{"$schema":"nativecad-dfm-pack/1","id":"garden-outdoor","title":"Garden & outdoor — planters, birdhouses, hose fittings, mailboxes, stakes","sector":"garden-outdoor","version":"2026-09-04","summary":"Pot sizing, drainage, self-watering wicks, birdhouse hole diameters by species, hose/sprinkler/drip thread and tube sizes, mailbox and post-cap dimensions, raised-bed heights, and the UV/freeze-thaw/water-tightness tests an outdoor product is held to.","aliases":["planter","plant pot","flower pot","self-watering","birdhouse","bird feeder","watering can","mailbox","hose fitting","garden hose","sprinkler","raised bed","trellis","garden stake","seed tray","hanging basket","post cap","fence bracket","drip irrigation"],"crossSector":false,"size":"full","sources":[{"id":"nabs-nestbox","title":"North American Bluebird Society Nest Box Specs","url":"https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/nest-box-plans/","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"sialis-nestbox","title":"Sialis.org Nest Box Specifications Chart","url":"https://www.sialis.org/nestboxguide/","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"usps-std-7b","title":"USPS-STD-7B Curbside Mailbox Standard","url":"https://about.usps.com/publications/engineering-standards-specifications/spusps-std-7b.pdf","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"asme-b1-20-7","title":"ASME B1.20.7 Garden Hose Thread (GHT)","url":"https://www.engineersedge.com/hardware/standard_hose_coupling_threads_16277.htm","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"iso-228-bsp","title":"ISO 228-1 BSP Pipe Threads","url":"https://www.iso.org/standard/4599.html","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"asme-b1-20-1","title":"ASME B1.20.1 NPT Pipe Threads","url":"https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/find-codes-standards/b1-20-1-pipe-threads-general-purpose-inch","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"astm-g154","title":"ASTM G154 UV Fluorescent Weathering Test","url":"https://www.astm.org/g0154-16.html","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"astm-c666","title":"ASTM C666 Freeze-Thaw Resistance Test","url":"https://www.astm.org/c0666_c0666m-15.html","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"awpa-u1","title":"AWPA U1 Treated-Wood Use Categories","url":"https://awpa.com/standards","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"ps20-lumber","title":"PS 20 American Softwood Lumber Standard","url":"https://www.nist.gov/standardsgov/voluntary-product-standards","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"astm-a123","title":"ASTM A123 Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings","url":"https://www.astm.org/a0123_a0123m-17.html","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"ansi-z60-1","title":"ANSI Z60.1 Nursery Container Size Standard","url":"https://www.americanhort.org/page/ansiz601","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"protolabs-guide","title":"Protolabs Injection Molding Design Guide","url":"https://www.protolabs.com/resources/design-tips/","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"hubs-3dp-guide","title":"Hubs 3D Printing Design Guidelines","url":"https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"rainbird-drip-guide","title":"Rain Bird Drip Irrigation Design Guide","url":"https://www.rainbird.com/resources","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"iec-60068-2-31","title":"IEC 60068-2-31 Rough Handling Shocks","url":"https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/1000","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"extension-drainage","title":"Purdue/Ask-Extension Container Drainage Guidance","url":"https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=220577","accessed":"2026-09-04"},{"id":"uga-raised-bed","title":"UGA Extension Raised Garden Bed Dimensions","url":"https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1027-4","accessed":"2026-09-04"}],"entries":[{"id":"nursery-pot-nominal-sizes","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Nursery pot nominal vs true size","summary":"A nominal '4 in' pot measures 3.5-3.8 in (89-97 mm) true top-rim diameter, a nominal '6 in' pot 5.5-5.9 in (140-150 mm), and a trade '1-gallon' pot 6-6.5 in (150-165 mm) diameter holding ~0.7 US gal (2.6 L) actual volume — the trade name is not the mould dimension.","applies":["planter","plant pot","flower pot","nursery pot"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"nominal-4in","trueDiameter":3.65},{"param":"nominal-6in","trueDiameter":5.7},{"param":"nominal-1gal","trueDiameter":6.25}],"unit":"in"},"basis":"ANSI Z60.1 nursery-container