How to build a living wall
  • Difficulty
    Medium

Introduction

Warm up your outdoor oasis, add a living wall. To get started, make your cuts according to the cut guide. You'll find that the Dremel Saw-Max makes cutting various lengths of material very easy.

You need
Step17

Measure and Cut Wood with SM500 Wood & Plastic Wheel

Measure and cut wood with SM500 wood & plastic wheel

Start by cutting all of the pieces you'll need to complete your living wall, following the provided cut list. First, measure and mark your lengths of cedar planks. All of these cuts can be made using your Dremel Saw-Max tool equipped with the SM500 Wood & Plastic Wheel. Secure your material to your workbench, turn on your tool, and cut along your marked lines. Repeat this step for all of the materials on your cut list, keeping them organized in separate piles.

Step27

Miter Cut Edges to Add a Finishing Touch

Miter cut edges to add finishing touch

Once all of the pieces are cut, you can add some finishing touches to your living wall by miter cutting some of the edges. Miter cut the top frame piece of the trellis and planter box supports at a 45° angle using your Saw-Max tool, a SM600 flush cutting blade, and a miter guide. Secure the guide, position the Saw-Max against it, and make your cuts smoothly.

Step37

Miter Cut Front Panel at a 90° Angle

Miter cut front panel at 90 angel

Before assembling the planter boxes, miter cut the front edge of each side panel at a 90° angle to add a finished touch. Complete these cuts using the same method as in Step 2.

Step47

Glue Together Planter Pieces

Glue together planter pieces

Now it’s time to assemble your planter boxes. Run a bead of wood glue along each of the joints and then secure them with finishing nails. Repeat this step for all of your planter boxes.

Step57

Pre-Drill Holes with the Dremel 4200

Dremel 4200 in use for hole drilling

To assemble your trellis, first lay out all of the pieces front side down as shown on the provided blueprint, and mark your pre-drill locations. Use the Dremel 4200 tool to pre-drill holes, then secure the trellis pieces into place with a drill driver and wood screws.

Step67

Attach Planter Boxes to the Trellis

Drill together all planter boxes

Secure each of your planter boxes to the trellis, resting them on each support. Pre-drill holes along the backside of the trellis pieces to secure the planter boxes. Use your drill driver and wood screws to complete the assembly.

Step77

Add Finishing Touches with Lanterns

Finished living wall with added lanterns

As an optional final touch, add some solar lanterns to your living wall. Attach a picture hook to the back of each lantern and hang them on your living wall in any location you like.


Warning

To reduce the risk of injury user must read instruction manuals for all tools used in this project. Wear eye and respiratory protection. Use clamps to support work piece whenever practical.