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Build a Wooden Garden Planter

Build a sturdy handmade wooden garden planter on this one-day woodworking workshop in Hereford. Ideal for beginners, the course guides you step by step through measuring, cutting, assembling, sanding, and finishing a practical outdoor planter using either softwood or oak.

 

Build a Wooden Garden Planter
Build a Wooden Garden Planter - Finished Product

Build a Wooden Garden Planter is a practical one-day woodworking course in Hereford designed for beginners who want to create a durable and attractive outdoor feature. In a fully equipped workshop, you’ll learn how to measure, cut, assemble and finish timber while building a sturdy planter suitable for gardens, patios, or outdoor spaces.

About the course

Course Overview

In this practical one-day workshop at Hereford Woodcraft Academy, participants will build a sturdy wooden garden planter from either oak or softwood. Guided step-by-step by an experienced instructor, you will learn how to measure, cut, assemble, and finish timber to create a durable planter suitable for outdoor use.

The finished planter features strong timber sides, a solid base, and reinforced corner construction designed to hold soil and plants securely. Participants will prepare the timber components, assemble the structure accurately, and smooth the surfaces before applying a protective finish suitable for outdoor environments.

By the end of the day you will leave with a completed handmade planter, along with practical woodworking skills, greater confidence using tools, and the knowledge needed to continue making practical woodworking projects at home.

What You Will Learn

During this course, participants will learn to:

  • Measure and mark out accurately

  • Safely use essential woodworking hand and bench tools

  • Cut timber components to size using saws and selected workshop equipment

  • Assemble timber panels using screws and accurate fixing techniques

  • Drill drainage holes and prepare timber for outdoor use

  • Sand and apply a professional finish

What You Will Make

  • A sturdy wooden garden planter
  • Accurately cut side panels and base components
  • Reinforced corner construction
  • Drainage holes for outdoor planting
  • A smooth, sanded finish ready for protection outdoors

Who it’s for and practical details

Course Details

Duration:
6 hours (1 day)

The day includes two breaks totalling one hour.

Level:
Beginner / Introductory

Qualification:
Non-accredited practical skills course.

Participants receive a certificate of participation confirming completion of a 6-hour woodworking workshop.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for:

  • Complete beginners with no prior woodworking experience

  • DIY enthusiasts wanting structured guidance in a workshop

  • Gardeners interested in making practical outdoor wooden items

  • Those wanting to build confidence using woodworking tools

Entry Requirements

  • No prior woodworking experience required
  • Minimum age: 16+
  • Reasonable manual dexterity
  • Ability to stand for periods of time

Materials & Options

Participants may choose from the following timber options:

£125 – Softwood option
A lighter, easy-to-work timber ideal for beginners and learning woodworking techniques.

£165 – Oak option
A premium hardwood offering greater durability, weight, and a beautiful natural grain for a high-quality finished appearance.

Both options result in the same finished design. The difference is in feel, weight, appearance, and longevity.

What’s Included

Course fee includes:

  • Full tuition and demonstrations
  • All materials
  • Use of tools and machinery
  • Finishing supplies
  • Take-home finished project
  • Tea and Coffee
  • Certificate of participation

What to Bring

  • Suitable workshop clothing
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Lunch (café available on-site)
  • Glasses if required for close work

All tools and materials are provided.

Next Steps

Progression

After completing this workshop, participants may wish to progress to our Essential Carpentry Skills course or other practical woodworking workshops.

How to Apply

To apply, participants should:

  1. Complete the course booking form (online or in person)

  2. Secure their place with full payment or a deposit

  3. Receive a confirmation email with joining instructions

Places are limited to ensure individual support, so early booking is recommended.

Book This Course

Fill in the form below and select your chosen course date