Learn how to make a DIY planter box with hidden hose storage! This is the perfect DIY for small porches with only limited space. Hide an expandable hose underneath the planter when it isn’t in use and cover it all using a removable panel. This plan was sponsored by Kreg Tool.
DIY planter box with hidden hose storage build plans!
Hey guys, time for another it-does-two-things-in-one project! I’m a big fan of DIY pieces that do double duty. Like my DIY cat house side table, the murphy bed with storage shelving, and Ramona’s activity table with a reversible topper for Legos and art. It just makes sense to have stuff that serves multiple purposes in smaller spaces.
And our front porch is pretty much the smallest of the small. Can you even call it a porch? It’s just a little concrete slab with enough room for a doormat, basically. We had a small porch planter there last year but decided to replace it with something a bit more functional.
There is a hose bib up here, so we wanted to buy a small hose for the front of the house. That way, we could avoid having to drag the backyard hose up to the front when we need to wash the cars, water flowers, or do water play stuff. So Mike asked me if I wanted to do a planter with hidden hose storage. Music to my ears!
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A few things to keep in mind about this project…
I’ve got the plans up over on Kreg Tool’s website. Here are a few tips about building a DIY planter with hose storage.
1. To keep costs down…
There are about a zillion ways you can build a DIY planter with hose storage. Lumber prices are insane right now, so I tried to keep costs down (and challenge myself) but using only 1×4 pine for this project! I’m super happy with how it turned out, but joining so many 1x4s to make the panels meant a lot of pocket holes.
2. Pocket holes, pocket holes everywhere!
This was the perfect first project for my brand new Kreg 720 pocket hole jig. Now I will be honest with you guys. I was (and still am) very attached to my K4 pocket hole jig. I used that thing for so many projects, and I hate change. LOL.
So I was wondering exactly what the 720 jig would do that the K4 couldn’t do. Sure, they both drill pocket holes, but the 720 does make it a lot easier. One of the things I like most about the 720 is the ease of clamping.
Unlike the K4, the 720 jig has “Automaxx one-motion clamping” and automatic material thickness settings. Taking one less step out of the process is a welcome change, especially if your project has different wood thicknesses.
Also, the fact that I don’t have to clamp the jig in place to use it is a total game changer for my small workspace. I can throw it anywhere, and thanks to the “GripMaxx anti-slip” feature, I can just use my body weight to hold the jig in place while drilling pocket holes.
For more outdoor woodworking projects, check out my DIY concrete paver coffee table and matching side table, my DIY rock play box, my small DIY porch planter, and my DIY water play table for a toddler!
3. Finish for outdoor longevity
Since I used pine for this, I treated the entire piece using ReadySeal stain and sealer. This is the same stuff I used on our fence—and I’m very happy with how it has held up. The color took beautifully on the pine, too.
For the pocket hole screws, you should use Blue Kote screws if you have them. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, though—they last longer on outdoor projects, but I have used regular pocket hole screws on outdoor projects in the past with success.
For the hairpin legs I added—I made sure these were powder coated. Powder-coated steel legs are suitable for outdoor use.
4. What about that removable piece? Why didn’t you use hinges?
I’d originally planned to use hinges for the front panel. However, I had a hard time finding exactly what I wanted. I asked my dad what he thought one day, and he brought me over to his dresser to show me the double-barrel catches on the cabinets.
He suggested that for a lightweight wood such as pine—and a project of this size—double barrel catches would probably work fine. They are super cheap so I decided to try it! I used four—one one each of the corners.
We have had this planter outside for a few weeks now. The front has fallen off twice. Both during really bad rain/wind storms. Our neighborhood is in a serious wind tunnel, and this piece is totally exposed. So that doesn’t surprise me a ton!
If you prefer a cabinet look, I would recommend using a hinge. You could also use a hinge on one side and double-barrel roller catches on the other side. Or consider magnetic cabinet closures. Lots of options!
5. You could also drill a hole in the back of the planter
If you are able to place your planter right in front of the hose bib, you can also drill a hole in the back of the planter to feed the hole through and keep it hooked up! Our porch isn’t big enough to do that, sadly.
So when we need to use the hose, we just take it out and hook it up. It’s one of those shorter expandable hoses, so this solution works really well for us.
So let’s get to building that DIY planter with hose storage!
Alright, so now that you’re ready to get building, you can head over to Kreg Tool’s website to grab the full free plans and Sketchup instructions! Enjoy!
Pin my DIY planter with hose storage project!
Brittany is a seasoned DIY home and garden expert, running a creative brand since 2014 that inspires others with approachable plant care guides, woodworking tutorials, and decor projects. She is a certified project manager and has completed extensive coursework in the art and science of growing your own plants. Her work has been recognized by major publications, and she routinely collaborates with fellow DIY industry leaders—but her favorite thing to do is inspire you! Learn more about her here.
Suggestion.look for a small nightstand or small 2 shelf bookcase at garage sales convert it to this.
Great idea!