Design Work: New planter boxes, backyard layout and patio cover design. We were going to put in galvanized water troughs, but looking at the cost ($159 each) and reading online reviews from others using these as planters with mixed results and limited lifespans, I decided we could have a much better-looking result building them out of wood. Ultimately it will mean considerably more time and effort involved, but the final result will be much more appealing and cost a bit less $$.
Laid these out to fit a 6' x 2' x 30" volume. The sides will have thick plastic lining to protect the wood from the dirt/water. I'll be lining the bottom with a thick metal screen to keep the gophers out, this topped with landscape fabric for drainage. The exterior cedar will be stained to match the deck. We will need to build 8 of these, 6 for the backyard and 2 for the greenhouse!
Backyard layout is looking like this:
Designed the new patio cover to build off of the existing porch:
Main supports are 6" x 6" posts, ultimately with stone veneer to match fireplace on far back wall. Top 2" x 2" rails are 16 across. Posts will be pressure treated lumber, the rest clear redwood stained to match deck and Japanese garden entry.
Update -- Final Measurements:
Next task: Get lumber!
Filled the truck to capacity with materials for just the planter boxes alone...
