Create a Beautiful Garden with Timber: DIY Planters, Pergolas & More

Create a Beautiful Garden with Timber: DIY Planters, Pergolas & More

Transforming your outdoor space doesn’t require a landscape architect or a huge budget—just a bit of creativity, some quality timber, and a free weekend or two. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a vibrant entertaining area, timber is the perfect material to bring warmth, structure, and natural charm to your garden.

Here’s how to use timber to create stunning garden features like DIY planters and pergolas that elevate your space.

🌿 Timber Planters: Stylish & Sustainable

planters built into a pergola: Outdoor, Vertical Garden, Pergola, Backyard, Landscaping Idea, Covered Deck

Timber planters are a fantastic way to add greenery to patios, balconies, or garden borders. They’re easy to build, customizable to any size, and blend beautifully with natural surroundings.

Why choose timber planters?

  • Customisable: Build to fit awkward corners or specific plants.

  • Eco-friendly: Use sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood.

  • Durable: Treated timber resists rot and weather damage.

DIY Tip: Use pressure-treated timber or naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar. Line the inside with landscape fabric to extend lifespan and improve drainage.


🌞 Pergolas: Shade, Structure & Style

Diy pergol with deckA timber pergola adds instant elegance and function to your garden. It defines space, offers shade, and creates the perfect frame for climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine.

Why build a pergola?

  • Versatile: Use it to cover a dining area, hot tub, or walkway.

  • Inviting: Adds height and architectural interest.

  • DIY-friendly: With the right tools and timber, it’s a weekend project.

Design Tip: For a modern look, go for clean lines and a dark wood stain. For a rustic vibe, leave the timber natural and let it weather gracefully.


🛠️ Getting Started: Materials & Tools

For both planters and pergolas, you’ll need:

  • Pressure-treated timber or cedar

  • Galvanised screws or fixings

  • Wood preservative or exterior stain

  • Saw, drill, level, and measuring tape

Pro Tip: Always pre-drill holes to prevent splitting, and treat cut ends with preservative to protect against moisture.


🌼 Finishing Touches

  • Add solar lights or string lights to your pergola for evening ambience.

  • Paint or stain your planters to match your garden theme.

  • Use timber offcuts to create matching benches, shelves, or trellises.


Ready to build your dream garden? At Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies, we stock a wide range of quality timber and fixings to help you bring your outdoor vision to life. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, we’re here to help every step of the way.