Building My Own "Chocolate Box" Planter (Part 1)

22 comments

I woke up this morning feeling creative, and with an idea in my mind.

So I set off early, to get what I required to get started.

Two packs of “budget” pine tongue-and-groove wainscot cladding (3.99 per pack of 9), and six 2.4metre lengths of 38mmx19mm battening, (£9.00 total from a local timber yard).

Firstly, I marked off and cut each pine panel in half, to give me 36 pieces, each 45cms (almost 18") long – a good depth for a planter, methinks! I decided to make the long ends 12 panels each (total length 1.07metres/42"), and the sides 6 panels each (54cms or 21").

All the panels were linked together, applying wood glue to the “tongues” to reinforce the joints. Excess glue was worked into the grooves, using damp kitchen towel paper.

By the time I had glued all 4 panels, the first was ready for more treatment. I turned each panel face down on a level surface, and glued 3 lengths of batten to each, one flush with the top edge, one flush with the bottom edge, and a central one for strengthening. With the long sides, I cut the lengths 38mm short of the total length (19mm short at each end). This is not totally clear in the above pic, but is very important.

In the case of the short side panels, the battening was cut to the full width of the panels, with the location of the central straps being measured up against those of the long sides.

Now, I scored a “double whammy” here. In order to give the glue time to set, I headed off to a nearby garden centre, with restaurant, for food and plant-browsing, my fave pastimes, haha!

When I got home, the glue had set sufficiently for me to be able to turn each panel carefully face-up, and further secure the panels to the battens with panel pins.

Finally, it’s time to assemble the box. With the careful planning of the lengths of battening, the sides simply “dovetail” into place.The panels are joined together with glue and screws.

I used the leftover pieces of batten to make a slatted base. This strengthens the structure even more, and, will, later on, help with drainage.

Well, the school bell rings in 10 minutes, so it’s time to “down tools” for the day. I’ll get this finished over the next day or so, and post a record of my progress.

:-)

30 Mar, 2009
17 likes

Comments

Blodyn

It's great to be able to make things on your own. I wonder what you'll plant in it.

31 Mar, 2009

Jacque

This is what i call Perfect DIY David much better than what i ever make :) Its a Man thing i guess :) I cant wait to see it full of Yummi Plants & Painted all choc colour :)

31 Mar, 2009

Irish

well done David, that looks great

31 Mar, 2009

Terratoonie

This looks excellent David.
Clever to make this so well on a budget.
Looking forward to finding out your choice of chocolate box colours.....

31 Mar, 2009

Clarice

Well done.

31 Mar, 2009

Madmum

Great job! I would have used the pieces horizontally, but your way gives a neater edge I think, you've educated me!

31 Mar, 2009

Pottygardener

Very neat and tidy job, David. I agree with Jacque, it's a man thing!
I have no doubt that you will show us it all planted up?

31 Mar, 2009

Bonkersbon

Brilliant David ! Looking forward to seeing all painted and planted up !

31 Mar, 2009

Greenfingers

Looking absolutely brilliant! Will look even better with a great chocolate selection - ooooo a selection box, I love those at Christmas, tasty! Ha!

31 Mar, 2009

David

Many Thanks, folks!

I did get farther on with it today, and it is all but finished. Will, hopefully, have the sequel on here tomorrow night.

Jacque and Potty, it needn't be a man thing! Get YOUR men to get down there and buy you those trendy, pink power tools, or, DIY (do it yoursleves). I bet you could show us!

The planting for this "box" is in my mind, as is its location, but the location is still under development, lol! It may be some time before we see it in its final glory.

Greenfingers, not only are you "incorrigible", but you give me some gr8 ideas, too! Trying to have enough "chocolate garden" in time for a garden Easter Egg hunt is bad enough, but I love the idea of a Christmas selection box hunt. This goes on the calendar - Many Thanks :-)

31 Mar, 2009

Lizinskip

great planter, well done, I will show 'him indoors' at the weekend, here's hoping. Been out today looking for large planters that would not break the bank and all I had to do was look here

31 Mar, 2009

Lujean

Very good job you did it and how creative are you.

1 Apr, 2009

Gee19

Great planter, David, and the beauty of it is that you can make it whatever size you need. I used the same idea to panel my bath (although I used plastic tongue & groove). Come on, ladies, its certainly not a 'man' thing - have a go - save money and gain a great deal of satisfaction :)

1 Apr, 2009

Lincslass

Being a school day you didn,t have a little helper this time either David ( lol ) looks grand.........

1 Apr, 2009

Dottydaisy2

Can I put in my order.....it is just what I am looking for!!

1 Apr, 2009

Gilli

Oh, that's lovely David. Well done.

1 Apr, 2009

Muddy_boots

Brilliant idea David. Been thinking along the same lined myself, but that's as far as I have got. Pity no one does a kit pack! That might suit you to, Jacquie

2 Apr, 2009

Maranddar

It takes me all my time to fill a planter, I am so impressed with you building your own. My carpentery skills are sadly lacking...you should start making DIY packs and selling them on ebay...or flog them on Dragon's den!! Looking forward to seeing it in full flower.

2 Apr, 2009

Greenfingers

It's a pleasure David, I'm sure your children would love the idea too.

3 Apr, 2009

David

Many Thanks, everyone. the planter is all but finished now. Will show the completed version sometime this weekend. :-)

3 Apr, 2009