We found it helpful to have one person hold the bottom section with a
couple of clamps holding the panels together while another nailed
everything together. In addition to nailing the panels to the bottom you
need to nail where the panels come together. The 8d nails are a little big
for this so we chose to use 6d finish nails along with some water- proof
glue to hold the panels together. Connect the other two panels the same
way.
Step 6
Our planter box is looking good at this point but it needs a little
something extra. How about a frame to go around the top edge of the
box? This is a small thing to add but makes a huge difference in the
appearance of the planter. The frame is made from 1 x 4” cedar, no
tongue & groove is needed here.
A simple butt joint is all that’s needed to connect the frame parts. The
frame parts are sized so that when it’s put together there should be
approximately a 1” overhang of the panels all the way around. It’s much
easier to put the frame together first and then place the completed frame
on than to piece the frame together around the planter. Spread glue on
each joint (a waterproof glue should be used) and clamp the frame up as
shown in the picture. Measure from one corner to the opposite corner
(diagonally) and note the distance. Measure the other diagonal and if
the distance is equal you know the frame is square. If it’s not, loosen the
clamps a little and gently push the longer corner in and measure again
Butt Joint