trade-size convention: the sold name is a rounded marketing size, not the moulded rim diameter","sources":["ansi-z60-1"],"tags":["planter","nursery-pot","nominal-size"]},{"id":"planter-wall-thickness","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Planter/pot wall thickness by process","summary":"An injection-moulded HDPE/PP planter runs a 1.5-3 mm nominal wall (2 mm typical); a rotomoulded planter over ~400 mm diameter runs 3-6 mm since rotomoulding self-levels thicker and needs the extra section for rigidity without a core.","applies":["planter","plant pot","flower pot"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"injection-molded","min":1.5,"max":3},{"param":"rotomolded-large","min":3,"max":6}],"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Standard HDPE/PP wall-thickness guidance for a hollow moulded container, scaled up for rotomoulding's single-wall, coreless process","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["wall","planter","injection-molding","rotomolding"],"check":{"process":"injection_molding","rule":"min_wall_thickness"}},{"id":"planter-taper-draft","kind":"rule","tier":1,"title":"Planter/pot wall taper for de-moulding and stacking","summary":"Taper a planter wall 5-10° off vertical (steeper for a tall or textured pot); less than 5° binds in the mould or welds nested pots together in shipping, more than 10° wastes material and stack height.","applies":["planter","plant pot","flower pot","nursery pot"],"value":{"min":5,"max":10,"unit":"deg"},"basis":"Mould-release draft floor plus the nursery-trade convention of nesting pots for shipping, which needs a taper shallow enough that nested pots don't wedge tight","sources":["protolabs-guide","ansi-z60-1"],"tags":["draft","taper","planter","stacking"],"check":{"process":"injection_molding","rule":"min_draft_angle"}},{"id":"planter-drainage-holes","kind":"rule","tier":1,"title":"Planter floor drainage hole size and count","summary":"Cut at least 3-5 drainage holes >=6 mm (1/4 in) diameter in a pot floor, up to 13 mm (1/2 in) for a planter over 300 mm across; fewer or smaller holes waterlog the root ball, the most common cause of container root rot.","applies":["planter","plant pot","flower pot","raised bed"],"value":{"min":6,"max":13,"unit":"mm","note":"3-5 holes; size scales with pot diameter"},"basis":"Extension-service container-gardening guidance on drainage hole size versus pot diameter and clog resistance","sources":["extension-drainage"],"tags":["drainage","hole","planter","root-rot"]},{"id":"self-watering-reservoir-wick","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Self-watering planter reservoir depth and wick","summary":"Size a self-watering reservoir to 100-150 mm deep below a false floor, holding 25-33% of the soil volume above it, with one 6 mm (1/4 in) cotton/felt wick per ~250 mm of pot diameter reaching from the reservoir floor up through the false floor into the mix.","applies":["self-watering","planter","plant pot"],"value":{"min":100,"max":150,"unit":"mm","note":"wick 6mm dia, ~1 per 250mm pot diameter"},"basis":"Common self-watering container design convention: reservoir sized as a fraction of soil volume, capillary wick sized to the pot's contact-point count","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["self-watering","reservoir","wick","planter"]},{"id":"birdhouse-floor-min","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Birdhouse floor and interior height minimum","summary":"Give a birdhouse a floor of at least 100x100 mm (4x4 in) and 150-300 mm of interior height below the entrance, sized to the target species; a floor smaller than 100x100 mm crowds the brood and depth below 150 mm exposes chicks at the entrance to predators.","applies":["birdhouse"],"value":{"min":100,"unit":"mm","note":"floor min; interior height 150-300mm below the hole"},"basis":"NABS/Cornell nest box design guidance on minimum floor area and entrance-to-floor depth by cavity-nesting species","sources":["nabs-nestbox","sialis-nestbox"],"tags":["birdhouse","floor","nest-box"]},{"id":"birdhouse-entrance-bluebird","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Birdhouse entrance hole diameter, bluebird","summary":"An Eastern/Western bluebird nest box wants a round entrance hole 38 mm (1.5 in) diameter, centred 150-175 mm above the floor; smaller admits only wrens/chickadees, larger lets in starlings which will evict the bluebirds.","applies":["birdhouse","bluebird"],"value":{"value":38,"unit":"mm"},"basis":"North American Bluebird Society standard entrance size for Eastern/Western/Mountain bluebird