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24 October 2006

Make an all-purpose garden tray

Spring is the perfect time to get organised and this multi-purpose holdall will help you do just that.

You will need

19mm pine
– two 150 x 500mm pieces (sides)
– two 170 x 262mm pieces (front and back)
– one 230 x 500mm piece (divider)

6mm plywood
– one 300 x 500mm piece (base)

pencil

tape measure

try square

jigsaw

coarse sandpaper

electric drill

3mm wood drill bit

25mm wood drill bit

wood glue

hammer

approximately twenty 3 x 25mm round-headed nails

electric screwdriver

approximately twenty 8 x 40mm chipboard screws

white outdoor paint

paintbrush

To make
1 Mark out the slanted ends on the two 150 x 500mm pieces and cut the pieces to size.
2 Mark the height of the front and back sections on the two 170 x 262mm pieces. Use a side piece to determine the height, and cut out using a jigsaw.
3 Determine the angle of the top and bottom sections of the slanted front and back sections and sand down.
4 Check the angle by positioning the pieces prepared in steps 1 and 3 next to each other.
5 Draw a simple pattern on the two side sections and cut it out using the jigsaw.
6 Place the side section on top of the front and back sections. Drill 3mm pilot holes for the screws, apply wood glue along the join and screw together.
7 Screw the remaining side onto the structure to complete the rectangle.
8 Measure and cut the divider from the 230 x 500mm piece. Drill two 25mm holes where the opening for the handle must be, and cut it out using the jigsaw.
9 Measure the base out of the 6mm plywood and cut out. Add a line of wood glue all along the edges and hammer in place.
10 Drill a few pilot holes from the outside and screw the divider with handle in place.
11 Apply a few coats of white paint that is suitable for outdoor use, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Once the trug is completely dry, sand the edges lightly to remove the paint in places if you prefer a more rustic look.

Even more uses

Leave the trug unpainted and use it to carry fruit and vegetables home from a farmers’ market. Store it outside to let it age naturally as the elements go to work on it over time. You can also use it as a decorative display space for vegetables in the kitchen or pantry.

If you prefer a more contemporary look, leave off the decorative trim on the edge of the trug, stain it dark brown and use it as a holder for condiments, cutlery, serviettes or coasters when you entertain guests outdoors.

Paint the trug white and stencil your name or words such as ‘office’ and ‘personal’ onto the sides. Use it to sort and store letters, receipts or invoices. Place small containers such as tins or boxes inside and use them to store pens and other stationery items, helping to keep your office or desk space tidy.

Make a pretty and practical addition to your child’s bedroom. Paint it a bright colour and decoupage designs from sheets of giftwrap onto the sides. It’s the perfect place to store tiny toys that tend to lie around or often get lost. Or paint it and use it as an outdoor storage box for toys. Allocate one to each child by painting them in different colours or stencilling their names onto the sides. Then store the trugs outside or on the patio.

Use it as an alternative to the traditional window box by filling it with flower seedlings to brighten up a room. Or create your own indoor herb garden for a fresh supply of herbs that can easily be moved around the workspace in your kitchen, or taken outside to the braai.

Previously published in Ideas, Subscribe now and save