Building
a Cedar Window Box in a Weekend
Turning the
backyard into an outdoor living
retreat is one of the hottest trends among American
homeowners.
It makes sense; with televisions, computers and
phones in nearly every room of the house, the
backyard deck is the final safe haven from life's
pressures.
Escaping to a quiet corner of the yard provides
a necessary respite.
Creating a truly relaxing setting takes more
than a laid back approach. Whether you've just
constructed a new deck or simply want to update
your existing one, there are many ways to make
it feel like a restful retreat.
One of the easiest ways to
brighten and improve your outdoor living
space is with flower
window boxes made from all-natural western
red cedar. These stylish boxes are simple
to build and can dress up your front or
backyard outdoor living space when filled with
colorful
flowers, herbs, vegetables, etc.
Here are a few considerations to remember
when enhancing your outdoor living space
with cedar window boxes, as well as building
instructions: |
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Determining the Size
Begin
by custom designing the cedar window box to
the window width. The box should be
as wide as the window frame including trim.
This width can vary based on personal preference,
but the look of an equal width window box to
the window frame is quite appealing. Additionally,
use 1" thick cedar for this project, thicker
boards will increase the weight, and prove
cumbersome for removal during the winter months
or replanting in the spring.
If considering placing long plastic planters
in the cedar window box rather than planting
directly, buy the planters first as the depth,
width and length will determine the cedar window
box size. If planting within the box directly,
the dimensions are not as critical.
The advantage of using plastic planters is
so you can lift the planter out of the box
to change soil or plants. This method is best
for second story windows or any window too
high to get to from the ground.
Building the Cedar Window
Box
Start
by cutting 1" thick cedar into
the required pieces:
- Two pieces the same size for the front
and back. These lengths should match
the window width.
- Two pieces the same size for the sides.
The size of these should reflect
the width and depth you choose.
- One piece for the bottom. This piece
should be the same length as
the front and back, and two inches wider
than the sides.
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Next, pre-drill guide holes in the front and
back pieces at each end. Repeat on the bottom
piece but drill an additional one-inch hole
in the middle to allow for drainage.
Now, glue the front and back pieces to the
sides - be certain the correct sides are exposed
outward. Waterproof wood glue works well. Then,
using the pre-drilled holes as guides, screw
the front and back pieces to the sides with
1-1/3-inch galvanized screws. These screws
will provide ample stability and not react
with the natural preservatives within the western
red cedar.
Lastly, glue the bottom piece to the bottom
of your window box and screw that into place
as well. Then sand, prime and paint the window
box if you desire.
Mounting
Many mounting options
are acceptable. For windows extended to or
near the ground, simply
place the window box under the window for a
nice touch. For higher windows, begin the mounting
process by drilling two 1/2-inch-diameter holes
in the back of the cedar window box, approximately
a quarter-way in from each end and 1-1/2-inch
below the top edge. Holding the cedar window
box in position under the window, hammer a
3/8-inch hanger bolt through each hole onto
the house siding enough to make an indentation
or mark.
Next, remove the window box and drill two
1/2-inch pilot holes at the indentation marks.
When installing the hanger bolts, allow two
inches of each bolt to protrude from the house.
Hang the window box on the hanger bolts and
screw a 3/8-inch washer and nut on the end
of each bolt.
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA)
has developed a collection of planters, boxes,
benches and table project ideas for homeowners.
Available online at www.realcedar.org or in
a brochure format, this compilation of outdoor
living ideas includes recommendations for creating
new looks, adding to your outdoor living space,
as well as tips for table and bench construction.
To order a brochure, call 1-866-778-9096 or
pick one up at your local building material
retailer.
Republication Rights
No charge for republication.
Permission is granted to republish this article
provided that:
- Complete text and photos as shown without
modification
- Credit for article be included as
follows:
This article has been supplied courtesy of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
www.wrcla.org
To view and download high-resolution images,
visit: http://www.wrcladigital.org Media Contact
Editorial Desk
BRANDNER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
253.661.7333
pr@brandner.com
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