Window Box Made Easy
I know there are plenty of options out there for pre-made window boxes. Have you ever wanted to make your own? Or maybe you have a odd size space that only a custom made box will fit in?
I have designed a window box that is easily built, and easy to adjust the size to your own needs. You do not have to be a master carpenter to build this either. Trust me, if I can make it, you can to.
All you need is access to a saw of some sort, a drill, and a way to nail small nails into something (I used a small air compressor and nailer. If you don't have access to this, a hammer will work just as well)
I used cedar boards from the big box store. I bought two different widths. 2" and 8" wide. Both come in 8 foot lengths. Cedar is really the only choice for this project, as it is naturally rot resistant and will last a long time.
this is enough for several
First thing to do is figure out how long you want your window/balcony box to be. You will then cut three of the 8" boards to this length. I put the bottom on the bench, then attached the front/back to that. I did this so the seam would not be visible. Not that this matters, as there is trim applied later, but it did make it easier. I used a nail gun to attach the front/back, but you could use a hammer and a nail, or even small screws. Wood glue will give added grip. A helper is definitely helpful. Especially one that has all the tools you need…..
beginning to take shape
After the three pieces are attached, now is the time to slide the sides in place. The way I assembled the box the sides were 7 1/4" wide. Simply slide the sides into place, and attach. Pay attention to the grain of the wood. I cut the boards to the wrong grain orientation twice in a row. Not that it really matters as I painted it anyway, and that could be considered a little OCD, but that's me.
So there is your basic window/balcony box. It will do the job, but we can make it a little more visually appealing than this.
simplicity itself
This is where the 2" wide boards come into play, and some fancy measuring. At least as fancy as it gets for this job.The idea is to wrap the top and bottom of the front and side edges with trim. I extended the front trim past the edges so the sides would be flush, and no seams were visible from the front view. After that, all that is left is to attach the verticals.
fancy indeed
For the vertical trim, I simply put the front piece flush with the horizontal trim as shown above. Here is where the fancy part comes in. I wanted to give the look of equal size trim on each face on the corner. So I measured the difference on a trim piece, and cut a thin section. When attached to the side, this gives the appearance of equal widths. The vertical pieces are 4 1/4" here. I would measure each one though, as the distance of the horizontals may change as you go (unless you attached them perfectly, which I am sure you will….)
finishing touches
After the box is assembled, you need to fill in all the gaps. Unless you want a natural look. I wanted to paint mine to match the house. Use a wood filler, and fill in all the nail holes and gaps there are. After the filler dries, use a sanding pad to sand it smooth.
third to last step!
Now it is time to paint. I used spray paint for ease of operation, but a brush will probably be cheaper and better coating.
Second to last step: DO NOT FORGET TO DRILL DRAIN HOLES! Otherwise your plants will drown.
Last step: Mount the box. This will vary depending on your house/window material. My house is brick, so I attached small pieces of a 2x4 to the brick, and then screwed the box to those.
Apartment folks: Find some type of brackets, and simply hang them (probably on the inside) of your balcony railing. No muss no fuss, just pick it up and take it with you at moving time!
Thanks and good luck. (not that you need it though…)
Jay
www.rvascapes.com
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