Wooden Composter

The drawing provided by Lowe’s, while having some excellent features, was designed to sell lumber, hardware and power tools. I incorporated the best elements while cutting down and the weight and, hopefully, the cost.

What I did today made use of treated 5/8 x 5 1/2″ fencing and 2×2″s. I bought a box of deck screws and used handsaws. As it threatened to rain all day, I used no power tools. I wanted something I could move about easily. I chose to make it 36″ wide, 24″ deep and 36″ high.

I’ll finish with 2×2 ’s vertically 3/4″ behind those to left and right as rails, and fencing to drop in on the front. I suppose the top will be more fencing with 2×2’s underneath. I’ll use screws and washers to secure 1/4″ galvanized screen on the sides. That way, with the front and top removed as you see it, it’s light enough to move with a hand truck.

BTW, that pic is blind ass luck. I turned the Mavica flash to high, aimed and shot.

Oh yeah, I picked up some 1×2″ for stripping to frame out the sides. You could probably save some money by ripping the lumber from bigger pieces, but while I own a table saw, I hate the noise and mess and am terribly fond of my fingers.

As to construction, the secret for me has always been screw clamps. You get that rascal where you want it with clamps, run in a woodscrew and the integrity is excellent.

Yes, I’ll have to cut the existing 2×2s on the right and left to be flush with the rails so the front fencing can fall in. I’ll also trim the outside with 1×2 so the front fencing doesn’t move laterally. This is where a routered 2×4 is a better choice.