Create Your Own Charming Barrel Planter

Barrel planter
TIME:                         2.5 HOURS
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER
ESTIMATED COST: $60
Brief Description

Whisky barrel planters are a perfect way to add charm and growing space to your porch or deck but they tend to be heavy and difficult to move around. Plus, without proper drainage – they’ll rot out quickly and likely only last one growing season. This project will create an improved barrel planter that is lighter in weight and has a built-in drainage system to ensure longevity.

PRO Select Products Used
Supplies & Tools
  • Scissors
  • Caulk Gun
  • Hacksaw or Sawzall
  • Gloves
  • Safety Glasses
  • Plastic Sheet (For Spills/Leaks)
  • (1) Large Whiskey Barrel Planter (26" Diameter)
  • (1) Bag of Sika® PostFix®
  • (1) Cartridge of Sikaflex® Construction Sealant
  • (1) 32 Qt. Bag of Potting Mix
  • (1) 3/4" x 10' PVC Pipe (Cut to (4) 12" Lengths
Step 1: Inserting PVC Pipes

Insert the sections of the PVC piping in the pre-drilled holes in the bottom of the bucket. Using the Sikaflex® Construction Sealant, seal around the bottom of the barrel and the PVC pipes.

Using adhesive
inserting pvc pipes
Step 2: Read & Roll

Be sure to follow the instructions for the Sika® PostFix®. Roll product until seal is broken and two components come together.

read instructions
Roll product
Step 3: Mix, Cut & Pour

Mix for 20 seconds, then cut at corner & pour the package of expanding foam into the barrel.

Mixing product
pouring product
Step 4: Expanding Foam

Allow the Sika® PostFix® foam to expand and rise.

expanding foam
Step 5: Curing and cutting

After 2 hours, the foam will be filly hardened. Cut the PVC pipes flush with the foam.

cutting extra pipes
Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Add soil, flowers and water. Planter is now half the weight of a soil filled planter. Foam is completely safe for plants after cure and will not absorb water. Once adhesive is fully cured, add the remaining potting mix and then add your chosen plants.

final product