Brick Planter in Front of House: The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Functional Landscaping

So, you’re thinking about a brick planter in front of your house. Good. It’s a solid choice—literally. A brick planter adds curb appeal and a bit of old-school charm. It’s a place for plants, sure, but it’s also a statement.

This isn’t some flimsy plastic tub from the discount store. This is brick. We’re talking about defining your territory, making your house look a little more… permanent. And a good way to showcase houseplants with colorful foliage.

Key Takeaways

Here’s the deal, short and sweet:

• Planning is Key: Don’t just start stacking bricks. Figure out the size, shape, and location before you buy anything.
• Drainage is Crucial: Bricks hold water. Plants don’t like to swim. Make sure your planter has drainage holes.
• Material Matters: Choose bricks that can handle the weather in your area. Some bricks crumble in freezing temperatures.
• Foundation First: A solid base (gravel, concrete) prevents your planter from sinking or shifting.
• Mortar is Your Friend: Unless you’re going for a “rustic” (read: unstable) look, use mortar to hold everything together.
• Plant Choice is Paramount: After the houseplant lighting guide, select the best plants for your planter.

Laying the Foundation: Before You Touch a Brick

Before you even think about buying bricks, grabbing a shovel, and sketching, you need a plan. A good plan is crucial. This is what separates a masterpiece from a mess, even before creating a suitable environment for philodendron plants. Think about these before you lift a finger:

Location

Where is this thing going? Against the house wall? Along the walkway? Freestanding in the yard? The location will dictate:

• Size: A planter along a narrow walkway needs to be slim. A freestanding planter can be larger.
• Shape: A long, rectangular planter works well against a wall. A square or circular planter might be better in an open space.
• Sunlight: The placement of the planter is going to dictate how much light it will receive, determining which plants will thrive.

Consider front yard brick planter placement carefully. Will it block a window? Interfere with walkways? Will it receive enough, or even too much, sunlight?

Size Matters (More Than You Think)

Bigger isn’t always better. A massive large brick planter might overwhelm a small front yard. A tiny planter might look lost and sad. Use some string and stakes to mark out the planned area, helping yourself visualize it. Walk around it. Live with it for a day or two. Get the best soil to help philodendron soil mix.

Drainage: Don’t Drown Your Plants

Bricks are porous, but they still hold water. Without proper drainage, your planter will become a swamp. Your plants will rot. You’ll be sad. Plan for drainage from the start. This might involve:

• Weep Holes: gaps left in the mortar joints at the base of the planter.
• Drainage Layer: A layer of gravel at the bottom of the planter, below the soil.
• Drainage Pipe: A perforated pipe installed at the base, leading away from the planter.

Building Your Brick Fortress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, plan in hand? Time to get your hands dirty.

1. Gather Your Materials

You’ll need:

• Bricks: Duh. Choose bricks designed for outdoor use. “Face brick” is a good choice. Brick planter materials are easy to research online.
• Mortar: The glue that holds it all together. Pre-mixed mortar is convenient for smaller projects.
• Gravel: For the foundation and drainage layer.
• Tools: shovel, trowel, level, measuring tape, string, stakes, rubber mallet, brick hammer (optional), jointing tool (optional).

2. Prepare the Foundation

This is critical. A solid foundation prevents your planter from sinking, shifting, or cracking.

1. Excavate: Dig out the area where your planter will go. The depth will depend on the size of your planter and the soil conditions. Generally, 6–8 inches is a good starting point.
2. Compact: Tamp down the soil at the bottom of the excavated area.
3. Add Gravel: Pour in a layer of gravel (4-6 inches) and compact it. This creates a stable, well-draining base.

3. Lay the First Course (Row) of Bricks

1. Dry Fit: Lay out the first row of bricks without mortar. This lets you check the fit and make adjustments.
2. Mix Mortar: Follow the instructions on the mortar bag. You want a consistency like peanut butter.
3. Apply Mortar: Spread a layer of mortar (about 1 inch thick) on the foundation where the first brick will go.
4. Set the Brick: Press the brick firmly into the mortar. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
5. Repeat: Continue laying bricks, applying mortar to both the foundation and the ends of each brick (the “buttering” technique). Maintain consistent gaps (joints) between the bricks (usually 3/8 inch).

