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  • Custom Flower Box
  • A flower box is built for the new deck.
    From "Trade School"
    episode DTRS-311


    In this final segment, with the structure of the deck essentially finished, Robert Schmidt completes his training by constructing a flower box and applying a fresh coat of deck stain.

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    1. To construct the flower box, Robert first trims off the original support posts using a reciprocating saw (figure A).

    2. He lays out three more cut 4 x 4's that serve as support posts for the box (figure B). Using two of these posts, Robert fashions one wall of the flower box by attaching several 2" x 6" boards (figure C).
    Photo

    Figure A

    Photo

    Figure B

    Photo

    Figure C


    3. After positioning the wall, Robert continues by screwing an adjacent wallboard spanning to the original support post (figure D). With the two walls connected, he toenails a screw to set the wall post to the deck (figure E).

    4. Robert fashions a similar wall for the opposite end of the box, attaching the posts with toenail screws. With the four posts set to the deck, he continues to attach wallboards--building up the box (figure F).
    Photo

    Figure D

    Photo

    Figure E

    Photo

    Figure F


    5. Robert adds a flower shelf, called a false bottom, inside of the box. He starts by scewing in 2" x 6" crossbeams to the box's support posts (figure G).

    6. With the crossbeams secured, Robert screws in sized 2" x 6" planks to form the shelf (figure H). He then drills holes through the planks for water drainage (figure I).
    Photo

    Figure G

    Photo

    Figure H

    Photo

    Figure I


    7. Robert completes the flower box by constructing a top cap consisting of four miter-cut 2" x 6" boards. After cutting the boards to size, he attaches them with several screws (figure J).

    8. To put the finishing touches on the deck, Robert prepares for staining by scuffing the wood with a hand sander (figure K). After letting the deck cure over the weekend, he adds a clear, protective stain with a roller for the flat surfaces, and then uses a brush on the smaller areas (figure L).
    Photo

    Figure J

    Photo

    Figure K

    Photo

    Figure L


    With the homeowner's own personal touches, the finished deck stands as a testament to Robert's hard work, and will be cherished for years to come.


    RESOURCES :

    The Deck Company
    Website: www.thedeckcompanyinc.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: