Make a Planter

What you will need:

• SA pine (222 x 22 – 44 x 22)
• 4 x 75mm chipboard screws
• 6 x 40mm chipboard screws
• Short length 9 x 12 batten (cut from a 9 x 44 cover strip)
• 14mm Staples/16mm panel pins
• A suitable size of 250-micron black plastic used as a liner
• Finish of your choice – exterior gloss varnish or a marine varnish

*All materials are available at Selected Mica Stores. To find your nearest Mica and to enquire about availability, please go to www.mica.co.za, to use our store locator. If your local Mica does not stock exactly what you need they will be able to order or suggest an alternative product or a reputable source.

Project guide:

Difficulty: Beginner/Novice
Estimated time: 6-8 hours
Cost: R50-R100 depending on the size of the planter.

Method:

1. First cut the two ends.



2. Bevelling the top corners of each end.



3. Mark off the depth of the sides against the end.



4. Cut the sides to your desired length.



5. Check that the sides and ends match.



6. Clamp the sides and ends together to hold them in position. Clamp them lightly together, so that you can still align the parts and once they are aligned, tighten the clamps.



7. Drill pilot holes for the 75mm screws – Using two per end – and countersink the holes so that you can seat the screws fully.



8. The completed box section.



9. Cut the two feet from another offcut; each foot estimated at is 270mm long.



10. They are attached to the sides just inboard of the ends.



11. You need to drill the pilot holes for the screws at an angle to match that of the sides – the pencil shows the angle. Then attach the feet using two 40mm screws per foot.



12. Support the 250 micron plastic in the middle and attach a 44 x 22 support beam to the top of the feet, as indicated, use one 40mm screw per end to secure it.



13. Give the inner surfaces of the planter a couple of coats of varnish to protect them from any moisture and once it is dry add the plastic liner. Clamp it in position as shown – about 20mm or so below the top edge of the sides.



14. Mark the position and then flip the sheet out of the planter and position the batten.



15. Use 20mm panel pins or a tacker, to attach a thin batten to the inner surface of the end. (see lower detail in the illustration)



16. The final result.



17. Gravel chips hide the plastic and provide a pleasing contrast against the plants as they grow.



18. With plants in it.



19. With plants in it from another angle.