While you can buy a wide variety of planters at your local garden center or home improvement store, creating a planter from other objects can add flair to your yard.A log can be a great planter if you like rustic landscape design.It can be difficult to handle a chainsaw if you're new to the do-it-yourself scene.You can hollow out the log with an ax, but only if you use the saw.
Step 1: How big is the planter?
You can use any size log to make a planter.It's important to keep in mind that larger logs can weigh a lot, which makes it difficult to move around in your yard or deck.A log that is 45 inches long is a good size for a planter.Depending on how much space you have in your yard and how many flowers you want to plant, you can either go smaller or larger.The harder the wood, the longer it will last.Hard woods are more difficult to cut.It's a good option.
Step 2: Do you want the opening to be large?
The opening in your log planter can be either small or large.Almost the entire top of the log is available for planting if you make it long and wide.A smaller opening will allow more of the log to be seen.It is best to use a tape measure to figure out how large the planter is.That will give you an idea of how much space you have to work with.
Step 3: The bark may be removed.
The rustic appearance of a log planter is part of its charm.To expose the bare wood underneath, you may want to remove the bark from the log.You can use a debarking tool, such as a draw knife, to manually remove the bark from a chainsaw, and use the rotating blade to remove it much more quickly.twigs, moss, and other debris can be removed from the exterior of the log.
Step 4: Put wedges on the log.
The log can roll around when you try to cut it.To keep it in place, set a large wooden wedge on either side of the log.When you cut the wedges, make sure they have a flat edge.It is best to choose a location that is close to where you plan to put the planter.You don't have to move it too far when you're done cutting it.
Step 5: Using chalk, draw the cutting lines.
The interior cutting lines for the opening on the top of the log can be traced using a piece of chalk.You know the lines are straight when you use a tape measure or ruler.
Step 6: You need to put on safety gear.
Cutting tools can be dangerous.Before you begin cutting, protect your eyes with a pair of safety goggles or glasses.It is advisable to wear a pair of canvas or leather work gloves to protect your skin.You may want to wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth to protect yourself from the sawdust and chips that fly around when you cut the log.
Step 7: The planter opening has short sides.
Lift the chainsaw and cut the short sides of the planter opening lines.You don't need to cut the full opening in order to make a superficial score line.If you want the best results, use a chainsaw with a low kickback blade.
Step 8: To mark the longitudinal cuts, you should make superficial cuts.
The chainsaw can be used to make superficial cuts along the longitudinal sides of the opening.You don't need to go deep with the cuts; you just want to create shallow score lines.
Step 9: If you want to cut deeper, hold the chainsaw to the log.
If you want to cut the longitudinal sides of the opening, adjust the chainsaw so you are holding it close to the log.When you reach your desired depth, plunge the tip into the wood.You should aim for at least 5 to 6 inches.When you use the chainsaw to make a plunge cut, you are more likely to experience kickback, which can cause you to lose control of the tool and put you at risk of injury.You know how to use a chainsaw safely if you read the safety instructions.
Step 10: The short sides of the opening need to be cut.
Once you have cut the longitudinal sides deep enough, plunge the short sides of the opening until they are the same depth as the long sides.The opening should be cut to the desired depth all the way around if you join the short side cuts.
Step 11: There are several cuts to the center of the opening.
The chainsaw can be used to cut through the center of the planter's opening after you've cut out the entire outline.3 to 4 cuts are parallel to one another.The center cuts should be the same depth.
Step 12: It was along the center of the opening cut out.
You can hollow out the opening by making diagonal cuts to the center of it.They should look at the cuts you made before.The diagonal cuts should be close to the center of the cutout.
Step 13: Remove the wood from the opening using a hatchet.
You will be left with chunks of wood in the center when the planter's opening has been completely scored.Use a hatchet or ax to cut the wood out of the planter.
Step 14: The chainsaw can help create drainage for the planter.
It helps to create drainage slits in the planter to prevent it from getting wet.To get the water out of the planter, use the chainsaw to cut all the way through it.Before you cut the drainage slit, be sure to elevate the log on the saw horse.If you allow the blade to hit the ground, you can damage the chain on the chainsaw.
Step 15: The planter should be in the spot.
After cutting the log, it is time to place the planter in the spot you want to keep it.It may be too heavy to move after you fill it with soil and plants.The log planter can be elevated on two or more pieces of wood.The planter needs to be secured with screws so it doesn't roll off.
Step 16: The planter should be filled with soil.
Adding soil to the interior is necessary when you are happy with the placement of the planter.Potting soil, garden soil and even soilless mixes are all suitable.If you don't have slow-releasefertilizer in your soil mix, you may want to mix it yourself.
Step 17: There are plants and flowers to add.
You can add plants and flowers after you fill the planter.Place the plants in the center of the opening and work your way out on either side.Make sure the plants have enough soil around them.The lip of the planter should be below the soil level.After you plant the plants, water them thoroughly with a watering can or spray nozzle.