WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT

PATIO PLANTER

This planter is designed to make patio or deck gardening much easier. Instead of just filling the well with dirt and putting in individual flowers or plants,
you can simply use pre-potted plants. That makes it easy to change plants as the seasons turn or unload the planter and move it to a new location.

• We designed this piece to hold pots up to 11" dia. and 10-1/2" high. To create the illusion of a dirt-filled planter, you can fill in around the pots
with wood chips, bark or other mulch. The base or bottom of the planter has 7/8" holes drilled every 6" to drain away water. The sideboards
have a 1/4" space between them to ventilate the mulch and keep it from getting soggy.
• The planters can be built in two different lengths, but you can also adapt them to meet any size requirement. You can even change the width
by nailing a pressure-treated 2 x2 to the side of the 2 x12 base to accommodate a slightly wider pot.

This project gives intermediate woodworking students the opportunity to complete a sizeable project while employing such skills as measuring, templating,
crosscutting and assembly with screws. Since these planters can be made to fit a particular space, this project is also a good exercise in custom-sizing.

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TOOLS REQUIRED
Hand Tools Power Tools Miscellaneous
– 12" Speed Square (as cutting – Jigsaw – Pencil
guide with circular saw) – Circular saw or table saw – Safety glasses
– Block plane – Electric drill with pilot / – Exterior wood glue
– Bar clamps countersink bit and 7/8" – Gloves for finishing
– Hammer wood boring bit – Sandpaper
– Tape measure – Power screwdriver – Masking tape
– Clean, lint-free cloths
– Mineral spirits (for oil-
based finishes)
– Water-filled metal container
with tight-fitting lid
– Exterior paint pad, brush
or roller

SHOPPING LIST CUTTING LIST

Large Planter Large Planter
Item Quantity Key Pcs. Part Size
2 x 12 pressure-treated pine 1 @ 10' A 4 Treated pine legs 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" x 13"
2 x 6 cedar 2 @ 8', 1 @ 6' B 1 Treated pine base 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" x 47-1/2"
5/4 x 6 cedar 2 @ 8' C 4 Cedar side panels 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 47-1/2"
D 4 Cedar end panels* 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 14-1/4"
Small Planter E 2 Cedar side aprons* 1-1/16" x 4-1/2" x 56-3/4"
Item Quantity F 2 Cedar end aprons* 1-1/16" x 4-1/2" x 20-1/4"
2 x 12 pressure-treated pine 1 @ 8'
2 x 6 cedar 3 @ 6' Small Planter
5/4 x 6 cedar 1 @ 12' Key Pcs. Part Size
A 4 Treated pine legs 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" x 13"
Either Planters B 1 Treated pine base 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" x 35-1/2"
Item Quantity C 4 Cedar side panels 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 35-1/2"
2-1/2" deck screws 24 D 4 Cedar end panels* 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 14-1/4"
3" deck screws 28 E 2 Cedar side aprons 1-1/16" x 4-1/2" x 44-3/4"
8d galvanized finish nails 24 F 2 Cedar side aprons* 1-1/16" x 4-1/2" x 20-1/4"
NOTE: The wood for this project should be a naturally rot resistant species, *Lengths are approximate. Cut these pieces to fit.
such as cedar or redwood, especially for the exposed parts. Hidden parts can
be less expensive pressure-treated pine or construction-grade boards.

