LUSITANO RETREAT — P07 BUILD NOTES
Use only with the main pallet guide and material intake checks. Illustrative dimensions are not a structural rating.

MEASUREMENTS
1. Example decorative top 500 × 300 mm
2. Actual frame footprint, supports and wet pot weights control design

CUT LIST / COMPONENTS
1. Example facing: 5 slats 500 × 55 mm, 6 mm gaps
2. Adjust board count to measured suitable low frame
3. No reclaimed legs or improvised structural joints

TOOLS
1. Tape measure, pencil and square
2. Clamps and a suitable supported cutting bench
3. Saw appropriate to the material; follow its instructions
4. Drill, matched pilot/clearance bits and screwdriver
5. Metal detector, suitable dust extraction and task-appropriate PPE
6. Sanding block and abrasive; finish tools as specified

ASSEMBLY
1. Prepare a full-size layout for the plant-pot grouping stand using the dimensions below. Measure the actual reclaimed thickness, write the part numbers on a drawing and confirm that the example fits its intended position before selecting timber.
2. Accept only dry, known-history timber that passes the guide’s intake checks. Remove nails and staples, scan the planned cuts for hidden metal and reject oily, mouldy, rotten or badly split pieces before machining.
3. Weigh the intended pots after watering, including soil, saucers and retained water. Record their combined weight and footprint, then choose a known suitable low stand rather than estimating capacity from an empty pot.
4. Measure the frame support positions and draw the proposed slat arrangement full size. Confirm every slat end and required intermediate fixing has real support, and obtain the appropriate span and fixing arrangement before cutting.
5. For a suitable 500 × 300 mm top, lay out five 55 mm slats with 6 mm drainage gaps as an appearance example. Adjust the layout to the verified frame rather than leaving a narrow unsupported final strip.
6. Cut and prepare the approved facing pieces, mark fixing centres directly above the frame supports and pilot as required. Attach with the specified outdoor fixings, checking beneath the top for points near pot-handling areas.
7. Place separate pots and saucers on the completed stand on level ground. Water one pot and observe where runoff goes; move pots individually for cleaning and keep the wood out of standing water.
8. Finish by checking every accessible face with a cloth to reveal snags, inspecting fasteners and comparing the assembly with the drawing. Record the timber batch, actual dimensions and inspection date before putting this project into its intended service.

FINISH AND CARE
1. Ease exposed edges and remove sanding dust before finishing. Follow the chosen product’s preparation, application, ventilation and curing instructions.
2. Keep the board batch and product record. Reinspect joints and surfaces after initial use and whenever exposure or contents change.

COMPLETION CHECKS
1. No loose splinters, protruding points, moving joints or trapped access. Confirm the stated use and supports match the completed assembly.
2. Illustrative dimensions describe reclaimed parts only; they do not establish a structural capacity, food suitability or approval for another use.

Guide: https://lusitanoretreat.com/build-guides/building-with-pallets/#project-p07