boxes","sources":["nabs-nestbox","sialis-nestbox"],"tags":["birdhouse","entrance-hole","bluebird"]},{"id":"birdhouse-entrance-wren-chickadee","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Birdhouse entrance hole diameter, wren and chickadee","summary":"A house wren box wants a 25-29 mm (1-1.125 in) entrance hole and a chickadee box a 29 mm (1.125 in) hole; both are small enough to exclude house sparrows, which need >=32 mm to squeeze through.","applies":["birdhouse","wren","chickadee"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"wren","min":25,"max":29},{"param":"chickadee","value":29}],"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Cornell NestWatch / Sialis nest-box specification chart, entrance diameters by cavity-nesting species","sources":["nabs-nestbox","sialis-nestbox"],"tags":["birdhouse","entrance-hole","wren","chickadee"]},{"id":"birdhouse-drainage-ventilation","kind":"rule","tier":1,"title":"Birdhouse floor drainage and no interior perch","summary":"Cut 3-4 drainage holes >=6 mm in the floor corners and 2 ventilation gaps/slots near the roofline, and never add a perch below or beside the entrance hole — a perch only helps predators and House Sparrows reach the nest.","applies":["birdhouse"],"value":{"min":6,"unit":"mm","note":"3-4 floor drainage holes; no perch"},"basis":"NABS nest box guidance: standing water and stagnant air kill broods, while an external perch offers no benefit to cavity-nesting species and aids predators","sources":["nabs-nestbox","sialis-nestbox"],"tags":["birdhouse","drainage","ventilation","perch"]},{"id":"bird-feeder-port-size","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Bird feeder seed port diameter by seed type","summary":"Size a tube feeder's seed ports 12-25 mm (0.5-1 in) for mixed/sunflower seed and 5-6 mm slotted ports for nyjer/thistle; a mixed-seed port cut for thistle clogs constantly, and a thistle port cut oversize dumps seed on the ground.","applies":["bird feeder"],"value":{"min":12,"max":25,"unit":"mm","note":"5-6mm slot for nyjer/thistle"},"basis":"Common tube-feeder port sizing separating small-seed (nyjer) feeders from mixed-seed/sunflower feeders","sources":["nabs-nestbox"],"tags":["bird-feeder","port","seed"]},{"id":"watering-can-dims","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Watering can capacity, spout and handle","summary":"Size a hand watering can for 5-10 L capacity (a full 10 L can weighs ~10 kg, near the practical one-hand-carry limit), a rose spout mounted 50-80 mm above the fill line so it doesn't glug, and a handle clearance >=40 mm for a gloved grip.","applies":["watering can"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"capacity","min":5,"max":10,"unit":"L"},{"param":"spout-height-above-fill","min":50,"max":80,"unit":"mm"},{"param":"handle-clearance","min":40,"unit":"mm"}],"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Common consumer watering-can sizing balancing one-hand carry weight against refill frequency","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["watering-can","capacity","spout","handle"]},{"id":"mailbox-usps-gauge","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"USPS curbside mailbox interior gauge and slot","summary":"A USPS-approved curbside mailbox must clear an interior test gauge 18.5 x 5 x 6 in (470x127x152 mm) and, if it uses a mail slot instead of a lid, the slot must be >=10 in wide x 1.75 in high (254x44mm) for a carrier's hand and parcel.","applies":["mailbox"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"gauge-length","value":18.5},{"param":"gauge-width","value":5},{"param":"gauge-height","value":6},{"param":"slot-width-min","value":10},{"param":"slot-height-min","value":1.75}],"unit":"in"},"basis":"USPS-STD-7B curbside mailbox design standard: the carrier's test gauge every approved box must accept","sources":["usps-std-7b"],"tags":["mailbox","usps","gauge"]},{"id":"mailbox-mount-height","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Mailbox mounting height above road surface","summary":"Mount a curbside mailbox 41-45 in (1041-1143 mm) from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox floor or lowest mail-entry edge, per USPS delivery placement rules a post-mount design must clear.","applies":["mailbox"],"value":{"min":41,"max":45,"unit":"in"},"basis":"USPS-STD-7B curbside placement standard for delivery-height clearance","sources":["usps-std-7b"],"tags":["mailbox","usps","mount-height"]},{"id":"hose-thread-ght","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Garden hose thread (GHT/NH), US","summary":"US garden hose fittings use one thread, 3/4-11.5 NH per ASME B1.20.7: a straight (non-tapered) thread, 1.0625 in major diameter, 11.5 threads per inch, sealed by a washer, not thread interference.","applies":["garden