Bring the quiet grandeur of the northern woods to your porch or garden with this wooden moose flower planter. Shaped like a gentle moose with a hollow back or open top for planting, this charming piece holds your favorite flowers while adding rustic wildlife charm to any outdoor space.
Why You'll Love This Project
Wildlife whimsy – A moose that's also a planter, not just a decoration
Functional art – Holds real flowers and adds vertical interest
Sturdy outdoor piece – Built to live on porches, patios, or in gardens
Intermediate build – Practice shaping, joinery, and outdoor finishing
A gardener's gift – Perfect for nature lovers, cabin owners, or anyone who enjoys both woodworking and flowers
Materials & Tools
Wood Suggestions (Weather-Resistant):
Cedar or redwood (naturally rot-resistant)
Pressure-treated pine (affordable, paint-ready)
Teak or cypress (premium, long-lasting)
Exterior plywood (for cutout shapes)
Basic Supplies:
¾" boards for the main structure
½" plywood for details (ears, antlers)
Waterproof wood glue
Galvanized or stainless screws
Plastic liner or small pot (to hold soil)
Sandpaper
Exterior paint, stain, or spar urethane
Tools You Might Need:
Jigsaw or scroll saw (for moose silhouette)
Drill and driver
Sander
Clamps
Design Inspiration
Let the planter's location guide the moose's pose and size.
Think about these elements:
| Feature | Inspiration |
|---|---|
| Overall shape | A moose head or full body with a hollow planting area |
| Planting area | The back (like a saddle), the mouth (basket style), or a tray between antlers |
| Size | Small (tabletop) or large (floor-standing porch piece) |
Three ways to approach this:
Moose head planter – Wall-mounted face with a planting pocket on top or in the mouth
Standing moose planter – Full body, hollow back filled with soil (like a garden statue)
Antler tray planter – Moose head with a long tray balanced between wide antlers
Choose what fits your space and skill level.
Step-by-Step Inspiration
1. Picture Your Moose
Imagine it on your porch. Will it greet visitors? Sit among your flower beds? Hold herbs outside the kitchen door? Let the location guide the size.
2. Shape the Moose
For a moose head planter:
Cut the head shape from thick wood
The top is flat or has a shallow bowl (holds flowers)
A small pot sits inside a carved recess
For a standing moose:
Cut two identical side panels (moose silhouette)
Connect them with cross pieces
The space between panels becomes the planter
Keep the face gentle. A soft expression feels welcoming.
3. Create the Planting Area
Option A (recessed top):
Carve or router a shallow bowl on top of the head
Insert a small plastic pot or line with plastic
Option B (between antlers):
Wide, flat antlers support a long wooden tray
Tray holds multiple small pots
Option C (hollow body):
The body is a hollow box open at the top
Fill with soil directly (add drainage holes)
Always use a plastic liner or pot. Soil against wood rots it quickly.
4. Add Moose Details
Face:
Large, rounded snout
Two small eyes (gentle or sleepy)
A soft, simple mouth
A tufted beard (dangling hair under chin)
Antlers:
Broad and palmate (like a real moose)
Cut from ½" plywood
Attach with dowels or screws from behind
Ears:
Small, pointed ovals on top of the head
Let the details be simple. A recognizable moose doesn't need perfect anatomy.
5. Build the Base (For Standing Moose)
The standing moose needs stability:
Wide, flat feet
Heavy base (add weight if needed)
Feet that won't tip when bumped
Test standing before planting—wet soil adds significant weight.
6. Sand and Smooth
Round every edge and corner. Run your hand over every surface—flowers and water will touch this piece regularly. Rough spots trap moisture.
7. Seal Against Weather
Use exterior paint or spar urethane. Multiple thin coats. Pay special attention to:
The planting area (line with plastic anyway)
The bottom (where moisture wicks from ground)
Joints and end grain
8. Add Drainage
If planting directly in the wood:
Drill small holes in the bottom
Add gravel before soil
Elevate slightly so water can escape
Again: a plastic liner is better for the wood's life.
Creative Variations
| Variation | Idea |
|---|---|
| Cow moose (no antlers) | Simpler shape, still recognizable |
| Calf planter | Smaller version, cute in a pair |
| Herb moose | Plant kitchen herbs in antler tray |
| Holiday moose | Add a removable wreath or scarf |
| Family set | Moose + calf (mama and baby) |
Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind
Stability matters – A top-heavy moose tips in wind
Line planting areas – Plastic pots protect the wood
Drainage is essential – No drainage = rotten wood
Antler strength – Wide antlers need reinforcement
Seal everything – Especially inside the planting pocket
A Few Thoughts Before You Start
Moose are creatures of the quiet north—large yet gentle, awkward yet graceful. Your planter can capture that spirit without being a perfect replica. A simple silhouette with a kind face and impressive antlers will read as "moose" to anyone who sees it.
This piece will hold living things—flowers that grow, change, and eventually fade. There's a quiet poetry in that: a wooden moose cradling real blooms, wood and flower together.
Share Your Creation
We'd love to see your moose holding flowers on a sunny porch.
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