HOW To Make A Window Box

Window Box

Looking for ways to add beauty and interest to the front of your home, while amping up your curb appeal in the process? Add a window box to your entrance!
Window boxes add charm and a splash of color to a home’s exterior. This project is ideal for a novice DIYer and can be completed in a day. 
To learn how to build one, keep reading this article!

Tools

  • Electric drill
  • Drill bits
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Clamps
  • 2-1/2″ sash brush
Materials
  • 3/4″ cypress or cedar boards
  • 2-3/4″ concrete screws
  • Wood filler
  • 1 quart primer
  • Pressure treated 2x4s
  • 1-1/4″ exterior wood screws
  • 1-1/4″ rustproof nails
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • 1 quart exterior paint (oil or latex, but same as primer)

1-Cut List

Cut 3/4″-thick cypress or cedar boards to following dimensions:
(3) 8″ wide x window length
(2) 1-1/4″ wide x window length
(3) 1-1/4″ wide x 5-3/4″ long
(2) 8″ wide x 11″ long

Cut 2″ x 4″ pressure-treated lumber into three (3) 8″-long pieces.

2-Secure the Cleats

 To create cleats, cut three 8″ pieces of pressure-treated 2×4. Hold the 2×4 tightly against the exterior wall and drill two pilot holes where you’d like screws (Image 2). Drive two 3/4″ concrete screws through pilot holes to secure the cleat to the wall (Image 3). Repeat process on other cleats.

3-Assemble Front and Back

Place the bottom of the window box flat on the work surface. Stand in front of the box on end and press tightly against the side of the box bottom. Clamp or hold in place, then drill pilot holes every eight inches using 1/8″ drill bit (Image 1). Insert 1-1/4″ screws into pilot holes (Image 2). Remove clamps (if used) and repeat them on the backside of the box.

4-Assemble Sides

When measuring dimensions of side panels, allow an extra 1-1/2″ overhang on the back side to cover up exposed cleat on house. Attach sides to planter using 1-1/4″ wood screws.

 
5-Attach Trim

Cut two 1-1/4″-wide trim pieces to exact length of the front panel of window box. Make sure that each trim piece is flush with top and bottom of the front panel, then tap into place with nails. Position three 1-1/4″-wide x 5-2/4″-long pieces on left and right side of the box and one centered. Tack into place with nails.

6-Hang Window Box

Holding window box in place against cleats, drive four screws through back panel into each 2″ x 4″ block.

7-Create Drainage

Using a 3/8″ drill bit, drill holes straight through the bottom panel to allow for drainage. Drill one hole roughly every six square inches.

8-Fill Window Box

Add a 1″ to 2″ layer of gravel in the bottom of the window box, to allow excess water to drain. Cover the gravel with potting soil, filling a box to about an inch from the top. Add plants and thoroughly water.

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