| Window Boxes |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-402 |
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Q: I'd like to install window boxes to help dress up the exterior of my garage. Can you offer recommendations on how to build them? A: Window boxes offer the opportunity to incorporate some flowers or vegetation into the look almost any home -- whether you live in the city, suburbs or country. They're simple to build, and a recommended construction technique features a back piece that is higher than the front and sides, to help simplify mounting. In our demonstration, a 1x8 cedar board was used to form the back of the box, while 1x6 boards were used on the front and sides (figure A). The raised back can be used to secure the window box to the exterior wall with screws, eliminating the need to install mounting brackets. This window box was built using just five cedar boards (figure B). The boards were pre-measured and cut to the appropriate lengths for the size of our window box. Cedar was selected for its water-resistance. Redwood or pressure-treated pine would also be good choices. Materials: 1x6 and 1x8 cedar stock (or redwood, pressure-treated pine, or other water-resistant lumber)
Radial-arm saw or router
Hammer and nails (or air-powered nail gun)
Cordless drill
Screwdriver attachment and wood screws
Safety glasses or goggles
Polyurethane varnish (optional)
Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes when working with wood and power tools.
Steps: - This window box is a simple construction. There is only one cut in the project that's a little tricky -- a pair of grooves cut into both the front and back boards (figure C) forming a joint by which the side pieces are secured.
- In our demonstration, a radial saw -- with a stop set so that the saw-blade cut only about 1/2-inch into the 7/8-inch-thick board (figure D) -- was used to make the grooves. (The grooves could be also be cut using a router.)
- Measure and mark for cutting the grooves (figure E) so that each one starts 1 inch from the end of the board.
- Make several passes on the radial-arm saw to cut the first groove (figure F) so that the side piece will fit snugly into it. Repeat this on each end of the front board and back board. If necessary, use a hand-chisel to clean out the groove before assembling the structure.
- With all of the grooves cut, check to ensure that the side piece fits snugly into the groove (figure G). The side pieces are installed in the grooves with the end grain facing the outside.
- Set the front piece on top of the side pieces to ensure a good fit at those joints as well (figure H).
- With all of the pieces connected, secure the front and back to the side pieces using brads or nails (figure I). In our demonstration, an air-powered nail gun was used to attach the pieces, fastening them together while the construction was completed. Wood screws were added later to secure the structure more fully.
- Pre-measured and pre-cut bottom board were then inserted (figure J) and nailed in place as well (figure K).
- Drill holes in the bottom (figure L) using a quarter-inch bit to allow for adequate drainage when plants are added later. Spacing isn't critical. Simply add enough to ensure that excess water can drain out during rainfall or watering of plants.
- If you want to add some extra protection for the wood, consider applying a coat of exterior polyurethane varnish.
RESOURCES :
A Gardener's Guide to Planters, Containers and Raised Beds
Model: 0806942436
Author: Chuck and Barbara Crandall
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
For Your Garden: Hanging Baskets and Planters
Model: 1567999557
Author: Teri Dunn
Michael Friedman / Fairfax Publishing, 2000
Colorful Container Gardens: Vibrant Schemes for Pots and Planters
Model: 1842153862
Author: Stephanie Donaldson
(May, 2001)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
Pots and Planters in a Weekend (In a Weekend Series)
Model: 1582900280
Author: Julie London
(April, 2000)
Tuttle Publishing
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-951-4080
Fax: 617-951-4045
Website: www.tuttlepublishing.com
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