Soleful Retreats

What You'll Need

• cedar planter 16" or 20" 5081-421 or 5081-430.
• casters (2) 2325-166, (2) 2325-111
• wooden knobs (4) 2305-204
• exterior latex paint (clear base) untinted 1835-312
• hinges 2356-499
• support hinge 2314-944
• upholstery foam 2" or 4" thickness, fabric and quilt batting (available from a fabric store)
• staple gun 1072-412
• plywood or chipboard for lid 16" or 20" depending on planter
• Wood Shield solid stain 1868-054 to 768

Step By Step

1. Cut 2" foam to match lid size. (Helpful advice: Cut foam with a serrated knife). Cut quilt batting approximately 12" larger and the fabric 14" larger than lid size.
2. Working on a solid surface, place the foam in the centre of the batting and the plywood top on top of foam. Pulling it taut, wrap the batting over the foam and staple it in place into the plywood. Then wrap the fabric over top and staple it into place into plywood.
3. Paint or stain the planter box (in our project, we used colour 5N1-4).
4. Attach casters as outlined in the cooler project. Attach hinges.

Note: Use the interior box to store cushions, towels etc. If storage is not an issue, don't bother with the hinges. Just glue the upholstered top into place and weight down until glue dries.

Friendly advice

Create a weather resistant covering for your ottoman by coating a square of matching cotton fabric with three coats of exterior semi-gloss paint (untinted clear base 74-03), letting the paint dry between each coat. (Note: it dries clear.) Secure wooden knobs to each side of the planter box. Attach elastic or ribbon to the square of fabric to hold in place. (Note: only do this to the detachable square, not the permanent cushion.) Tuck the ottoman under the nesting tables for added protection from the elements. A "gotta have" for any backyard resort.

To make the Pretty and Pink chair for a vanity, follow the same instructions but use the 16" planter (5081-421). Use 4" foam and staple on the ruffle after the top is upholstered. Attach the hinges last. In our project, we painted the stool and vanity Beauti-Tone 1D1-3 Squirt. (Use the space inside for toys or as a laundry hamper.)

Go planter wild and think of other creative ways to use these versatile boxes. Use two planters and casters with 4' boards on top for an outdoor coffee table. Create a stand for the 12" planter that brings it to table height of 29". Line it with rigid insulation and voilà! A unique wine cooler for those romantic evenings on the deck. Once the creative juices get flowing, so will all your great ideas for planter boxes!