# Materials: Quantity Each: Total Quantity: 2x6x8 6 2x6x10 6 2x4x8 4 4x4x8 7 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PREP WORK: Before starting, carefully read through the entire instruction sheet. Refer to the material list to the left and confirm that you have the correct amount of wood for this project. Instructions below are for one Outdoor Classroom. Write the number you want to make in the upper left box, then inventory materials by multiplying the Quantity Each by this number. SEATS (back row): 1. Sort six 2x6x8 pieces. These will not be cut. SEATS (middle and front row): 1. Sort six 2x6x10 pieces. 2. Measure and cut one (1) 72 length and one (1) 48 length from each piece. BRACES: 1. Sort four (4) 2x4x8 pieces. 2. Measure and cut twelve (12) 8 lengths from each piece. (You will only need part of the last piece to reach the total quantity of 42 needed for one classroom). LEGS: 1. Sort seven (7) 4x4x8 pieces. 2. Measure and cut three (3) 30 lengths from each piece. CONTINUED
FINAL INVENTORY Each Total (42) (21) 2x6x8 Seats (back row) FULL PIECE 2x6x72 Seats (middle row) 2x6x48 Seats (front row) 2x4x8 Braces 4x4x30 Legs
There are 2 ways to mark out where the holes need to be dug for the benches: Option #1: Mark the holes after the benches are constructed 1. Taking the newly constructed benches, arrange them with the longest benches in the back row and the shortest benches in the front row. Use a tape measure to make sure you have a constant space of 2 or more in between each bench on the same row and in between benches in different rows. Angle the side benches as desired, one side mirroring the other (see photo). The center of the bench in the middle of the front row should also line up with the center of the longer bench going behind it, etc. 2. With the benches arranged accordingly, use spray paint or marking flags to mark the hole locations for the bench legs. Then dig each hole to a diameter of 8-12. You ll probably want to have slightly different depths for each row of holes to create a slight cascade effect. Aim to dig the back row (longest benches) the shallowest, at about 12. The middle row can be dug to 14, and the front row down to 16. As you put the benches into the holes, use the string level to make sure the benches are even on each bench and across benches in the same row. Option #2: Mark and dig the holes prior to bench construction You can mark and dig the holes for the benches prior to building them, either on Prep Day or on Build Day. The steps below outline how you lay out the holes. Materials needed for this are: 60 of String Line 4 Stakes / Large Nails Marking Paint (1 can) OR Marking Flags (21) Measuring Tape 1. Mark centers of the rows using string line: First, designate a spot that will serve as the center of the classroom (perhaps centered in relation to a planned chalkboard, bench, etc.), about 12 in front of where the front row of benches will go. Place the first stake here. Cut the string line into three 20 lengths, and attach one end of each of them to this stake. Next, pull one string direction of where the center benches will go and stake down the other end. Mark the spot that is 18 4 from the first stake. The other two strings will go on either side of this center string, and will also get attached to stakes that are put in the ground. Mark where 15 2 from the original stake falls on these outside strings. Check to make sure that there is approximately 17 6 between these marks on the outside strings. This should leave about 8 8 between each of these marks and the center string line. The image on the next page details this string line setup. 2. Mark the holes using the marking flags / spray paint: The 3 string lines represent the center of each of the columns of benches. Using the hole layout on the next page, you can start marking where the bench holes will be dug. The marks you made on the 3 strings are the centers of the middle benches in the back row, so going from there, you should be able to use the measurements to mark all remaining holes. Do this by using a measuring tape (held approximately perpendicular to the string line you re measuring from). Once all the holes are marked, you can begin digging them as noted above in Option #1. Nice work! CONTINUED
Measurements for setting up string line: Measurements for marking the holes:
Materials: Quantity Each: Total Quantity: 2x6x8 6 2x6x6 6 2x6x4 6 2x4x8 42 4x4x30 21 2 1/2" deck screws 5 lbs 80 lb bags of concrete 20 bags Tools: Drills (1-2) Screwdriver Bits 4 Level Measuring Tape String Level Sandpaper Pencil Painting/Staining Materials (Optional) Today you will build Outdoor Classroom(s)! Above is a picture of what your finished project will look like. Follow the instructions below and most importantly, have fun! 1. Lay out and dig the holes for your benches in the area that has been designated (if they have not already been marked and dug). The back row benches have 3 legs; all others have two. Refer to the layout chart for more details on marking out the hole locations. 2. Use the provided screwdriver bit, the 2 1/2 deck screws, and a drill to attach one 2x4x8 piece to each side of the 4x4x30 legs (as seen in the picture at right). Use three screws for each connection. 3. Connect the 4x4 legs to the 2x6 seats as shown in the picture. The 8 benches will have three legs, while the 6 and 4 benches will only have two legs per bench. The outer legs should be 3 ¾ from the edge of the bench. On the 8 benches with three legs, the middle leg should be centered on the 4 mark. Use six screws into the top of the 2x6 to attach each of the legs. Be sure that two screws go down into the 2x4 braces and one goes into the 4x4 leg (as shown in the picture). 4. Stand the benches up, then place the legs into the holes in the ground. Make sure that you are using a level both on each bench and also between benches. 5. Use about 20 bags (10 wheelbarrows) of mixed concrete to concrete the benches into the ground, again making sure that you are using a level to keep them level. 6. Place dirt on top of the concrete so that no concrete is showing. 7. Clean up your work area and your outdoor classroom is complete! Thanks for all your hard work!