Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Table Planters: What to Keep in Mind When Using Treated Pine

Table planters (also called potting tables) are one of the convenient ways of rearing flowers in your garden. They are particularly ideal if you have problems bending when gardening, as you can elevate the table planter to a height that you are comfortable with. Notably, the outdoor environment exposes your table planter to a host of corrosive elements that can easily wear it down. This is why you should set it up using treated pine to minimise the possibility of damage. The timber is treated using chemicals like Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary to prevent insect attack and fungal decay. Here are some DIY tips you should know when constructing a table planter using treated pine timber:

Storing the Wood Before Construction

If you've bought the timber a few days prior to setting up the table, you need to store it well to get the most of it. Keep it stacked and a few feet from the ground in a cool, dry place. It should be in a shade away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation by ultraviolet radiation. Before you begin the construction, scrub off any deposits on the surface of the wood using sandpaper and apply water repellent coating. Preferably, do this the day before constructing the table so that your treated wood has ample time to dry and absorb the anti-moisture coating.

Accessories

You need metallic hardware to enable you join the pieces of wood to each other. These include nails, brackets, bolts, screws and framing anchors. When buying these woodwork accessories, ask for stainless steel, silicone bronze or hot dipped galvanised accessories. They are resistant to rust, which can spark degradation of the treated pine. Don't go for electroplated fasteners because the plating breaks down with time and exposes the metal, initiating degradation.

Finishing Off the Table Planter

Once you have set up the table planter, apply a suitable wood coating to enhance the performance of the wood against weathering. The finish can be a clear, glossy finish, quality paint or an oil based pigmented stain. Pale coloured paints stains and paints have the added advantage of absorbing less heat. Therefore, they reduce the chances of the wood wearing down due to loss of moisture (dehydration). On the other hand, linseed oil and ordinary turpentine are not good because they encourage the growth and development of black mould.

Safety When Working

Dust particles that result from sawing treated pine can cause irritation in some cases. Therefore, it is important to wear protection over the eyes, mouth, and nose.