Aged by Nature - Nothing lasts forever outdoors
Nothing lasts forever outdoors—especially wood
Planter Project, 2022 - four years later.
As woodworkers, that’s something we have to accept before we even begin a project. Choosing the right material can certainly extend the life of an outdoor build, but no matter what species you use, time, sun, rain, and changing seasons will always leave their mark. And honestly, I think that’s part of the beauty.
For most of my outdoor projects, I typically choose Sapele, Ipe, or, in this case, Red Grandis.
When I built this set of planters in the spring of 2022, Red Grandis was a wood I had never worked with before. My local lumber supplier recommended it as a good outdoor species, and it was more affordable than some of the other options. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
Overall, I found it easy to work with, although it was a little more prone to splitting than I expected. If I had to rate it, I’d probably give it a 6 out of 10. Not bad—but not my favorite outdoor wood either.
The planters themselves feature a simple, straightforward design. The joinery is primarily a combination of pocket-hole joinery along with screwed and glued butt joints, making it approachable for just about any woodworker. One of my favorite details is the profile at the bottom of the legs, which is created using nothing more than a table saw and a miter saw.
For most of my outdoor projects, I typically choose Sapele, Ipe, or, in this case, Red Grandis.
When I built this set of planters in the spring of 2022, Red Grandis was a wood I had never worked with before. My local lumber supplier recommended it as a good outdoor species, and it was more affordable than some of the other options. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
Overall, I found it easy to work with, although it was a little more prone to splitting than I expected. If I had to rate it, I’d probably give it a 6 out of 10. Not bad—but not my favorite outdoor wood either.
The planters themselves feature a simple, straightforward design. The joinery is primarily a combination of pocket-hole joinery along with screwed and glued butt joints, making it approachable for just about any woodworker. One of my favorite details is the profile at the bottom of the legs, which is created using nothing more than a table saw and a miter saw.
Cutting the Leg Detail – The leg detail is being cut on the table saw using a miter gauge for accuracy.
Cutting the Leg Angle – The angled cut for the planter leg is made on the miter saw.
Attaching the Planter Sides – The planter sides are fastened to the legs using pocket hole screws for a strong, concealed joint.
Installing the Bottom Molding – The bottom molding detail is attached with stainless steel screws for long-term outdoor durability.
I also designed the planters to accept plastic inserts that I picked up from the home center. I think those inserts go a long way toward extending the life of the wood by keeping constant moisture away from the inside of the planter and slowing the natural rotting process.
For the finish, I used Danish oil, a penetrating finish that really brings out the color of the wood when it’s fresh.
For the finish, I used Danish oil, a penetrating finish that really brings out the color of the wood when it’s fresh.
Applying Danish Teak Oil – Danish teak oil is being applied evenly with a brush to protect and enhance the wood.
Rubbing in the Finish – The teak oil finish is being worked into the wood with a clean rag to achieve a rich, even appearance.
Finished Planters (April 2022) – The completed planters as they appeared after construction in April 2022.
It looks great—but, like most oil finishes outdoors, those good looks don’t last forever. Rather than fighting nature with constant refinishing, I’ve come to appreciate the way wood naturally weathers to a soft gray over time. There’s something timeless and honest about that look.
Now, almost five years later, these planters have settled beautifully into the garden. The weathered patina fits the landscape perfectly, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s aged. If I get another two to four years out of them, I’ll consider that a success. And when they finally reach the end of their life, I’ll simply reuse the plastic inserts and build another set.
Sometimes the best outdoor projects aren’t the ones that stay looking new—they’re the ones that age gracefully alongside the garden.
Now, almost five years later, these planters have settled beautifully into the garden. The weathered patina fits the landscape perfectly, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s aged. If I get another two to four years out of them, I’ll consider that a success. And when they finally reach the end of their life, I’ll simply reuse the plastic inserts and build another set.
Sometimes the best outdoor projects aren’t the ones that stay looking new—they’re the ones that age gracefully alongside the garden.
Top Leg Detail After Four Years – The top of the leg detail today, showing how it has weathered after four years of outdoor exposure.
Bottom Detail After Four Years – The bottom molding detail today, illustrating its condition after four years of outdoor weather.
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