Build a Modern Window Planter Box
This simply designed, easy-to-construct and inexpensive DIY window box can give your home or shed just the right touch of color
Window planter boxes are a great way to add an architectural element and a boost of color to your home's exterior. There are a wide variety of styles out there; I chose to create a simple box style to reflect our 1900 cabin-style home and shed.
We recently built a shed to store all those items that we've been piling in our unfinished upstairs and that we're sure to need in the future — at least, that's what I tell my husband. But the shed's simple rectangular shape was needing some serious style help, especially given its visible position in our yard. We added a six-paned window, which gave it a little somethin' somethin', but it was still a blank slate. I wanted to add simple color and texture, and I thought a window planter box would be the perfect addition.
We recently built a shed to store all those items that we've been piling in our unfinished upstairs and that we're sure to need in the future — at least, that's what I tell my husband. But the shed's simple rectangular shape was needing some serious style help, especially given its visible position in our yard. We added a six-paned window, which gave it a little somethin' somethin', but it was still a blank slate. I wanted to add simple color and texture, and I thought a window planter box would be the perfect addition.
Materials:
- 1-by-6 cedar fencing
- Saw
- 4D 1 1/2-inch galvanized nails
- 6 rustproof 3-inch deck screws
- Primer and paint or stain
- Wood glue
- Clamps (optional)
Measure the length of the window from one side of the trim to the other.
Use a saw to cut the boards to the desired length.
The front and back pieces should be cut equal to the length of the window, including trim. The sides should be cut to a length equal to the width of the boards. Our window box was 40 inches long with 5 1/2-inch-long sides. The bottom was 39 inches long to accommodate the width of the sides.
Drill drainage holes at least a half-inch in diameter in the bottom piece.
The front and back pieces should be cut equal to the length of the window, including trim. The sides should be cut to a length equal to the width of the boards. Our window box was 40 inches long with 5 1/2-inch-long sides. The bottom was 39 inches long to accommodate the width of the sides.
Drill drainage holes at least a half-inch in diameter in the bottom piece.
Attach the sides to both the bottom and back piece. First, run a bead of wood glue between the boards and then nail them together. I attached three nails on each side and vertically on the back piece, and five nails across the bottom of the back. To keep the boards in place, use a wall as support when attaching the sides. Clamps are also a great way to keep the boards secure.
If you will be mounting your windowbox directly onto the wall, leave the front unattached so that it can be mounted easily.
And for those of you who will be using brackets to mount the window box, go ahead and attach the front at this stage, too.
If you will be mounting your windowbox directly onto the wall, leave the front unattached so that it can be mounted easily.
And for those of you who will be using brackets to mount the window box, go ahead and attach the front at this stage, too.
Whether you choose to stain or paint the window planter box, save yourself some effort and apply your paint or stain halfway down the interior of the box. If you are painting, remember to prime the box first.
Is a more weathered look your thing? Leave the box in its natural state and let nature run its course.
I painted our window box in Behr's Deep Space.
Is a more weathered look your thing? Leave the box in its natural state and let nature run its course.
I painted our window box in Behr's Deep Space.
Attach the window box to the wall, making sure you are mounting into studs. I used six rustproof deck screws to secure it to the wall.
Attach the front to both sides and the bottom using the galvanized nails.
Finally, add a boost of color with plants.
Prior to planting, prepare the window box with a layer of landscaping fabric on the bottom.
The type of plants are up to you. Cascading plants will create a beautiful overflowing scene. Annuals are perfect for those who like to change things up throughout the year. For season-long interest, try a combination of cascading, flowering and evergreen grasses. Just remember that the more plants you plant and the larger the box is, the more support you need.
I've chosen a bright perennial to adorn our window box. These sunny yellow Sunflower Tickseed flowers provide a great complementary bright color to the shade of midnight blue.
Prior to planting, prepare the window box with a layer of landscaping fabric on the bottom.
The type of plants are up to you. Cascading plants will create a beautiful overflowing scene. Annuals are perfect for those who like to change things up throughout the year. For season-long interest, try a combination of cascading, flowering and evergreen grasses. Just remember that the more plants you plant and the larger the box is, the more support you need.
I've chosen a bright perennial to adorn our window box. These sunny yellow Sunflower Tickseed flowers provide a great complementary bright color to the shade of midnight blue.
For only $4 and a minimal time commitment, this eye-catching window planter box has given our simple shed a charming cottage feel and boosted our home's curb appeal.
More DIYs from Meg Padgett's backyard:
Beautiful Platform Deck
Backyard Hanging Shelves
Easy Outdoor Cushions
More DIYs from Meg Padgett's backyard:
Beautiful Platform Deck
Backyard Hanging Shelves
Easy Outdoor Cushions