hose","hose fitting","sprinkler"],"value":{"value":0.75,"unit":"in","note":"3/4-11.5 NH; major dia 1.0625in"},"basis":"ASME B1.20.7 Hose Coupling Screw Threads, the single US garden-hose thread standard","sources":["asme-b1-20-7"],"tags":["hose","thread","ght","nh"]},{"id":"hose-thread-bsp","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Hose connector thread, EU (BSP)","summary":"EU garden hose connectors commonly use G3/4 (BSP) per ISO 228-1: a parallel thread with a 26.44 mm major diameter and 14 threads per inch pitch, sealed with a washer like GHT but not interchangeable with it.","applies":["garden hose","hose fitting"],"value":{"value":26.44,"unit":"mm","note":"G3/4-14, BSP parallel"},"basis":"ISO 228-1 pipe thread standard, the BSP designation EU hose fittings commonly use","sources":["iso-228-bsp"],"tags":["hose","thread","bsp","g-thread"]},{"id":"sprinkler-npt-thread","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Sprinkler riser thread, 1/2 NPT","summary":"A sprinkler head or riser threads onto 1/2 in NPT (ASME B1.20.1): a tapered thread, ~21.3 mm (0.84 in) major diameter at the gauge plane, 14 threads per inch, sealing on thread interference plus PTFE tape.","applies":["sprinkler"],"value":{"value":21.3,"unit":"mm","note":"1/2-14 NPT, tapered"},"basis":"ASME B1.20.1 NPT pipe-thread standard, the standard sprinkler-riser connection","sources":["asme-b1-20-1"],"tags":["sprinkler","npt","thread"]},{"id":"drip-tube-sizes","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Drip irrigation tube sizes","summary":"A drip system runs 16 mm (5/8 in) OD polyethylene mainline tubing off the hose-thread valve, feeding 4 mm (or 6 mm) microtube branches to individual emitters/drippers; mixing the two up a size range makes every push-fit leak.","applies":["drip irrigation","garden hose"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"mainline","value":16},{"param":"microtube","value":4}],"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Common commercial drip-irrigation kit tube sizing (Rain Bird/Netafim-style two-tier system)","sources":["rainbird-drip-guide"],"tags":["drip","irrigation","tube"]},{"id":"raised-bed-height","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Raised garden bed height","summary":"A standing-gardener raised bed runs 300-600 mm (12-24 in) tall; a seated/wheelchair-accessible bed needs 600-900 mm (24-36 in) so the gardener can reach the soil without bending over the rim.","applies":["raised bed"],"value":{"min":300,"max":600,"unit":"mm","note":"600-900mm for wheelchair access"},"basis":"University extension raised-bed design guidance for standing versus seated/wheelchair gardeners","sources":["uga-raised-bed"],"tags":["raised-bed","height","accessibility"]},{"id":"post-cap-4x4-actual","kind":"dimension","tier":1,"title":"Fence post nominal vs actual size, 4x4","summary":"A nominal '4x4' fence/deck post measures 3.5x3.5 in (88.9x88.9 mm) actual, dressed-lumber size; a post cap's inside skirt must be sized to the 88.9 mm actual post, not the 4 in (101.6 mm) nominal name, or it won't fit.","applies":["post cap","fence bracket"],"value":{"value":3.5,"unit":"in","note":"actual size of a nominal 4x4"},"basis":"PS 20 American Softwood Lumber Standard, which fixes actual dressed dimensions below the nominal sawn size","sources":["ps20-lumber"],"tags":["post-cap","lumber","nominal-size"]},{"id":"frost-water-expansion","kind":"rule","tier":1,"title":"Frost expansion cracks a filled outdoor vessel","summary":"Water expands ~9% in volume on freezing; a planter, watering can or birdhouse left outdoors full of water in freezing weather can crack unless it has a flexible wall, a drain, or enough headspace to absorb that 9% without stressing the shell.","applies":["planter","watering can","birdhouse","raised bed"],"value":{"value":9,"unit":"%"},"basis":"Physical expansion of water into ice; the load a rigid outdoor vessel must either vent (drainage) or accommodate (headspace/flex)","sources":["astm-c666"],"tags":["frost","freeze-thaw","expansion"]},{"id":"planter-foot-lugs-saucer","kind":"feature","tier":2,"title":"Planter foot lugs and integral saucer lip","summary":"Mould 3-4 foot lugs 5-8 mm tall under a planter's floor to lift the drainage holes off the ground for airflow, or add an integral saucer lip 15-20 mm deep around the base to catch runoff without a separate dish.","applies":["planter","plant pot"],"value":{"min":5,"max":8,"unit":"mm","note":"foot lugs; saucer lip 15-20mm"},"basis":"Common moulded-planter base geometry keeping drainage holes clear of standing water on a patio or