On 5/23/2017 9:48 AM, Dave wrote:
All,

I have been asked to make a wood planter out of cedar. The plans call
for using the legs as styles, a top and bottom rail are connected to the
legs (stiles) using pocket screws. The 1-in. cedar boards are used as
panels. To see an example, go to:
https://www.amazon.com/Cedarlooks-31.../dp/B000IXL364

Here are my questions:
1. Are pocket screws a good choice to use on outdoor projects? They
will attach the rails to the legs (stiles), the top frame to the box,
and are used inside to create a bottom. M & T joints are better I'm
sure, but take longer. Comments?

I would use pocket screws, but would put wood rails around the bottom
screwed to the posts to hold the weight of the dirt. The pocket screws
would easily hold all the rails as the horizontal pressure of the dirt
would be nil.

2. Is it wise to use rail & stile outdoors since moisture will collect
in the bottom rail with no good way to get rid of it? I suppose weep
holes could be drilled in the bottom rails, but I really doubt the
effectiveness of that, not to mention the time. Comments?

I would use hardware cloth stapled to the wood rails around the bottom
of the bottom of the planter if filling with dirt. Put a layer of
leaves, then compost, then dirt.

If using pocket screws for the rails, plug the holes with putty or calk,
or get stainless screws. If using mortise and tenon, use water proof glue.

--
Jack
Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.
http://jbstein.com