Materials:
large vinyl tub
1" x 12' or 1" x 10' cedar board, grade S3S*
1" x 2' cedar board, grade S3S, for upper casing
six 2" galvanized deck screws
circular saw or jigsaw
drill with a #6 combination drill and countersink bit
* Width of board should be at least equal to the depth of the tub.
Steps for cutting:
- From 1" x 12' (or 1" x 10') piece of wood, cut two boards for the sides of the box, with each board equal to the outer width of the tub plus 1/2".
- Cut two boards for the front and back pieces, with each board equal to the outer length of the tub plus 1/2", plus twice the thickness of the wood.
- Lightly sand the edges of the wood as necessary.
Steps for assembly:
- Align front piece to one side piece. Drilling through the front piece into the side piece, pre-drill holes for screws, using #6 size combination drill and countersink bit; countersink the holes. Secure the wood pieces with screws. Repeat for remaining side piece.
- Measure the outside width of box. From the 1" x 2' board, cut two pieces to this measurement, minus 2". Center the casing piece on the upper edge of the surround side piece, with casing extending 1/4" beyond the inside edge. Pre-drill and secure with screws. Repeat on opposite side.
- Measure the length of box from the outside edges of casing pieces. From the 1" x 2' board, cut two pieces to this measurement for the front and back casing pieces.
- Position casing on upper edge of surround front piece, flush with the side moldings. Pre-drill, and secure with screws.
- Elevate the tub, if necessary, to within about 1/2" of the surround height. Support tub with bricks or pieces of landscape lumber. Place surround around tub.
Water Gardening Tips
- Place small stones or pea gravel on top of heavy garden soil to prevent it from washing out of outdoor containers.
- Use inverted terra-cotta pots or bricks to adjust the height of container pond plants for the recommended water depth.
Resources Outdoor Decor: Decorative Projects for the Porch, Patio & Yard
by the editors of Creative Publishing International (ISBN: 0865733856)
This title is out of print.
Creative Publishing International
Website:
www.creativepub.com Also in this Episode
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