Copper and Cedar Planter

Glue and nail the sides (A) to the ends (B) to make two frames (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Repeat to assemble the narrow sides (C) and the narrow ends (D).

Cut the bottom (E) to fit inside the lower frame and secure with nails centered along the length of the two bottom ends (B). Reinforce the bottom by driving a screw through each end into the bottom.

Apply glue to the top edges of the lower frame and the narrow frame, and stack all three frames to form the planter box. Clamp the frames while the glue dries. Be sure to rotate the boxes so the joints are staggered in the corners. These staggered corners make the planter stronger and provide a unique corner detail.

Cut the top trim (F) and the top end trim (G) to length. Glue and nail the trim to the top of the planter with the inside edge of the trim even with the inside face of the planter box.

Place the jig with the edge noted against the end of the box, and the top of the jig against the top trim. Drill the holes in the planter sides using the jig as a guide and repeat for each of the remaining three corners. Align the same edge of the drilling jig against each end of the box to ensure the same hole positions.

Disassemble the split-ring hangers. Insert a 3/8-inch hex bolt and washer through each hole in the planter from the inside (Project Diagram, Drawing 2 and Drawing 4). Slip a washer on the outside end of the bolt and then screw the base portion of the split-ring hanger on the bolt until it is snug and aligned for the pipe leg.

Insert the pipes so the top end is 1/8 inch from the top trim. You may need to adjust the rotation of the hangers to get the pipes to seat in them properly. Once aligned, add the remaining half of the split ring using the screws provided with the hanger.