Make a Woodbin

What you will need:

• SA pine: 220x22x1.m – 5 lengths
• 44x22x1.8m – one length
• 32x32x1.8m – six lengths
• Laminated pine board: 610x19x1.8m – four lengths
• 1 bag 50mm decking screws
• 2 pairs galvanised or stainless hinges – 40mm
• 40 x 40mm 8 gauge screws
• Staples (for use with a tacker)
• 2m waterproof shade-cloth
• Finish of your choice – waterproof sealer and/or 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: Intermediate (reasonably skilled)
Estimated time: 12-18 hours
Cost: R2000

Method:

1. First, assemble the base: trim one of the laminated pine board lengths to 1.7m and cut to length the 32×32 beams.



2. These are attached around the perimeter of the board, using the decking screws.



3. The end pieces fit between the lengthwise pieces as shown here.



4. Due to the length of the bin, add a crossbeam at the centre; go wild with the screws. At this stage, flip the base over and apply a couple of coats of waterproof sealer, followed by marine varnish. To protect the underside of the bin from moisture.



5. While the sealer dries attach a length of 32×32 to what would be the back panel. Note that it is set in from what will be the base of the bin by 51mm – this is so that the back can be attached to the base. As the bin would be placed close to a wall do the sealing at this stage.



6. From one length of the laminated board, cut the two sides – 715mm at the front, 850mm at the rear, and with a peak height of 870mm, with the front slope measuring 490mm and the rear slope measuring 150mm (see illustration).





7. Now to position the slat supports: Use an arbitrary angle of about 20º, set the bevel accordingly, and trace out the positions of the slats using a 220x22mm offcut…







8. Do a dry fit, it’s crucial. Naturally, any rainwater will drip off the base of a slat onto the surface of the one below, so that it sheds water.



9. Cut eight lengths of 32x32x170mm and attach four to the one side. Then use the first side as a template for the second, and attach the second four to the second side.





10. To complete the sides, cut to fit and attach lengths of 32×32 along the top edge as shown. The reason for this is that while the product is very good, it’s not really designed for outside use, and in the presence of moisture the glue can deteriorate and the laminations split. Hence the liberal use of waterproof sealer and varnish, and the reinforcing at the top (the base’s crossbeams reinforce the bottom edges of the sides).



11. Get as much of the sealing and varnishing done while the bin is unassembled. It does mean you have to measure three times and cut once to ensure that at the end of it all, everything comes together properly.



12. First of all, get the base level, and ensure all the corners – and the centre – are properly supported. Rest the bin on bricks or treated trimmed legs. After ensuring it is level and properly supported, very carefully remove it, making sure not to shift any of the brigs or scrap wood shims used under the corners and centre.



13. Now simply assemble the bin. One side being attached to the base.



14. Followed by the second side and then the rear slat.



15. Lift the bin onto its brick support bed. Then add the front slats – each one 220x22x1.7m – working from the bottom up.



16. The front three slats attached. The top one is fitted to allow for a 20mm gaps between it and the underside of the lid – again, for better ventilation.



17. This view shows the slats and how they will allow the bin to be ventilated – without allowing any water in.



18. Position the shade-cloth under the rear (fixed) portion of the lid – a 222x22x1.8m beam – pull it tight, laterally, so that it sits snugly under the beam and attach the beam to the bin using two or three decking screws per side. This will anchor the shade-cloth securely.



19. Attach the opening (front) section of the lid, pushing it up against the rear fixed beam and attaching it with two pairs of hinges.



20. Attach three reinforcing beams of 22x44mm SA pine as shown – use 40mm screws; these reinforcing members also act as attachment points for the shade-cloth.



21. Pull the shade-cloth over the whole lid assembly and attach it lightly with clamps as shown. Then it takes a little bit of tightening here and relaxing there to achieve a neat result.



22. Once happy, take three offcuts of 22×44 to attach the shade-cloth firmly to the lid’s reinforcing members.



23. Trim the shade-cloth back on the ends for a neat result and used a tacker to secure the cloth in position.





24. The bin has quite a capacity – so roll on winter!





25. The final result.

Bin there, done that – wood you believe it?! You will notice that the bin, while designed to be waterproof, has a slat at the rear with a 20mm gap between it and the underside of the rear part of the lid and three slats at the front. This is to allow a through-flow of air, which helps dry the contents.