How to Build a Window Box
- Date: 2008-05-19 - Word Count: 594
Share This!
Building a window box is an easy DIY project that is great for any beginner. The best choice of wood for a window box is cedar or cypruss, because both woods will naturally resist rotting the best. This will give your window box the best chance of lasting more than five years. The process of building a window box begins with measuring the window for window box length, followed by assembly, followed lastly by hanging it. Let's skip straight to the middle and focus in on the actual building of a window box and the steps that are required. You'll need a drill, a few special bits, a brad gun, and a miter saw for this project.
For simplicity purposes let's build a 36" window box from 3/4" thick cypruss. Cypruss wood stock can be attained from most local lumberyards in a variety of dimensions. For window box purposes, a 1" x 8" board is recommended. For this box we will need roughly 12 feet of length. Now, miter the board at 34.5" three consecutive times such that you have three boards, one for the bottom, front, and back. We want to join these three boards with screws so that the boards are held tightly together. Butt two boards up at a ninety degree angle and join them with some gorilla wood glue. You want to make sure you use a wood glue designed for exterior purposes. Once glued, shoot a few brad nails along the joint to hold the two boards together temporarily. Next, countersink three small holes through the boards in preparation to pass screws in to more securely join the boards in a ninety degree fashion. A countersink drill bit is one that drills a pilot hole deep and a big hole shallow so that the screw head can sink pass the face of the board. Countersink a hole on the left, in the middle, and on the right. Next, sink a screw into the boards so that they grab tightly. The butt joint should show on the bottom of the box. Repeat the same steps to fasten the back board to the bottom boards. Once finished, you will have everything but the side pieces.
For fastening of the side pieces I recommend again using gorilla glue and brad nails to quickly secure the piece to the box. Follow that up with countersunk holes and screws to secure the side pieces to the box firmly. The side piece should be cut to size first. Once the side pieces are attached, the structural assembly of the box is complete. Next, use a drill with a 1/4" drill bit to drill drain holes in the bottom. I recommend placing a hole in each corner of the box and one in the very center where water will likely migrate to the most. Next, caulk inside the box to seal all the inner joints. This will reinforce the box and also keep water from seeping through. Lastly, staple an erosion tarp to the inside of the box. This will act as a filter between dirt and water so that water can drain through the box easily while keeping the dirt in. Viola, now you're ready to hang it and put flowers in it. It's just that easy. If you're not up for the challenge of building a wooden window box every five years, a good idea may be to consider investing in a PVC window box. They're moisture resistant, reasonably priced, and because they don't rot they're designed to last 30 years and more without any maintenance.
For simplicity purposes let's build a 36" window box from 3/4" thick cypruss. Cypruss wood stock can be attained from most local lumberyards in a variety of dimensions. For window box purposes, a 1" x 8" board is recommended. For this box we will need roughly 12 feet of length. Now, miter the board at 34.5" three consecutive times such that you have three boards, one for the bottom, front, and back. We want to join these three boards with screws so that the boards are held tightly together. Butt two boards up at a ninety degree angle and join them with some gorilla wood glue. You want to make sure you use a wood glue designed for exterior purposes. Once glued, shoot a few brad nails along the joint to hold the two boards together temporarily. Next, countersink three small holes through the boards in preparation to pass screws in to more securely join the boards in a ninety degree fashion. A countersink drill bit is one that drills a pilot hole deep and a big hole shallow so that the screw head can sink pass the face of the board. Countersink a hole on the left, in the middle, and on the right. Next, sink a screw into the boards so that they grab tightly. The butt joint should show on the bottom of the box. Repeat the same steps to fasten the back board to the bottom boards. Once finished, you will have everything but the side pieces.
For fastening of the side pieces I recommend again using gorilla glue and brad nails to quickly secure the piece to the box. Follow that up with countersunk holes and screws to secure the side pieces to the box firmly. The side piece should be cut to size first. Once the side pieces are attached, the structural assembly of the box is complete. Next, use a drill with a 1/4" drill bit to drill drain holes in the bottom. I recommend placing a hole in each corner of the box and one in the very center where water will likely migrate to the most. Next, caulk inside the box to seal all the inner joints. This will reinforce the box and also keep water from seeping through. Lastly, staple an erosion tarp to the inside of the box. This will act as a filter between dirt and water so that water can drain through the box easily while keeping the dirt in. Viola, now you're ready to hang it and put flowers in it. It's just that easy. If you're not up for the challenge of building a wooden window box every five years, a good idea may be to consider investing in a PVC window box. They're moisture resistant, reasonably priced, and because they don't rot they're designed to last 30 years and more without any maintenance.
Related Tags: make, flower, build, window boxes, flower box, build a window box, make a window box, pvc window boxes
Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, Inc. His expertise is manufacturing PVC window boxes and custom window boxes. He has many years of experience in building, painting, and installing window boxes. Flower Window Boxes specializes in affordable PVC window boxes and are known as the largest manufacturer online and they sell direct to the public. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the