sill","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["planter","foot","saucer","drainage"]},{"id":"trellis-mesh-spacing","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Trellis grid/mesh spacing","summary":"Space a trellis grid 100-150 mm for climbing vegetables (peas, beans, cucumbers) and 150-250 mm for larger vines (grape, wisteria); tighter than 100 mm makes hand-training the vine through the mesh difficult.","applies":["trellis"],"value":{"min":100,"max":250,"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Common garden-trellis grid spacing sized to a climbing plant's tendril/stem reach","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["trellis","mesh","spacing"]},{"id":"garden-stake-taper","kind":"rule","tier":2,"title":"Garden stake point taper","summary":"Taper a garden stake's driven end to a 30-45 deg included point over 40-60 mm; a blunter point needs more force to drive and splits soft ground unevenly, a sharper point bends over on stony ground.","applies":["garden stake"],"value":{"min":30,"max":45,"unit":"deg"},"basis":"Common stake-point geometry balancing drive force against tip strength in typical garden soil","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["stake","taper","point"]},{"id":"seed-tray-cell-dims","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Standard 1020 seed tray and cell counts","summary":"A standard '1020' seed tray measures ~254x521 mm (10x20.5 in) outside, 51-64 mm (2-2.5 in) deep, and holds interchangeable cell inserts of 32, 72 or 128 cells; higher cell count means smaller cells for quicker-germinating starts.","applies":["seed tray"],"value":{"table":[{"param":"outer-length","value":521},{"param":"outer-width","value":254},{"param":"depth-min","value":51},{"param":"depth-max","value":64}],"unit":"mm"},"basis":"The nursery-trade '1020' tray footprint and its common interchangeable cell-insert counts","sources":["ansi-z60-1"],"tags":["seed-tray","1020","cell"]},{"id":"hanging-basket-dims","kind":"dimension","tier":2,"title":"Hanging basket diameter and chain points","summary":"A hanging basket runs 250-400 mm rim diameter with 3 evenly-spaced chain/bracket attachment points 15-20 mm below the rim; fewer than 3 points lets a loaded, wet basket tip and spill.","applies":["hanging basket"],"value":{"min":250,"max":400,"unit":"mm","note":"3 chain points, 15-20mm below rim"},"basis":"Common moulded hanging-basket sizing and the 3-point suspension needed to keep a loaded basket level","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["hanging-basket","diameter","chain"]},{"id":"fence-bracket-post-clearance","kind":"feature","tier":2,"title":"Fence rail bracket post clearance and fastener pattern","summary":"Fit a fence rail bracket with 1-2 mm clearance to the actual 88.9 mm (3.5 in) post face and a 3-4 hole fastener pattern on a >=25 mm edge distance from the bracket's own edge, so it doesn't split the post or crack in a moulded/cast bracket corner.","applies":["fence bracket"],"value":{"min":1,"max":2,"unit":"mm","note":"clearance to 88.9mm actual post face"},"basis":"Post-actual-size clearance fit plus generic fastener edge-distance practice for a bracket loaded in shear/tension","sources":["ps20-lumber","protolabs-guide"],"tags":["fence-bracket","clearance","fastener"]},{"id":"hose-quick-connect","kind":"fastener","tier":2,"title":"Hose quick-connect fitting engagement","summary":"A garden-hose quick-connect couples over a 15-16 mm barrel with a spring-loaded collar retracting 3-4 mm to release; size the male barrel's retaining groove 2 mm deep so the collar's ball detents seat without a gap that leaks under mains pressure.","applies":["hose fitting","garden hose"],"value":{"min":15,"max":16,"unit":"mm","note":"collar retracts 3-4mm; groove 2mm deep"},"basis":"Common garden-hose quick-connect coupler geometry (ball-detent collar over a grooved barrel)","sources":["asme-b1-20-7"],"tags":["hose","quick-connect","fastener"]},{"id":"material-hdpe-uv-outdoor","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"UV-stabilised HDPE for outdoor mouldings","summary":"UV-stabilised HDPE (~0.955 g/cm3) is the default resin for planters, mailboxes and post caps left outdoors year-round; the UV package (carbon black or a hindered-amine stabiliser) is what keeps it from chalking and embrittling under ASTM G154 exposure, not the base polymer.","applies":["planter","mailbox","post cap","hose fitting"],"value":{"value":0.955,"unit":"g/cm3"},"basis":"Standard HDPE resin datasheet density; UV package is an additive package spec, not a density change","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["material","hdpe","uv","outdoor"]},{"id":"material-pp-outdoor","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"UV-stabilised