CUSTOM by RUSHTON works with reclaimed
and recycled materials
CUSTOM by RUSHTON guarantees lifetime warranty on workmanship
URBAN CONTAINER VEGETABLE GARDENING BOXES
Fabrication Process
So what's involved, what are my options and how can I get one?
MATERIAL.
Well let's first start with the basics. All of the material used in the making of any planter boxes I produce are made of 100% reclaimed material.
Why? Other than the obvious, saving the planet and saving our natural resources, I firmly believe that we, as the world,
need to stop our culture of throwing away what we no longer see as useful. Re-use and recycle is not just a saying, it should be a way of existence.
Then there is the quality of the material. Most wood bought at the local home improvement center is new growth.
New growth lumber doesn't last nearly as long as old growth lumber (what we used to use). Unlike the wood often bought today,
reclaimed material is “good ol' timber”, that doesn't shrink and move, and is solid. I go directly to the source and hand pick the finest old growth cedar
for my planter boxes. And this process, while labor intensive is cost effective, and I pass this along to the end user.
COST EFFECTIVENESS.
So why buy a Rushton Planter Box? Well first off, I have been in the design, build and remodel business for over 30. With extensive knowledge and exceptional attention to detail my work is top notch.
Let's look at the costs of doing it your self however, just to give you an idea of what it takes.
For a typical Planter (4' by 4', 10” deep.) you would need 12 8 foot 2x4's. Approximately $83.64. For the bottom add another $10.00, sitting bench, $48, nails and or screws are another $6.00, and then 1 pallet, $20.00. That equals around 167.64, not including taxes. This doesn't take into account the time and effort to acquire the raw materials. That also does not include the use of reclaimed material. These are typical home improvement prices. And if you have been to one recently you know the quality of the lumber is shoddy, and the transport and storage of all these materials does the earth no good.
Now it's time to get out your table saw, planer, drill, etc, and get all of the materials arranged. I am lucky enough to have a great shop with a great array of tools, and have decades of experience. And for my first planters last year it took about two hours to build each one. Now let's assume you are a better than average do-it-yourself handyman. Construction could well be 5+ hours, depending on what kind of work space, skill level etc.
Let's see what we have. A day of driving (fossil fuel costs money) around and getting materials (which will most likely be new growth lumber from you know where). Laying out, cutting, screwing, and finish work (If you have the tools and/or space). Let''s assume your time is worth $15 an hour, though we all know its worth more. At approximately 8+ hours, that's $120. Plus the $167 or so for materials. And the rough cost of doing it yourself comes to around & 287.
I don't discourage people from building their own things, I actually encourage it. How ever you can see that My planters will save you time and money, and in the end you will end up with a superior product that will last for years. And at the same time you can take solace that these planters are made of 100% reclaimed material.
DESIGN.
The first boxes I built were based on pallets for two reasons. Number one mobility We have access to a forklift, which works for us, but I doubt many people have one in the garage. So I designed a system with wheels, much like a wheelbarrow, for the average consumer. And number two Rot resistance. The thickness of the walls of my planters is around4 inches. With the quality of lumber used, this should last in the neighborhood of 15 trouble free years. Most planters I have seen have 1.5 inch thick walls and have problems within 3 years (usually from rot)
My corners are lapped. Like a log cabin. A proven method of construction thats centuries old. The bottom never touches the ground, which means it lasts longer and weeds don't have a chance to grow into your growing beds. Also with the use of benches for the top piece of wood, it becomes not only a planter but a piece of furniture.
My first planters are pretty rough looking, which suits our landscape, but may not be what you're looking for. Hence we'll be building several models, with different sizes and styles. Or you can go completely custom and help us design your look. Maybe you want a few small planters for you patio or petite yard. Or maybe you would like a box that won't leak for your balcony. Either way I can help. Just two things. It won't be made in China, and it will be made of %100 reclaimed material. I have a very well equipped shop, and can work with either metal or wood, or both if you prefer.
Please look around my website and look at the other projects I have done. This is all my work, 100% from design to finish. I have not hired a subcontractor for a good reason. My workmanship is guaranteed for life. Point being from the the electrical to the plumbing, framing, cabinet building, trim floors, granite counter tops, tile and paint fish work, I do everything with care and perfection. So don't feel limited in your imagination of what your new garden or balcony planter can be.
© 2009-2012 Custom by Rushton, Website Design & Programming by Subsequently Now Productions
