Simple DIY: A Cedar Planter Wall for Instant Backyard Privacy

If your backyard feels a little too open, you’re not alone. Close neighbors, busy streets, or shared fences can make it hard to relax outside. The good news? You don’t need a full fence to fix that.

A cedar planter wall gives you privacy and a place to grow flowers, herbs, or greenery. It works as a natural screen and adds warmth to your space. Even better, it’s a project most homeowners can tackle over a weekend.

Here’s how to build one step by step.

Why Choose Cedar for a Planter Privacy Wall?

Before we get into the build, let’s talk about material.

Cedar is a solid choice because:

• It naturally resists rot and insects

• It holds up well in outdoor weather

• It smells great when you cut it

• It ages into a soft gray if left untreated

You don’t need to stain it, but you can if you want to keep that rich reddish tone.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Lumber:

• Cedar 4×4 posts (for the frame)

• Cedar 2×4 boards (for structure)

• Cedar fence pickets or slats (for the wall face)

• Exterior-grade plywood (optional, for planter backing)

Planter Box Materials:

• Cedar boards for box sides

• Galvanized screws

• Landscape fabric

• Gravel for drainage

Tools:

• Circular saw or miter saw

• Drill and exterior screws

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Post hole digger (if setting posts in ground)

Tip: Pre-drill cedar before driving screws. It helps prevent splitting.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Start by deciding:

• How tall do you want the wall? (6 to 7 feet works well for privacy.)

• How wide should it be?

• Will it attach to an existing structure or stand alone?

Measure the area carefully. Sketch it out on paper. Even a rough drawing helps avoid mistakes later.

If the wall is freestanding, you’ll need to set posts in concrete for stability.

Step 2: Set the Posts

For a freestanding wall:

1. Dig post holes about 2 feet deep.

2. Place your 4×4 cedar posts in the holes.

3. Use a level to make sure they’re straight.

4. Pour concrete and let it cure fully.

Spacing posts 4 to 6 feet apart keeps the wall sturdy.

If you’re attaching it to an existing deck or fence, anchor the posts securely with heavy-duty brackets.

Step 3: Build the Frame

Once your posts are set:

• Attach horizontal 2×4 boards at the top and bottom between posts.

• Add a middle support board if your wall is taller than 6 feet.

This creates a strong frame for the slats and planters.

Make sure everything is level before tightening the screws fully.

Step 4: Install the Cedar Slats

Now it starts to look like a wall.

Attach cedar pickets or slats vertically across the frame. You can:

• Place them tightly together for full privacy

• Leave small gaps (¼–½ inch) for airflow and a modern look

Keep spacing consistent. A scrap piece of wood works great as a spacer guide.

Step 5: Build the Planter Boxes

You can mount planter boxes directly onto the wall or build them into the base.

To build a simple box:

1. Cut cedar boards to your desired length.

2. Screw sides together into a rectangle.

3. Add a bottom panel with drainage holes.

4. Line with landscape fabric.

5. Add a thin layer of gravel before soil.

Mount boxes securely into the wall frame, not just the slats.

If you prefer, you can create one long planter at the base of the wall for a built-in look.

Step 6: Fill and Plant

Now for the fun part.

For privacy, choose tall or full plants such as:

• Ornamental grasses

• Boxwood shrubs

• Bamboo (clumping variety only)

• Trailing vines

If the wall gets good sun, herbs like rosemary and lavender also work well.

Mix height and texture to keep it from looking flat.

Optional: Seal or Stain the Cedar

You can leave cedar natural, but sealing it will:

• Keep the color richer longer

• Protect against water damage

• Extend its lifespan

Use a clear outdoor wood sealer or a light stain. Apply with a brush or roller and follow dry-time instructions.

Cost Breakdown (Rough Estimate)

Prices vary, but for a 6-foot-tall by 8-foot-wide wall:

• Cedar lumber: $250–$450

• Concrete and hardware: $50–$100

• Soil and plants: $100–$300

Total: Around $400–$850 depending on size and plant choice.

Final Thoughts

A cedar planter wall is one of those projects that checks all the boxes. It gives you privacy. It adds greenery. And it makes your yard feel finished.

You don’t need expert skills. Just take your time, measure carefully, and build it step by step.

Once it’s done, you’ll have a quiet corner that feels like your own little escape. And that’s worth the effort.

Buying or Selling your home in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas or the greater Los Angeles area? Contact The Michelle Hirsch Group’s team of top real estate agents for all your Real Estate and Investment Property needs at 818-293-8460 or visit the website at https://MichelleHirsch.com