Get a Chief’s Shop hat!
  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If you receive a message that your e-mail address is invalid, please visit my blog page and sign up in the area on the right-hand side of the page.

  • Follow ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS provided by the manufacturers of your tools, and any chemicals such as glue and finishes you use in this project. YOU are responsible for your safety, so use common sense when working in the shop!
     
    Instructions
    You have two choices for joinery for the levels - either deck screws or pocket hole screws. Either will work just as well. Make sure the pocket hole screws you use are rated for exterior use.
     
    Take a look at this video for a tip on marking the arcs on the rails.

    If using pocket hole joinery, set your pocket hole jig for 1 1/2" stock and drill three pocket holes on each end of the Bottom Side Rail. If using 3" deck screws, drill three pilot holes 3/4" in from the ends of the Bottom End Rail.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 2 1/2" pocket hole screws or 3" deck screws.

    If using pocket hole joinery, set your pocket hole jig for 1 1/2" stock and drill three pocket holes on each end of the Second Level Side Rail. If using 3" deck screws, drill three pilot holes 3/4" in from the ends of the Second Level End Rail.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 2 1/2" pocket hole screws or 3" deck screws.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 2 1/2" deck screws.

    If using pocket hole joinery, set your pocket hole jig for 1 1/2" stock and drill three pocket holes on each end of the Third Level Side Rail. If using 3" deck screws, drill three pilot holes 3/4" in from the ends of the Third Level End Rail.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 2 1/2" pocket hole screws or 3" deck screws.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 2 1/2" deck screws.

    If using pocket hole joinery, set your pocket hole jig for 3/4" stock and drill three pocket holes on each end of the Top Side Rail. If using 1 1/4" deck screws, drill three pilot holes 3/8" in from the ends of the Top End Rail.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws or 1 1/4" deck screws.

    Position the parts as shown and attach using 1 1/4" deck screws.

    Position the levels centered. Add soil after you place each level.

    What You’ll Need

    Lumber
    1 - 1 x 8 x 8
    1 - 2 x 2 x 8
    5 - 2 x 8 x 8
    (availability will vary)
     
    Hardware & Supplies
    3" deck screws or 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
    2 1/2" deck screws
    1 1/4" deck screws &/or 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
    wood glue
    paint/stain
     
    Tools
    table saw (optional)
    miter saw
    jigsaw
    sander/belt sander
    drill/driver
    Kreg Pocket Hole Jig (optional)
    clamps
    square

    Parts

    Bottom Side Rails (2) - 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 48
    Bottom End Rails (2) - 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 40
    Second Level Side Rails (2) -
     1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 37
    Second Level End Rails (2) -
     1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 29
    Second Level Posts (4) - 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 10
    Third Level Side Rails (2) -
     1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 26
    Third Level End Rails (2) -
     1 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 18
    Third Level Posts (4) - 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 14 1/2
    Top Side Rails (2) - 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 48
    Top End Rails (2) - 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 40
    Top Posts (4) - 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 19
     
    All parts are listed in actual dimensions. Refer to the Cutting Diagram below as a guide for determining the specific board from which to cut the parts. Some of the posts can be cut from 2x4 rather than 2x8, in case you do not want to rip down a 2x8 or you do not have a table saw.

    Download the plan pdf file

    (C) Chris Hill/Chief’s Shop 2009-2014
    chief@chiefs-shop.com
    Visit Chris Hill's profile on Pinterest.