WOOD FINISHING PRODUCTS

Recommended Finish Alternate Finish
Thompson’s® Water Seal™ Deck & House Latex or Thompson’s® Water Seal® Tinted Wood Protector.
Oil Stain. Available in 117 solid and semi-transparent Available in five colors: Honey Gold, Natural Cedar,
colors in both latex and oil formulas for the legs and Rustic Red, Nutmeg Brown and Coastal Gray.
apron and Thompson’s® Water Seal® Clear Wood
Protector for the body.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN 7. Rip (saw wood along the grain) the 5/4 x6 deck boards to 4-1/2"
Good craftsmanship begins and ends with good work habits, so make wide to make the top apron frame. Use a table saw or a circular saw
the following steps part of your routine workshop practice. If you have with a rip guide. Plane and sand the cut edge to match the factory-
any doubts or questions about how to proceed with a project, always machined edges. Cut pieces (E) and (F) to length, making sure to
discuss them with your shop instructor. miter the ends.
• Carefully and fully review plans and instructions before putting a
tool to the project lumber. 8. Glue and nail the side apron pieces (E) flush with the side panels.
• Work sensibly and safely. Wear safety goggles when doing work Then glue and nail the end apron pieces (F) to the end panels. You’ll
that creates flying chips and sawdust; wear the appropriate notice the inside edge of F will be about 1/4" out from the inside of the
respirator whenever making sawdust or working with thinners planter to adequately cover the tops of the legs. Drill the 7/8" drain
or other solvents. holes in the planter bottom; space them apart about every 6 inches.
• At the end of every work session, clean up your shop area and put
away all portable tools. PROTECTING YOUR PROJECT
Any type of wood that’s used outdoors needs protection from water
CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY damage. The two finishing options for this project not only provide
PROCEDURE ample protection but also liven the wood with your choice of many
1. With a piece of cardboard, make a full-size template for the legs (A) colors. The recommended finish combines Thompson’s® Water Seal™
from a 400% enlargement of Figure B. Trace the template outline onto Deck & House Latex or Oil Stain with Thompson’s® Water Seal® Clear
the pressure-treated 2 x12. Sand the edges with a finish or belt sander Wood Protector; for the alternate finish you can use Thompson’s®
followed by 100-grit hand sanding to ease the edges. Water Seal® Tinted Wood Protector. Both exceed industry standards
for waterproofing on wood and also provide optimum protection
2. To make the cedar side and end panels (C and D), make crosscuts from mildew and from ultraviolet (UV) damage that comes from the
with a circular saw using the Speed Square as a guide. Hold it firmly sun’s radiation.
against the back of the 2 x6.
Woodworker’s Tip: Be sure to choose a waterproofer that claims
3. Plane chamfers on the edges where the side and end panels meet, at to exceed industry standards for waterproofing on wood.
the lower edge of the upper end panel (D) and the upper edge of the
lower end panel (D). Similarly, plane chamfers at the lower edge of the FINISHING TIPS
upper side panel (C) and the upper edge of the lower side panel (C). • When you apply Clear or Tinted Wood Protector, do not mix it with
These chamfers should be about 3/8" wide when completed. other waterproofing products because variations in the final
appearance of the surface being treated may result. Also, do not
Woodworker’s Tip: Clamp a board to the edge of your work- thin these products.
bench to stop the work piece from drifting while you stroke the • Coverage: The approximate coverage of oil or latex stain on smooth
edge of the board with the block plane. wood is 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. The approximate cover-
age of Clear Wood Protector on cedar is 300 to 400 square feet per
NOTE: Before assembling the planter, you will get neater results with gallon. A gallon of Tinted Wood Protector will cover about 250 to
the recommended finish by staining the legs and apron pieces with 300 square feet.
the latex or oil stain first and then applying the Clear Wood Protector
to the side and end panels. See FINISHING TIPS. Recommended Finish:
If you want distinctive color along with excellent protection, use
4. Cut the 2x12 base (B) to length, then screw the lower side panels Thompson’s® Water Seal™ Deck & House Latex or Oil Stain, both of
to the edges aligning the base and sides so they’re flush on the bottom which come in solid and semi-transparent formulations and are avail-
face. Pre-drill for each screw using a pilot /countersink combination able in 117 ready- and custom-mixed colors. In this project, we chose
bit. Then screw the ends to the sides with 3" deck screws. a two-tone look by using a combination of Thompson’s® Water Seal™
Deck & House Latex or Oil Stain with Thompson’s® Water Seal® Clear
5. Shim the base up 1-3/4" on each side using scrap pieces of wood, then Wood Protector, which marries color with the wood’s natural beauty.
clamp the legs one at a time to the sides. Screw the lower sides to the legs
from the inside with 2-1/2" deck screws. Use three screws per leg.

6. Clamp the upper sides flush to the tops of the legs. Be sure to align
the upper and lower side ends before drilling and screwing these
pieces in place. Again, use three 2-1/2" deck screws per leg. Next,
screw the upper end panels (D) to the upper sides. Make sure the
chamfers face each other on each side.

