doggydwelling
P la n te r k e n n e l
HERE’S HOW
STEP 1
Starting with the
planter box, cut a 300mm-
wide strip from long side of
a 2.4m sheet of plywood
to make sides. Then make
a second cut diagonally
between opposite corners
of
3 0 0 m m -w id e
strip
to form 2 long w edge-
shaped triangles. Make sure
you cut down centre of line
so both triangles are the
same, regardless of saw
blade thickness.
STEP 2
Measure 1470mm
along
bottom
of
each
triangular piece from tall end,
and square a line across. Cut to length
along line to form 2 planter sides (A).
STEP 4
Measure 300mm from shallow
end along bottom and screw on locating
cleat (E) which stops planter sliding.
STEP 3
Glue and screw planter back
(B) to sides after predrilling for screws,
then add planter front (C). Make sure
bottom edges are flush. Turn over and
add planter base (D), screwing into
front, back and sides.
STEP 5
Drill three or four 25mm-dia holes
in back with holes just touching base, to
allow moisture to drain from planter.
STEP 6
Give inside of planter 2 coats
of bitumen paint to waterproof wood
and stop wood rot. Don't forget to
paint insides of drainage holes. Paint
material on generously and let dry for
about 4 hours between coats.
STEP 7
Cut kennel front (F) to size.
Mark centre between sides and 375mm
down from top. Cut a small offcut of
batten about 360mm long and measure
325mm from one end. Drive a small nail
through batten and then into mark on
front. Hold a pencil against end of batten
and draw a 650mm-dia circle.
STEP 8
Measure 200m m along bottom
edge of front from each side and, by
freehand, join bottom to circle to mark
in a smooth keyhole shape. Cut out this
shape with a jigsaw.
STEP 9
Plane top edge of front to give a
slight bevel to back for slope of top. The
bevel is not large, only 2mm down inside
edge. Use an electric planer or plane.
STEP 10
Cut kennel sides (G) with
front edge at 850m m and back edge
at 740mm, to give a slope to top. To
assemble kennel, glue and screw kennel
base (H) to one side, predrilling for
screws. Then add kennel back (I) so
the structure is self-supporting. You will
notice the sides are 50mm proud of the
back at the top. This is to locate roof
garden once it slots into place.
STEP 1 1
Glue and screw on front (F).
Then add final side, gluing and screwing
to front and back and from base into side.
STEP 1 2
Drop in top (J) after gluing,
then screw on from sides, and from top
down into front and back.
STEP 1 3
To stop base rotting, it's
important that it is up off the ground.
This also allows air circulation in summer
and insulates from the cold of the ground
in winter. Use 70 x 35mm treated pine
as skids (K). Space them 50mm from
front and back, and 50mm in from sides.
Screw through floor into skids.
STEP 14
Test-fit top planter to kennel
base. It should be a firm fit, but not need
force. Remove planter and paint kennel
with 2 or 3 coats of a water-based
exterior stain in a redwood colour and
planter with the same material but in a
merbau colour. Brush out stain evenly,
as it’s easy for it to come out streaky.
Alternatively, use exterior acrylic paint
in colours to suit your home. If kennel
is going to be out in the weather, you
may wish to paint top and inside faces
of sides with the same bitumen used for
waterproofing inside of planter.
STEP 15
The planter will take about
seven 30 litre bags of potting mix or soil.
To stop it falling out through drainage
holes, place squares or a strip of insect
mesh across holes to retain dirt. Add
a mattress downstairs and your plants
of choice up top. Now you're ready to
rock and roll onto your back and have a
tummy rub for a job well done.
For project supplies, see Stockists page
Photography Dieter Mylius, diagram Stephen Pollitt: project John Rae
