WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT
MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
The beauty of this modular system is that it can be as short or long as you like; it can be straight, or it can take hard lefts or rights to follow the
footprint of a deck or patio. And, best of all, it’s simple, quick and inexpensive to build. You’ll be “up” and sitting in a few hours.
In this intermediate-level project, you’ll gain experience in making precise crosscuts and miter cuts and in doing an equally precise assembly.
And after you build it, you’ll learn more about applying and using finishes to protect the wood and keep it looking beautiful.
–1–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
TOOLS REQUIRED SHOPPING LIST
Power Tools Wood Recommendation: Pressure-treated pine
Table saw Alternate Wood: Any other type of rot-resistant wood
Miter or radial-arm saw For two planters and one bench:
Power drill with drill bits, 60 lin. ft. 1x4 pressure-treated pine or alternate
countersink bit and Phillips-head 6 lin. ft. 1x8 pressure-treated pine or alternate
screwdriver bit 4 lin. ft. 5/4x6 pressure-treated pine or alternate
Orbital or finish sander 3 lin. ft. 2x4 pressure-treated pine or alternate
Miscellaneous Wood glue rated for exterior use
– Tape measure
– Pencil Wo o d w o r k e r ’s Ti p : Knots can weaken a board and spell disaster, especially
– Safety glasses on furniture, so be sure to select boards with the fewest knots and to plan
– 120-grit sanding belt your cuts around any knots.
– 120-, 150- and 220-grit sandpaper
– Clean, lint-free cloths HARDWARE
– Respirator Use either stainless-steel or coated exterior-grade fasteners
– Gloves for finishing 1-1/4" screws 180
– Mineral spirits, for oil-based 2-1/2" screws 32
waterproofer 6d galvanized finish nails 24
– Good quality, natural-bristle brush
(for oil-based waterproofer) or
synthetic-bristle brush (for water-
CUTTING LIST
based waterproofer) Overall dimensions
Planter:
Bench: 11" x 42"
Key Part Size & Quantity
Planter boxes (amounts for two boxes)
A Inner frames 1x2 x 12-1/2", 16 pcs.
B Sides 1x4 x 13-1/2", 24 pcs.
1x6 x 13-1/2", 4 pcs.
C Floor 1x4 x 13-1/4", 6 pcs.
D Feet 2x4 x 3-1/2", 8 pcs.
E Top trim 1x2 x 15-1/2", 8 pcs.
F Top frame 1x4 x 18-1/2", 8 pcs. (18-1/2" on the
long side; ends are mitered at a 45º angle)
Bench (amounts for one 42"-long bench)
G Bench boards 5/4x6 x 42", 2 pcs.
H Guide cleats 1x1 x 8", 4 pcs.
I Trim strips 1x1 x 33", 2 pcs.
WOOD FINISHING PRODUCTS
Recommended Finish Alternate Finish
Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Advanced Wood Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Clear
Protector Sheer Nutmeg Brown Wood Protector
–2–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Bench
Good craftsmanship begins and ends with good work habits, so make 8. Cut the bench boards (G) to length and cut the corners (as shown
the following steps part of your routine workshop practice. If you have in Fig. 1). Rip parts H and I from stock left over from the 1x8 or from
any doubts or questions about how to proceed with a project, always scrap. Cut them to length.
discuss them with your shop instructor.
• Carefully and fully review plans and instructions before putting a 9. Position and install the guide cleats (H) (as shown in Fig. 4).
tool to the project lumber. Use a scrap of 1x4 plus pieces of cardboard to determine the spacing
• Work sensibly and safely. Wear safety goggles when doing work that and ensure a loose fit when the bench is set on the planters. Use glue and
creates flying chips and sawdust; wear the appropriate respirator the 1-1/4" screws to secure the cleats.
whenever making sawdust or working with thinners or other solvents.
• At the end of every work session, clean up your shop area and put 10. Position and install the trim strips (I) with glue and the 1-1/4"
away all portable tools. screws. Sand all edges to soften sharp corners.
CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY PROTECTING YOUR PROJECT
PROCEDURE Any type of wood that’s used outdoors needs protection from water
Planter boxes damage. There are a variety of protective coatings available, including
1. Cut parts A, B, C, and D to length. Rip part A to the required width clear and tinted wood protectors and semitransparent and solid stains.
from 1x4 stock. Rip the four wide side pieces to the required width Each of these finishes has a different look and maintenance requirement.
(5-1/2") from 1x8 stock. (Note: parts H and I will also be ripped from
this stock, or from scrap.) To speed the job, clamp a stop block to the To provide complete protection for your project, use Thompson’s®
fence so you can quickly make repeat cuts without measuring every WaterSeal® Advanced Tinted Wood Protector or Thompson’s® WaterSeal®
piece. Rip part A to the required width. (Note: Parts dimensioned Waterproofer Plus Tinted Wood Protector. Both products not only
as 1x2, 1x4, etc., refer to nominal dimensions. The actual size of a prevent water damage, but also resist damage from mildew and
1x2 is 3/4" x 1-1/2"; a 1x4 measures 3/4" x 3-1/2".) ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight, and they exceed industry
standards for waterproofing on wood. Plus, the transparent tint will
2. Drill and countersink pilot holes through the inner frames (A) give plain pine just the right amount of rich wood tone. These products
corresponding to the spacing of the side pieces (B) and using two are available in five beautiful sheer wood tones.
1-1/4" screws for each end of the boards to minimize cupping (Fig. 2).
Use scrap to cut 1/4"- and 3/8"- thick spacers to ensure even gaps Wo o d w o r k e r ’s Ti p : Always be sure to choose a waterproofer that
between the side pieces. The 3/8" spacers go between 1x4s and 1x6s, claims to exceed industry standards for waterproofing on wood.
and the 1/4" spacers are for sides that are all 1x4s. Your goal is to
make each space on a given side the same. Check this dimension FINISHING TIPS
before cutting the spacers. • Coverage: The approximate coverage of Thompson’s® WaterSeal®
Advanced Tinted Wood Protector and Thompson’s® WaterSeal®
3. Start fastening the side pieces (B) to the inner frames. Apply glue to Waterproofer Plus Tinted Wood Protector on pine is 200 square
the surfaces that will meet the frames and arrange the pieces so they’re feet per gallon.
square to the inner frame. Drill shallow, 1/2"-deep pilot holes into the • When you apply Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Advanced Tinted Wood
side pieces through the existing holes in the inner frames and drive Protector or Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Clear
1-1/4" screws into the holes. Fasten the sides to one frame at a time; or Tinted Wood Protector, do not mix it with other waterproofing
products, because variations in the final appearance of the surface
repeat the process for the second frame.
being treated may result. Also, do not thin these products.
4. Glue and fasten the floor pieces (C) to the top of the lower
Recommended Finish
frame, again using four screws per board to minimize cupping.
11. Before applying Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Advanced Tinted Wood
Use the 1-1/4" screws.
Protector, the wood surface must be free of all dirt, wood dust and con-
taminants. This product can be applied to damp, freshly cleaned wood.
5. Glue and fasten the feet (D) to the underside of the box
If the wood needs cleaning, use Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Deck Cleaner
(as shown in Fig. 1). Use the 2-1/2" screws.
& Brightener or Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Deck Wash. Read and follow
the directions found on the back of the can. After the cleaning is done,
6. Rip the top trim pieces (E) to the required width from 1x4 stock.
read and follow the directions found on the back of the can of the Tinted
Cut them to the actual length required and glue and fasten them along
Wood Protector. Then do a trial test before full application. The surface
the top edge of the box (Fig. 1).
may darken slightly with application and color appearance is different
when the wood is fully dry.
7. Cut the top frame pieces (F) to the actual length required. Use glue
and the 1-1/4" screws to join the corners and make the frame. Then
12. When applying this product, do not use it with other waterproofing
glue and nail the frame onto the top of the box with 6d galvanized finish
products, as variations in the final appearance of the wood may result.
nails. Set the nail heads below the surface and fill the holes with wood filler.
Do not thin. To ensure good penetration, do not apply in direct sun-
After the filler dries, sand the top so the miter joints are smooth (Fig. 2).
light or on hot days. Do not apply if rain is expected within 48 hours.
–3–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
Also, temperature must be above 50º F. and remain above freezing NOTE: The length of protection will vary depending on environment.
for 24 hours. Perform the following splash test once a year to see whether
reapplication is necessary. Sprinkle water on various sections of surface
13. Shake or stir contents for a minimum of 2 minutes before use. to be sealed. If water absorbs and darkens color of substrate within
Intermix all containers (of the same color) to be used to assure 5 seconds, the surface is porous and considered ready to be treated.
color uniformity. If water beads up or otherwise sits on top of surface, then surface
doesn’t need protection at this time. For maximum protection from
14. Use a paint pad or brush to apply, do not use a roller. For small color change and other damage caused by the sun, reapplication is
projects, a brush is the preferred applicator. recommended every year. Vertical and horizontal surfaces will
experience color changes at different rates.
15. Apply only one thin, even coat. DO NOT APPLY A SECOND COAT.
A heavier or additional coat will not improve performance or PRODUCT SAFETY
appearance. Avoid puddling. Tackiness will result if overapplied. For your safety and the safety of those you work with, always read the
Tackiness may also occur after application if overnight temperature safety warnings, which manufacturers print on their labels, and follow
falls below 50°F. within 48 hours of application. Drying time will them to the letter. Typical safety advice and instructions will contain
vary depending on wood surface and humidity. Allow a minimum of information such as the following:
12 hours before using the bench.
WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means
16. Brushes and equipment used for water-based products must be may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or
cleaned with soap and water; brushes used for oil-based finishes must fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, espe-
be cleaned with mineral spirits. Dry product can be removed with cially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or
mineral spirits. 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
17. Before applying Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Clear National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or
Wood Protector read and follow the directions found on the back of the contact your local health authority.
can. Be sure that both surface and air temperature are above 50° F.
during application and for 48 hours after application. And, if you’re Contents are COMBUSTIBLE. Keep away from heat and open flame.
working outside, do not apply product if rain is forecasted within
24 hours of application. Contains ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS.
18. The surfaces must be free of all dirt, wood dust and all other VAPOR HARMFUL. Use Only With Adequate Ventilation. To avoid
contaminants. To clean the wood, use either Thompson’s® WaterSeal® overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure
Deck Cleaner & Brightener or Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Deck Wash. fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye
If the surface is damp or wet from cleaning or weather, allow the surface watering, headaches or dizziness, increase fresh air supply, or wear
to dry thoroughly (a minimum of 48 hours) before application. respiratory protection (NIOSH/MSHATC23C or equivalent), or leave
the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using.
19. Do not mix the product with other waterproofing products because Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to
variations in the final appearance of the surface being treated may result. other containers for storage.
20. Before applying the product over the entire surface, a small trial FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large
patch is recommended. amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin
contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory
21. In most applications, only one light coat is necessary. Apply with difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, get medical
a brush, roller or applicator pad. Regardless of which application attention immediately.
method is used, remove excess within 15 minutes by redistributing it
to drier areas or wiping it off. DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG-TERM OVEREXPOSURE.
Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous
22. Oiliness and tackiness will result if overapplied, or applied to wet system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and
or damp surface or if overnight temperature falls below 50° F. within inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal.
48 hours of application.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of
23. Allow at least 48 hours to dry before you use the bench. California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF
24. Clean brushes and equipment with mineral spirits, then rinse with CHILDREN.
clean water.
–4–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
SAFE DISPOSAL OF RAGS AND WASTE.
DANGER: Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and
sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded.
Immediately place rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this
product, and sanding residue in a sealed, water-filled metal container.
Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.
–5–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
FIG 1.
F
I
F
A
A
E
E C
C
B
B
B A
B A D
–6–
CONTINUED - WOODWORKS: INTERMEDIATE PROJECT 2008-2009 MODULAR PLANTER BENCH
FIG. 2 FIG. 3
C
B
E
B
FIG. 4
–7–
