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Back to Project LabStage 1 · Start at the Bench

Flower Box

A source-linked five-part Flower Box path for reference measurement, square checks, drainage orientation, supported sanding, and butt-joint dry-fit inspection.

Open Flower Box form with five wood parts and three holes through its bottom. Hole positions are illustrative; the linked Illinois activity is the construction source.

Parts and fit views

Five separate Flower Box parts in true relative proportions, including three through-holes in the bottom. Hole locations are schematic.
Five prepared parts2 sides: 12 × 5½ in; bottom: 10½ × 5½ in; 2 ends: 5½ × 5½ in. The pictured ¾ in thickness is a conditional fit inference, not a source-stated stock thickness.
The two square ends sit outside the ends of the perforated Flower Box bottom; side boards are not yet shown.
Ends outside the bottomTWG assembly interpretation of the Illinois directions and drawing. Verify actual stock thickness and fit; the view is not a cut or fastening template.
Underside of the Flower Box model with three open through-holes visible in the bottom; their spacing is illustrative.
Drainage undersideThree actual mesh openings are shown. The activity specifies about ½ in diameter but gives no hole spacing or construction marks.

The views help identify the source parts and joints. The Illinois activity remains the construction authority; pictured hole spacing is not a plan dimension.

Plan reference

Use the linked plan to check the illustration

The Illinois activity lists five parts, butt joints, optional glue beads, 8d finishing nails, and three approximately 1/2 in drainage holes in the 10 1/2 in bottom. It does not state actual stock thickness, hole spacing, nail quantity, or nail positions. The pictured hole locations are illustrative.

Illinois 4-H Spark Activity · page 1

Open the illustrated TWG Flower Box lesson

Open Illinois project plan
Plan materials, parts, and method

What the linked plan states

Source
Illinois 4-H Flower Box activity
Materials and parts
Five parts: two 12 × 5 1/2 in sides, one 10 1/2 × 5 1/2 in bottom, and two 5 1/2 × 5 1/2 in ends. The bottom has exactly three drainage holes, about 1/2 in diameter; spacing is not stated.
Stock dimensions and pattern
One nominal 1 × 6 softwood board, 48 in long, marked into 12 in, 12 in, 10 1/2 in, 5 1/2 in, and 5 1/2 in lengths. The source does not state actual nominal-stock thickness.
Tools and assembly
The source supplies list names 8d finishing nails, wood glue, paint, and 80–120 grit sandpaper. Its directions call for a sharp pencil and saw, squareness checks, and drilling three drain holes. The adult selects and controls actual tools and products. Butt joints. The 10 1/2 in bottom sits between the two 5 1/2 in ends; the two 12 in sides complete the box around them. Use 8d finishing nails. The source says a bead of wood glue may be used between joints before nailing; it does not state nail count or exact positions.

This is a companion summary, not a complete illustrated build lesson. Follow the linked plan or TWG lesson and have an adult check the actual setup before building.

Adult-led session

What you can practice

Identify and sort the five prepared parts, measure from a reference edge, check square, hand-sand released supported edges, dry-fit, identify the three-hole bottom and its orientation, and explain the next check before adult-controlled fastening or product use.

Adult preparation and boundary

Open the Illinois activity, prepare clean stock and stable workholding, complete higher-risk operations, keep all five parts labeled, and set product-specific boundaries. Stock selection, sawing, all three drainage holes, nail placement and fastening, glue/paint/finish products, product readiness, and intended-use decision.

Before building

With an adult, compare the prepared parts and actual stock with the plan, find the three drainage openings, and dry-fit the ends and sides before fastening. The adult checks the joint fit and controls nails and products.