Mosaic planter for balcony or patio

I wanted a small planter for outside on the patio and decided to go with a mosaic planter using mosaic tiles that match the upholstered cushions on the outdoor sofa

 

 

 

 

 

The mosaic planter not sits next to my outdoor sofa and is planted up with aloe. It is better to use plants that require little or no watering for planting to reduce the possibility of water collecting at the base of the box. Only pot plants that require an occasional - little - watering.

 

 

Important: Although I made my box for the planter using particleboard, I recommend that you use shutterply (commercial-grade plywood) for this project. I only used particleboard because I had some scraps left over, but not sure how long this will last if left outdoors.

 

 

YOU WILL NEED:

4 of 300 x 300mm 18mm shutterply - sides

1 of 282 x 282mm 18mm shutterply - base

4 x 45mm screws

No More Nails exterior adhesive

1 roll of duct tape

Mosaic tiles (2 packs of 3 sheets)

Grout and latex additive (to make waterproof)

Squeegee and sponge

Rust-Oleum LeakSeal

 

 

TOOLS:

Drill / Driver plus assorted bits

Find everything you need for this project at your local Builders.

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

 

 

 

 

1. Make up the box by joining the sides together around the base.

 

 

2. Place a strip of duct tape along all the inside seams and along the top edge. This will add reinforcing to ensure the box is reasonably watertight. Press down the duct tape well.

 

 

 

 

3. Spray the inside of the box with Rust-Oleum LeakSeal. You will need to use an entire can to ensure a watertight seal around the inside of the box. Shake the can well and follow the instructions on the can. It is important to allow each coat to dry before spraying on more coats. Make sure that the Rust-Oleum LeakSeal is well layered around the seams and in the corners. Also spray the base of the box.

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW

If you spray close and the LeakSeal bubbles, make sure to press down to remove air bubbles, as these may later burst and leave a hole where water can leak through.

 

 

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW
You can choose from a variety of mosaic tiles at your local Builders. I chose tiles that would match the fabric on the cushions for the outdoor sofa.

 

 

 

 

4. To attach the glass mosaic tiles to the outside and top edge it is better to use No More Nails exterior adhesive, as it bonds better to the board and the tile. Make sure to cover the outside so that all the tiles will be securely fixed.

 

 

 

 

5. Use a sponge or rag to wipe away any excess glue that oozes between the tiles.

 

 

 

 

6. Mix the tile grout using latex additive instead of water to make the grout water-resistant. It isn't going to be waterproof, but you will be able to put the mosaic box outdoors on a covered balcony or patio if you use shutterply.

 

 

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW
If you use a squeegee to apply the grout it is easier to wipe away excess and the grout will dry faster. Leave for a couple of hours and then wipe away any remaining grout with a damp sponge and then a dry rag.

 

 

 

 

As an afterthought I realised that the box needed feet to lift it off the floor and I just added 4 plastic feet to the base.