PP for outdoor mouldings","summary":"UV-stabilised PP (~0.905 g/cm3) is common for hinged/flexed outdoor parts (self-watering flip lids, sprinkler valve boxes) but degrades faster than HDPE without a stabiliser package since PP's tertiary carbon is more UV-reactive.","applies":["planter","sprinkler","self-watering"],"value":{"value":0.905,"unit":"g/cm3"},"basis":"Standard homopolymer PP resin datasheet density; base PP has weaker inherent UV resistance than HDPE","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["material","pp","uv","outdoor"]},{"id":"material-asa-vs-pla-outdoor","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"ASA over PLA for FDM-printed outdoor parts","summary":"Print outdoor garden parts in ASA (HDT ~95-100 degC, weather-stable like ABS) rather than PLA (HDT ~55-60 degC): PLA softens in a sun-heated planter or mailbox and embrittles under UV within one season, where ASA is formulated for exactly that exposure.","applies":["planter","mailbox","post cap","garden stake"],"value":{"min":95,"max":100,"unit":"C","note":"ASA HDT; PLA HDT 55-60C"},"basis":"ASA filament datasheets formulate for UV/weather stability and higher HDT versus PLA, which was never intended for outdoor exposure","sources":["hubs-3dp-guide"],"tags":["material","asa","pla","fdm","outdoor"]},{"id":"material-terracotta","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"Terracotta for planters","summary":"Fired terracotta runs 12-25% water absorption by weight (ASTM C67) depending on firing temperature; that porosity is what makes an unglazed terracotta pot breathe (good for roots) and also what makes it crack in a hard freeze if left full of wet soil.","applies":["planter","plant pot"],"value":{"min":12,"max":25,"unit":"%"},"basis":"ASTM C67 water-absorption test method applied to fired clay ware; absorption tracks firing temperature and body porosity","sources":["astm-c666"],"tags":["material","terracotta","porosity"]},{"id":"material-cedar","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"Cedar for raised beds and trellises","summary":"Western red cedar (~0.33 g/cm3) is naturally rot- and insect-resistant without chemical treatment, the default timber for a raised bed or trellis that will sit in wet soil for 10-15 years before the heartwood needs replacing.","applies":["raised bed","trellis","fence bracket"],"value":{"value":0.33,"unit":"g/cm3"},"basis":"Western red cedar heartwood's natural extractives give rot/insect resistance without pressure treatment","sources":["ps20-lumber"],"tags":["material","cedar","timber"]},{"id":"material-treated-pine","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"Pressure-treated pine, ground-contact rated","summary":"Specify AWPA UC4A ground-contact pressure-treated pine for a raised bed, post or stake in direct soil contact; UC3 (above-ground only) treated lumber rots within a few seasons once it's buried or backfilled against.","applies":["raised bed","garden stake","fence bracket"],"value":{"value":4,"unit":"count","note":"AWPA Use Category UC4A, ground contact"},"basis":"AWPA U1 Use Category System specifies the treatment retention level required for direct soil/ground contact","sources":["awpa-u1"],"tags":["material","treated-timber","ground-contact"]},{"id":"material-galvanised-steel","kind":"material","tier":2,"title":"Hot-dip galvanised steel for fence hardware","summary":"Hot-dip galvanise a fence bracket or post cap's steel per ASTM A123 to a 45-100 micron zinc coating; below 45 microns the coating wears through to bare steel within a few years of outdoor rain exposure.","applies":["fence bracket","post cap"],"value":{"min":45,"max":100,"unit":"um"},"basis":"ASTM A123 minimum coating thickness by steel section, sized for multi-decade outdoor corrosion protection","sources":["astm-a123"],"tags":["material","galvanised","steel","corrosion"]},{"id":"test-uv-weathering-garden","kind":"test","tier":2,"title":"UV/weathering exposure test (ASTM G154)","summary":"ASTM G154 cycles UV-A/UV-B fluorescent lamps with condensation for 500-1000 h; a garden part passes on no visible chalking/fade and no crack initiating at a sharp corner, so keep outer radii >=1.5 mm on anything left in the sun.","applies":["planter","mailbox","post cap","trellis"],"value":{"min":500,"max":1000,"unit":"h"},"basis":"ASTM G154 accelerated UV/condensation weathering cycle, the standard screen for outdoor plastic and coated-metal parts","sources":["astm-g154"],"tags":["test","uv","weathering"]},{"id":"test-freeze-thaw-garden","kind":"test","tier":2,"title":"Freeze-thaw cycling test","summary":"Cycle a water-filled planter or watering can 25-50 times between -18 