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9. Before applying the latex or oil stain, read and follow the directions 19. In most applications, only one light coat is necessary. Apply with
found on the back of the can. To ensure good penetration, do not apply a brush, roller or by dipping the piece into the product following
in direct sunlight or on hot days. Be sure that both surface and air tem- directions on the can. Regardless of which application method is used,
perature are above 50° F and below 95° F during application and for remove excess within 15 minutes by redistributing it to drier areas or
48 hours after application, and do not apply product if rain is forecast wiping it off.
within 24 hours of application.
20. Use only with adequate ventilation. Oiliness and tackiness will
10. The surface must be free of all mildew, dust, dirt, oil, soot, grease result if over-applied or applied to wet or damp surface or if overnight
and other contaminants. If the surface is damp or wet from cleaning temperature falls below 50° F within 48 hours of application. Excessive
or weather, allow the surface to dry completely (a minimum of 48 hours) oiliness caused by over-application may be removed by scrubbing wood
before application. Shake or mix thoroughly before application; with a concentrated degreaser.
mechanical shaking is recommended.
21. Allow at least 48 hours to dry. Drying time will vary depending on
11. Since in-store color samples may vary slightly when stain is applied the substrate, temperature and humidity.
to wood (based on color, texture, grain, porosity and type of wood),
apply the stain to a small test area and let it dry to determine final color 22. Clean brushes and equipment with mineral spirits, then rinse with
before proceeding with the entire project. clean water.

12. Apply stain with an exterior paint pad, brush or roller. When NOTE: The length of protection will vary depending on environment.
rolling, be sure to go back and brush-in stain to ensure even coverage. Perform the splash test once a year to see whether reapplication is nec-
When using a pad or brush, keep the leading edge wet and distribute essary. For maximum protection from color change and other damage
stain evenly. This will help avoid lap marks and keep color uniform. caused by the sun, reapplication is recommended every year. Vertical
and horizontal surfaces will experience color changes at different rates.
13. Use only with adequate ventilation. Oiliness and tackiness will
result if over-applied or applied to wet or damp surface or if overnight Woodworker’s Tip: Unsure if you need to protect? Perform the
temperature falls below 50° F within 48 hours of application. Excessive splash test. Sprinkle water on various sections of surface to be
oiliness caused by over-application may be removed by scrubbing wood sealed. If water absorbs and darkens color of substrate within
with a concentrated degreaser. 5 seconds, the surface is porous and considered ready to be
treated. If water beads up or otherwise sits on top of surface, the
14. Work from top to bottom or side to side in areas small enough to surface doesn’t need protection at this time.
allow the leading edge to remain wet at all times during application.
Use natural breaks as boundaries to divide large areas into more man- IMPORTANT: Place rags, steel wool and waste immediately after use in
ageable work areas. a sealed, water-filled metal container.

15. One coat of stain is recommended, but a second coat can be PRODUCT SAFETY
added if desired. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly (approximately For your safety and the safety of those you work with, always read the
4 hours for latex, 24 hours for oil) before second application. Drying safety warnings, which manufacturers print on their labels, and follow
time will vary depending on the substrate, temperature and humidity. them to the letter. Typical safety advice and instructions will contain
information such as the following:
16. For oil-base stain, clean brushes and equipment with mineral
spirits, then rinse with clean water. For latex stain, clean brushes WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means
and equipment with soap and water. may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust
or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects,
17. To apply Thompson’s® Water Seal® Clear Wood Protector to the especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead
body, follow the directions given for the alternate finish. or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective
equipment, such as properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and
Alternate Finish: proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the
18. For a traditional one-tone color finish, before applying National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or
Thompson’s® Water Seal® Tinted Wood Protector over the entire contact your local health authority.
surface, a small trial patch is recommended to determine the
desired look. Contents are COMBUSTIBLE. Keep away from heat and open flame.

Contains ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS.

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VAPOR HARMFUL. Use Only With Adequate Ventilation. To avoid

overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure
fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye
watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air supply, or wear
respiratory protection (NIOSH/ MSHATC23C or equivalent) or leave the
area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. Keep
container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other
containers for storage.

FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts
of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact,
wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty,
provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, get medical attention
immediately.
DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG-TERM
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE.
Contains solvents that can cause permanent brain and nervous system
damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling
the contents can be harmful or fatal.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH

OF CHILDREN.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF RAGS AND WASTE.

Rags, steel wool or waste soaked in Thompson’s® Water Seal® Tinted
Wood Protector may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded.
Immediately after use, place rags, steel wool or waste in sealed, water-
filled metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.

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FIG A. PATIO PLANTER (LARGE)

20-1/4"*

E F

F E
56-3/4"*

D
A
D
A

C /2"
47-1 5-1/2"
C
C
A

5-1/2" C
D
B
11-1/4" A
D

14-1/4"*

"
1/2
47- *Cut to fit

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FIG B. SCALED TEMPLATE OF THE LEG

For actual size, enlarge 400%. One square equals 1 inch.

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