Worm bin build question

[AverageDude]

Not exactly sure where this should go, so I'll post it here since lots of folks are using worm bins. We are going to build a worm bin similar to this on Saturday:

http://learningfromtheland.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/a-new-in-ground-worm-bin/

Does anyone happen to know how you would attach the wood on the top of the bin to the conrete blocks? I want to add a roof that is hinged so I can easily access the bin. Not real sure how I would attach it to the concrete blocks though. Thoughts?

[Nicodemus]

It might be overkill, but if I were building something to last I'd probably go with a concrete drill bit, an anchor bolt of a smaller diameter by about 1/16" to 1/8" and anchor epoxy.

If I were going the easy/less expensive route, I'd build a frame to fit snugly within the cinder block walls, attach the top edge frame and just set it in there.

[Moonvalleyprepper]

What Nicodemus wrote will work.

Are you dry stacking the blocks or mortaring them in place?

If using mortar, once you get to the top row pack some sort of filler into the hollow core of the block, insulation, dirt whatever until the core is filled up to 2"-6" from the top. Then fill that hollow space up with either mortar or cement. Before the mortar / cement sets take some large bolts and push them into the mortar with the threaded end pointing up. Make sure they are plumb, straight up and down. Also make sure you leave enough thread exposed to go through the board you will place on top, as well as a washer and nut.

Once the mortar / cement hardens take your board and lay it on top where you plan on putting it. Have someone hold it and whack it with a hammer where the bolts are. This will make an indent in the board where the bolts are. Flip the board over and drill out the holes where there are indents.

You also might want to consider using treated lumber for this, or not it's up to you.

Thanks for that link, bookmarked it for future use.!

[fritz_monroe]

I'd build the roof and run some 2x wood down into the cinder block holes.  Then attach the roof to those.

If that makes any sense.

[Head Farm Steward]

I think this link is worth your time too.

Their lid is simply a sheet over a 2x4 frame that fits inside the block walls.

[Skunkeye]

Polyurethane construction adhesive (the stuff in the tubes that is applied with a caulk gun) works great for attaching wood to cement block.  Once it's cured, it's extremely strong stuff.  Since you're not doing anything structural here, just looking for a way to keep the wood from shifting around, it should be plenty strong for your purpose, and it's a cheap and easy way to go.

I built some concrete block raised beds and covered the tops with a wooden frame (to provide comfortable seating and a neater appearance), and if you tried to pull that wooden frame off (attached with the aforementioned adhesive), you'd probably end up lifting the whole bed or breaking the wood before the glue gave up.

[Moonvalleyprepper]

I think this link is worth your time too.

Their lid is simply a sheet over a 2x4 frame that fits inside the block walls.

That's a sweet link. I wasn't able to tell from the pics if they are hinged or not. Either way you can't argue with results.

I think any of the options here would work well for this project, just depends what your comfortable with and what your goals are.

I was thinking along the lines of how you attach a bottom plate to a foundation. I think the only reason I would go with the bolt route is it would allow you to easily replace the bottom plate, the board that attached to the block, if it ever rots or becomes damaged, termites. Different strokes for different folks, it is a worm bin after all no need to over engineer it, just giving you options.

Link to a pic
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1280&bih=687&site=webhp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=bottom+plate+foundation+bolt&oq=bottom+plate+foundation+bolt&gs_l=img.3...139291.145157.0.145278.16.16.0.0.0.0.48.515.16.16.0...0.0...1c.1.mPGJ2cmR7GI#imgrc=http%253A%252F%252Fhomecreationsblog.files.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F09%252Fhc_behindthewalls_safety1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhomecreationsblog.wordpress.com%252F%3BAop_B0JGD50xVM%3BH3PQ6FAlQxTdqM%3A%3B101756588127556399248%3B600%3B390