Every Gardener Needs A Trug

Materials and Cut List

If purchasing lumber, a 8-foot-long piece of 1 X 6-inch board will be sufficient. From it, cut the following pieces (all measurements in inches):

• (2) End pieces 1 X 6 x 16 ( 3/4 X 5 1/2 - 16" actual dimensions)
• (2) Side rails 3/4 X 1 x 16"
• (2) Handle supports 1/2 X 1-1/2 x 12"
• 1 Wood dowel measuring 1" X 17"
• 1 Piece 1/2-inch  wire mesh hardware cloth measuring 16" X 25"
• Wood glue (exterior)
• 1 1/2-inch shingle nails & 1/2" staples

• 1 1/2" - #8 square wood screws & #8 Finishing washers                                                 (Optional)Stain, clear sealer finish, wood preservative(mineral oil) or paint

Step 1

Gather materials and cut wood pieces to size using the cut list

Step 2

Mark lines for radius cuts on bottom corners of each end piece using a quart-sized paint can

Step 3

On each end piece, cut a 3/4-by-1-inch notch in each top corner

Step 4

On the  two side rails 3/4 x 1 x 16" and attach the hardware cloth.

Make a 90-degree bend 3/4 inches from the edge of the wire, along the 16-inch side. Repeat on opposite edge. Using the staple gun, attach the 16" bent edges of hardware cloth to each of the two side rails.

Step 5

Place side rails in notches on both of the end pieces. Fasten the rails into the notches in the end pieces using the 1 1/2 " x  #8 wood screws with the finishing washers in place. Pre drill pilot holes and add glue for extra strength.

Step 6

Wrap the hardware cloth around the two end pieces, following the contour of the wood. Staple the hardware cloth to the end pieces.

Step 7

Drill pilot holes in the edge of the end pieces and using the shingle nails, fasten the hardware cloth securely in place. The large heads on the shingle nails provide excellent surface area to adequately strengthen the trug.

Step 8

Drill a 1-inch hole in each of the handle supports, centered 1 inch from one end — this will be the top of the handle support. Radius the tops of the supports to form a half-round.

Step 9

Install the 1"top handle by sliding it through the holes on the handle supports. Centre the top handle allowing for even overhang through the side handle supports. Secure handle with wood glue, and nail a 1-inch brad through the side of each handle support into the handle.

Step 10

Position the two side handle supports inside the trug. Glue & clamp in place. Drill pilot holes in the end pieces and using two # 8 -1 1/2 inch screws with finishing washers fasten the handle in place.

Step 11(optional) 

Apply a stain and clear finish as per your preference. The Trug can be used to wash your garden produce so it will be subject to moisture conditions.