Sure thing. For a balcony planter you want something that won’t warp, so look for a grain that’s straight and dense – maple or hard pine are solid choices. If you want a touch of flair, run a few boards through a light hand‑stain that highlights the natural lines, or finish one side with a subtle distressing technique I learned from an old sawyer. Keep the joints tight, maybe add a small tongue‑and‑groove for extra strength, and let the wood breathe by leaving a slight gap at the top. That way you’re keeping the tradition of sturdy construction while letting the grain do its own little dance.

Sounds like a solid plan. Just remember, the honey‑gold will make the grain look like it’s been dancing in a warm kitchen, so keep the finish thin – you don’t want the boards to look like a honeycomb. And if the top gap ends up a bit too wide, that’s just your planter breathing like it’s happy with the sunshine. Good luck, and enjoy the little rhythm of the wood.