degC and +4 degC (ASTM C666-style cycling); passing means the >=9% ice-expansion rule's headspace/drainage/flex margin actually holds, not just the flat wall.","applies":["planter","watering can","raised bed"],"value":{"min":25,"max":50,"unit":"cycles"},"basis":"ASTM C666 freeze-thaw resistance test cycle adapted from concrete/masonry practice to a filled outdoor vessel","sources":["astm-c666"],"tags":["test","freeze-thaw","cycles"]},{"id":"test-drop-full-garden","kind":"test","tier":2,"title":"Drop test, filled (soil or water)","summary":"Drop a filled planter or watering can 500-750 mm onto a hard surface on its base and on one edge (IEC 60068-2-31 style); the added mass of soil/water means a garden drop test uses a lower height than an empty consumer housing's 1000-1500 mm.","applies":["planter","watering can","mailbox"],"value":{"min":500,"max":750,"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Rough-handling shock procedure per IEC 60068-2-31, scaled down in height for a filled (heavier) garden vessel","sources":["iec-60068-2-31"],"tags":["test","drop","shock"]},{"id":"test-water-tightness-garden","kind":"test","tier":2,"title":"Water-tightness test, seams and threads","summary":"Hold a hose fitting, sprinkler body or self-watering reservoir at 1.5x its rated working pressure (typically 4-6 bar for a residential hose connection) for 5 minutes with zero visible leak at any seam, weld or thread.","applies":["hose fitting","sprinkler","self-watering"],"value":{"min":4,"max":6,"unit":"count","note":"bar working pressure; 1.5x for 5 min hold"},"basis":"Common hydrostatic proof-test practice for a threaded/sealed water fitting, 1.5x working pressure being the standard proof-test multiplier","sources":["asme-b1-20-7"],"tags":["test","water-tightness","pressure"]},{"id":"test-wind-load-garden","kind":"test","tier":2,"title":"Wind load test, post-mounted structures","summary":"A post-mounted mailbox or trellis must stay upright and functional in a sustained 90 km/h (56 mph) gust without the post pulling out of its footing or the panel racking permanently; test by static side-load to the equivalent overturning moment at the post base.","applies":["mailbox","trellis"],"value":{"value":90,"unit":"count","note":"km/h sustained gust"},"basis":"Common residential wind-exposure design target for a light post-mounted garden structure","sources":["usps-std-7b"],"tags":["test","wind-load","post"]},{"id":"tolerance-hose-thread-fit","kind":"tolerance","tier":2,"title":"Hose thread fit tolerance, GHT","summary":"Mould a GHT male thread's major diameter to +/-0.15 mm and the washer seat face flat to <=0.1 mm to seal at typical 4-6 bar mains pressure on the compressible washer alone, since GHT (unlike NPT) carries no thread-interference seal.","applies":["hose fitting","garden hose"],"value":{"value":0.15,"unit":"mm"},"basis":"GHT's washer-seal design puts the sealing tolerance on the seat face flatness and thread pitch diameter, not the thread taper","sources":["asme-b1-20-7"],"tags":["tolerance","hose","thread","ght"]},{"id":"process-rotomold-planter","kind":"process","tier":2,"title":"Rotational moulding for large planters","summary":"Rotomould a planter over ~400 mm diameter rather than injection-mould it: rotomoulding needs no core (lower tooling cost at low volume) and gives a uniform 3-6 mm wall, but holds looser +/-1-2% dimensional tolerance than injection moulding.","applies":["planter"],"value":{"min":400,"unit":"mm"},"basis":"Rotomoulding's coreless, single-shell process trades tooling cost and size flexibility for looser wall-thickness and dimensional control","sources":["protolabs-guide"],"tags":["process","rotomolding","planter"]},{"id":"standard-usps-std7b-garden","kind":"standard","tier":2,"title":"USPS-STD-7B — curbside mailbox design standard","summary":"USPS-STD-7B is the design standard a curbside mailbox must meet for USPS approval: the interior test gauge, mail-slot minimums, door/latch durability and mounting-height clearance a manufacturer submits a sample against.","applies":["mailbox"],"basis":"Governing US standard for curbside mailbox approval, referenced by both manufacturers and rural-route carriers","sources":["usps-std-7b"],"tags":["standard","usps","mailbox"]},{"id":"recipe-tapered-nursery-planter","kind":"recipe","tier":2,"title":"Recipe: tapered nursery planter with drainage holes","summary":"Build a 100 mm-tall tapered planter, rim r55/floor r45 (5.7 deg taper), 2.5 mm shell wall open at the rim, with 4 drainage holes (dia 8mm) on a 15 mm bolt circle through the floor.","applies":["planter","plant pot","nursery pot"],"basis":"Combines nursery-pot-nominal-sizes-scale taper with