Step 9: Lay the Second Course

Lay the Second Course to make a planter bench
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Using a caulk gun, apply adhesive in a zigzag on top of the boards. For strength, lay the second course in the reverse direction so that each board overlaps a joint on the first course. This is lap joinery.

TOH Tip: As you add courses, run a block along the corner joints to ensure that the ends of the lapped boards sit flush with the sides.
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    Tools List

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    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • miter saw
      miter saw
    • circular saw
      circular saw
    • jigsaw
      jigsaw
    • speed square
      Speed Square
    • drill
      drill/driver fitted with a ⅜-inch paddle bit
    • square spade
      garden spade
    • hammer
      hammer
    • tamper
      hand tamper
    • caulk gun
      caulk gun

    Shopping List

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    1. cedar 2×4s Get twenty 8-foot boards to make the 16½-inch planter pieces and the 82½-inch-long seat frame.

    2. cedar 1¼×6s Get four 6-foot boards to make the 63-inch-long seat, and one 8-foot board to trim the tall planter.

    3. ¾-inch gravel for drainage below the planters and to fill the assembled planters. Get at least 1½ cubic feet (three bags).

    4. potting soil to top off the planters filled with gravel. Get four 32-quart bags.5. construction adhesive Get 4 tubes.

    6. 3-inch stainless-steel deck screws

    7. 2-inch stainless-steel deck screws

    8. 3-inch galvanized siding nails

    9. 12-inch galvanized spikes Get eight