DIY Network

Building the Bin Building the Bin From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-109

Composting is the chemical and biological process that occurs when old plant materials, like fruit and vegetable scraps, dried leaves and lawn clippings, are broken down into their base forms. This process makes nutrients available for use again within the soil. Compost is one of those things that just works -- and there are lots of reasons why....

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	Composting is the chemical and biological process that occurs when old plant materials are broken down into their base forms.
	The bin for this project has three sections: one for new waste, one for compost that's breaking down and a third for finished compost.
	The center joist adds stability to the floor frame and helps support the load across the floor.
	You will need to cut a total of 20 floorboards for this compost bin.
	Careful measurement will ensure that the frame lines up correctly.

First, plants always need a fresh supply of food and nutrients, and compost is easier and less harsh for most plants to absorb. Another reason is that compost helps to even out the pH level of the soil so that you don't need to add as much lime or sulfur. Also, compost invites beneficial organisms like worms into the garden because it offers food and moisture. And these are just a few of the reasons.

A very cost-effective way to have compost in the garden is to make it yourself. To begin, you'll need a container or bin for collecting waste. To make a simple yet strong and long-lasting version, simply follow the instructions below.

Materials:

Lumber*
Measuring tape
Pencil
Circular saw
Safety glasses
Gloves
Drill
Speed square
Galvanized screws
Post level.

*Here, we chose pressure-treated lumber because it's very economical. Cedar also holds up well to weather and the outdoors.

The compost bin for this project has 3 bins and a floor. The 3 bins will give you one bin as a new waste bin, one bin as an "in the process" bin and the third will be compost that's finishing up. They'll all begin as starters since it's a new bin. Having a raised floor compost bin will give the compost air circulation all the way around, making the gas exchange that occurs during composting more efficient.

Steps:

1. Measure the 2 outside 2" x 6" boards for the compost bin to a length of 9 feet 3 inches. Each bin will be 3 feet wide for a sum of 9 feet. The extra 3 inches will cover the depth of the 2 end joists. Use a circular saw to make the cuts while firmly holding the boards in place on 2 sawhorses. These 2 boards will be the front and back floor supports

2. Now cut the side pieces, also know as headers. You need 2 -2 x 6's cut to 30 inches long. You'll be able to get both pieces from one board. Make the first 30-inch cut and then re-measure and cut for the second piece.

3. Once the outer floor supports are cut to length, cut the center joist to a length of 9 feet. This will run parallel to the 2 outside boards, and will attach to the end pieces. This center joist adds stability to the floor frame and will help support the load across the floor. Next, cut 6 additional floor supports from the 2x6 stock to a length of 14 and a half inches. These 6 boards, 2 per bin will strengthen the floor even more.

4. To assemble the floor, attach the 2 side pieces to the 2 end pieces, with the end pieces sitting inside the frame. Screw the center support joist and the braces within the outer frame. All of the braces will help the floor stay square.

5. To assemble the floor, first pre-drill the boards. Then screw one of the end pieces, the header, to the 2 outside boards using 3 inch galvanized decking screws. Next attach the second header to the other end of the side pieces. Check the box to make sure it is square by measuring from corner to corner making sure both diagonal measurements were the same. Then screw the center joist to the header boards, setting it equal distance between the 2 outside boards. Finally attach the 6 support braces. Place them so that they will be directly under the center of each of the 3 bins.

6. To cover these joists and headers, you need to cut lots of floorboards, 20 total. Sixteen will be 34.5 inches long and four of the boards will be 33 inches long, 1.5 inches shorter than the rest to leave room for the bin walls. To make this go quickly, mark all of your boards before you start cutting. That way you can make all of the cuts one after the other without having to stop and start. Use 5/4 decking boards to make the floorboards.

7. The 4 shorter boards must go exactly where the inner walls will go or the frame won't line up later. Measure the base to evenly divide the space into 3 equal areas. Two of the short boards line up even with the outside edge of the frame and the two middle boards are 37" from the outside edges.

8. Start by attaching the two outside shorter boards first with 2 1/2" inch split less galvanized deck screws. Using these types of screws prevents you from having to pre-drill. Then attach the two middle short boards. Next, dry fit the remaining boards to determine the space needed between them. Make sure the boards are flush with the back of the bin and attach them.

9. To start the upper frame of the compost bin, cut 8 posts from 2x6 lumber. Here, each post was cut to 47 inches. These will be the support for the outer and inner walls, 4 for the back and 4 for the front.

10. Screw the posts into place along the outside of the floor frame. Install them before attaching the side rails to them. This way you can measure the distance of the posts to make accurate cuts.