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:
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.
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.
This article has been supplied courtesy of the
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
www.wrcla.org
For more information on building with cedar, please
read this article on types
and advantages of cedar.
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