4. Build Up the Walls

1. Stagger the Joints: Each row of bricks should overlap the row below, creating a stronger bond. This is called a “running bond” pattern.
2. Check for Level: Use a level frequently to ensure the walls are straight and plumb.
3. Clean Excess Mortar: Use a trowel or jointing tool to remove excess mortar from the joints before they harden.

5. Add Drainage (If Necessary)

If you’re using weep holes, leave gaps in the mortar joints at the base. If you’re using a drainage pipe, install it now, before the walls get too high.

6. Finish the Top

You can finish the top of the planter with a simple row of bricks, or you can get fancy with capstones or a decorative brick pattern.

7. Let it Cure

Mortar needs time to cure (harden). Follow the instructions on the mortar bag. This might take several days. Keep the mortar moist during the curing process by misting it with water.

Choosing Your Plants: The Fun Part!

Now for the greenery. Consider:

• Sunlight: How much sun does the planter get? Choose plants that match the light conditions.
• Size: Don’t overcrowd the planter. Allow room for plants to grow.
• Color and texture: Mix and match plants for visual interest. Brick planter with flowers is a classic look. Brick planters with plants offer more versatility.
• Hardiness Zone: Use plants that suit your zone, which can help you learn how cold philodendrons can tolerate.

Some good choices for brick planters include:

• Annuals: Petunias, impatiens, marigolds (for bright color).
• Perennials: Hostas, daylilies, sedum (for long-lasting beauty).
• Herbs: rosemary, thyme, oregano (for a fragrant and functional planter). A brick planter for herbs is a popular option.
• Small Shrubs: Boxwood, dwarf evergreens (for structure).
• Succulents: It is a great option for hot places.

Remember to consider the mature size of the plants. What looks cute and compact in the nursery might quickly outgrow your planter.

Maintaining Your Masterpiece

Brick planter maintenance is pretty straightforward:

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Feed your plants according to their needs.
• Weeding: Keep weeds under control.
• Inspecting: Check the mortar joints periodically for cracks or damage. Repair as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

People have questions. We have answers.

What is the brick planter cost?

It depends on the size, the type of brick, and whether you do the work yourself or hire someone. A small DIY planter might cost under $100. A large, professionally built planter could cost several hundred dollars or more.

What about brick planter drainage?

Covered that. It’s essential. See above.

Can I build a DIY brick planter?

Absolutely. It’s a manageable project for most DIYers. Just take your time and follow the steps.

What are some good brick planter design ideas?

• Traditional: A simple rectangular planter with a classic running bond pattern.
• Modern: A sleek, minimalist planter with clean lines and smooth bricks. Modern brick planter designs often use larger bricks.
• Rustic: A planter with uneven bricks and a “rough” mortar finish.
• Elevated: Elevated brick planter or raised brick planter designs add height and visual interest.
• Custom: The world is your brick.

How do I handle brick planter construction in cold climates?

Choose frost-resistant bricks and use a mortar designed for cold weather. You might also need to add a layer of insulation to the planter.

What about the soil?
You will need good soil to plant.

References:

[1] https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-build-a-brick-planter/CC_npci_100139.art
[2] https://www.gardenpatch.co/how-to-build-a-brick-planter-box/
[3] https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/diy-brick-planter-box
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkYFawEkVcU
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QXHF9YTelM
[6] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/413627547022409832/
[7] https://au.pinterest.com/kellyw2225/brick-planter/
[8] https://www.pinterest.com/lenysobieski/brick-planters/
[9] https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5171735/brick-planter-in-front-yard
[10] https://www.tiktok.com/discover/diy-brick-planter-for-the-front
[11] https://www.tiktok.com/discover/front-yard-flower-pot-garden-with-bricks
[12] https://www.houzz.com/discussions/663047/ideas-for-brick-planter-attached-to-house