planter-taper-draft and planter-drainage-holes into one buildable shelled frustum","sources":["ansi-z60-1","extension-drainage"],"tags":["recipe","planter","drainage"],"recipe":{"prompt":"Model a tapered nursery planter: 100mm tall, rim radius 55mm, floor radius 45mm, 2.5mm shell wall open at the rim, 4 drainage holes 8mm diameter on a 15mm-radius bolt circle through the floor","steps":[{"tool":"cad_frustum","args":{"r0":55,"r1":45,"h":100},"note":"outer taper: r0 at z=0 is the open rim, r1 at z=100 is the floor (built floor-up for the hole pattern's top-face convention)"},{"tool":"cad_shell","args":{"of":"$0","thickness":2.5,"open":[{"normal":[0,0,-1]}]},"note":"hollow into a shell, open at the z=0 rim; shell before the drainage holes"},{"tool":"cad_hole_pattern","args":{"of":"$1","type":"drill","diameter":8,"pattern":{"kind":"circular","center":[0,0],"radius":15,"count":4}},"note":"4 drainage holes through the floor (the bbox top face, z=100), 15mm bolt circle, clear of the tapered wall"}],"expect":{"volume":90707.27,"faceCount":15,"watertight":true,"note":"measured 2026-09-19: agrees with the kernel on the CADSF-1630 corpus sweep — volume inside the 0.5% band and faceCount exact"}}},{"id":"recipe-birdhouse-box","kind":"recipe","tier":2,"title":"Recipe: birdhouse box with entrance hole and roof","summary":"Build a 120x120x140 mm birdhouse box, 6 mm shell wall open at the top, a 38 mm bluebird entrance hole 20 mm deep through the front wall, and a flat 140x140x8 mm roof cap with 10 mm eaves overhang unioned on top.","applies":["birdhouse"],"basis":"Combines birdhouse-floor-min wall thickness, birdhouse-entrance-bluebird hole size and a roof-cap overhang into one buildable box","sources":["nabs-nestbox","sialis-nestbox"],"tags":["recipe","birdhouse","entrance-hole"],"recipe":{"prompt":"Model a 120x120x140mm birdhouse box: 6mm shell wall open at the top, a 38mm bluebird entrance hole through the front wall, and a flat roof cap overhanging 10mm on all sides","steps":[{"tool":"cad_box","args":{"dx":120,"dy":120,"dz":140},"note":"birdhouse body block"},{"tool":"cad_shell","args":{"of":"$0","thickness":6,"open":[{"normal":[0,0,1]}]},"note":"hollow into a box shell open at the top; shell before the entrance hole"},{"tool":"cad_drill_hole","args":{"of":"$1","type":"drill","diameter":38,"axis":[0,-1,0],"start":[60,125,105],"depth":20},"note":"38mm bluebird entrance hole through the front (y=120) wall, blind 20mm so it stops in the cavity rather than piercing the back wall"},{"tool":"cad_box","args":{"dx":140,"dy":140,"dz":8,"origin":[-10,-10,137]},"note":"flat roof cap, 10mm eaves overhang on all sides, overlapping 3mm down into the wall tops so the union actually pierces rather than just touching"},{"tool":"cad_boolean_union","args":{"of":"$2","tool":"$3"},"note":"union the roof cap onto the box"}],"expect":{"volume":594811.31,"faceCount":19,"watertight":true,"note":"measured 2026-09-19: agrees with the kernel on the CADSF-1630 corpus sweep — volume inside the 0.5% band and faceCount exact"}}},{"id":"recipe-post-cap-4x4","kind":"recipe","tier":2,"title":"Recipe: post cap for a nominal 4x4 fence post","summary":"Build a 96x96x60 mm post cap: a 3 mm shell wall open at the bottom, sized with a 1-2 mm clearance skirt over the 88.9 mm actual 4x4 post, and chamfered top edges.","applies":["post cap"],"basis":"Combines post-cap-4x4-actual (actual 88.9mm post size) and fence-bracket-post-clearance into one buildable slip-over cap","sources":["ps20-lumber"],"tags":["recipe","post-cap","fence"],"recipe":{"prompt":"Model a post cap for a nominal 4x4 fence post: 96x96x60mm outer, 3mm shell wall open at the bottom to slip over the 88.9mm actual post with clearance, chamfered top edges","steps":[{"tool":"cad_box","args":{"dx":96,"dy":96,"dz":60},"note":"cap outer block, 96mm gives a ~3.5mm skirt clearance over the 88.9mm actual post face"},{"tool":"cad_shell","args":{"of":"$0","thickness":3,"open":[{"normal":[0,0,-1]}]},"note":"hollow into a cap shell open at the bottom so it slips over the post"},{"tool":"cad_chamfer_edges","args":{"of":"$1","distance":2},"note":"bevel every convex edge the 3mm wall carries, softening the top corners — the blanket chamfer blends the 8 outer top/vertical edges and refuses the 8 bottom-rim edges by name (partition-radius-exceeds-face): two 2mm setbacks meeting across the 3mm rim would be built through each other (CADSB-735), max setback there is 1.5mm. CADSF-1604 re-measured"}],"expect":{"volume":90033.33,"faceCount":23,"watertight":true,"selfIntersection":false,"note":"measured 2026-09-19: agrees with the kernel on the CADSF-1630 corpus sweep — volume inside the 0.5% band and faceCount exact"}}}]}