our ladies some very necessary measuring tools an similarly Alcolin offered our ladies adhesive products as a gift in their goody bags. It is wonderful to have such lovely support of our workshops and our ladies.

In this summary of the day we outline the tasks required to follow to achieve this project if you try it at home.

Requirements to make an Oxford planter

Just to clarify, an Oxford planter is a specific, classic style of square planter, often featuring panelling and short feet.

4 upright pieces for the four corners L: 50mm x W: 50mm x H: 550mm
4 sides of 4 strips of wood of dimensions: L: 400mm x W: 20mm x H:125mm
1 piece of wood for the base of dimensions: L: 500mm x W: 500mm x H: 20mm
8 wood strips of L: 400mm x W: 10mm x H: 10mm. These act as supports for uprights and sides.

Or simply, speak to our team and ask for the right measurements and cutting list for your planter box.

Tools needed to construct the Oxford planter

There are many ways that you can assemble your planter box. In this project we wanted to keep it simple for our ladies. We prepared the task so that the ladies could practise their skills with the tools they are becoming familiar with. You may choose to use alternative products and methods of assembling your Oxford planter box. This is our list of tools:

1 Ingco Brad Nailer with nails
1 Ingco Orbital sander with 100 -120 sandpaper
1 Ingco Jigsaw
1 T Square for accurate measuring
1 Ingco Screwdriver

An Oxford Planter box, the project for this workshop.

An assembled Oxford planter. Note the woodstrips on the inside which add support to the uprights and provide the strip to which the side can be affixed with a nail gun.

Jackie welcomes the ladies to the Power Tools Wood Workshop presented by Ingco in collaboration with DIY Hardware

In the beginning it is about checking the wood and deciding what steps to carry out first. In this instance we are deciding the position of the wood strips which help assemble the sides.

In the early stages it is important to know which pieces are applied first. Take some time to orientate yourself with your materials.

Ingco staff member, Pierre, is always available to ensure that participants gain confidence through participation.

The tools we used to assemble the Oxford Planter. In addition to the powertools note the Rafter -square and the blue cordless screwdriver

Here the ladies are gluing the wood strips to the side panels and aligning with the corner pieces.

Using the brad nailer to join the side panel to the upright.

Constructing the side panels of the Oxford Planter

Using the brad nailer gun, we assembled the side panels. We used the small strips of wood to join the individual panels of wood to create the sides.

To have the right tools at hand is always helpful. Consider this as you get started.

You can never sand wood enough to create that smooth, silky finish.

Confidence grows as assembly takes place.

Once the sides have been completed one can start to assemble them into an upright position. The brad nailer will help join the sides to create the square structure. Mind your fingers.

To place the base of the planter in place, corners have to be jigsawed so that the based can slide into place.

Although not an official step in the creation of an Oxford planter, snacks are always helpful to keep the energy even and focused attention.

Steps to success

Build the sides

Lay 4 panels to make up a side
Affix the strips of wood with glue to the panels
Align the strips with the end of the panels
Reinforce the bond with use of the nail gun
Repeat to complete all four sides
Sand and smooth

Build the base

Repeat the process for the base
Ensure that you jigsaw a space for the corner pieces

Assemble

Once the sides and the base are complete, use one of the uprights
Place one upright between two side panels
Use the brad nailer to joing the side panels to the upright
Sand and neaten when complete
Repeat for the other three uprights

At this stage your Oxford Planter Box should look like a work of art. Decide how you want to finish it off.

Our next event

If you are interested in participating in one of our workshops put your name down on the waiting list by sending your details (contact name and telephone number ) to Amirah, right here at: [email protected].

Our next event will take place on May 16th, 2026. We will be making a bench.