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Shingle Siding and Planter Boxes Shingle Siding and Planter Boxes From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-403

The plywood panels that have been added to the bottom of the porch are already creating a sense of enclosure (figure A). Now comes beautification in the form of rustic-looking redwood shingles (figure B); then planter boxes will be added to flank the entry.

Figure A

Figure B

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1. Jessie has put in a temporary guide (figure C) to help her place the shingles. She can rest each shingle on the guide as she works (figure D) and then reposition the guide to attach the next row.

Figure C

Figure D

Tip: Leave a 1/2" gap between shingles. When you finish a row, move the guide up 12" and start the next row.

Expert tip: (Scott Daigre, garden designer) I really like the use of the redwood shingles on this porch. It's a great way to divide the porch from the backyard space, it's handsome, it's organic-looking -- and it's going to be a great backdrop for the plants that are going to go in front of it.

2. Continue adding shingles until the plywood panels are completely covered. At the top, cover up any gap and nail holes with a length of redwood trim (figure E).

Planter Box

To beautify the new exterior of the porch (figure F), Jessie plans to build two planter boxes that will hold an assortment of colorful plants. Keep in mind that the dimensions will depend on the size of your porch; our box will be built to measure 4' wide, 14" tall and 12" deep.

Figure E

Figure F

1. Jessie creates the framework by attaching two boards to the bottom piece (figure G) and adding the end pieces (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

2. She adds the side panels (figure I), which are exterior-grade plywood.

Expert tip: (Frank McDonough, botanist) Make sure if you're building your own planter box, or you're purchasing one, that treated wood is used. If you don't use treated wood, you invite fungal infestation, which means that your planter box will rot out. Also, rotted planter boxes are great breeding grounds for termites, which can attack your house.

3. Next, Jessie adds redwood trim around the top to match the trim on the porch

Tip: It's a good idea to apply at least two coats of a polyurethane sealant to the inside of the planter box.

4. She flips the box over and drills several drainage holes in the bottom, then paints the box green to match the back door, leaving the redwood trim its natural color (figure J).

Figure I

Figure J

After

Time spent: 11 hours.

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