How to Make a Window Planter

There is nothing that beautifies the exterior of a home more than a cluster of flowers that have been arranged in a window planter box. Window boxes can take on many shapes and dimensions, but the most common is the rectangular window box for flowers. Window planter boxes are not difficult to make if you have the right tools and instructions.

Step 1: Purchasing the Wood

Measure the width of the window that the planter will be located under. Select the type of wood and purchase the amount you will need. Cedar or Cyprus is the best types of wood for outdoor planters. You could also use mahogany. Pine and oak are not suitable for outdoor uses.

Step 2: Cut the Wood to Size

Cut the front and the back boards for the planter according to the length that you require and then cut them to 7-inch widths.

Cut the end pieces to 7-inches long. A scrap piece of the wood can be used for the ends.

Step 3: Prepare the Wood

Bevel each of the corners of the side pieces boards to a 45-degree angle. This reduces the chance of splintering. Use the sanding block to sand any rough or sharp areas.

Cut a slot vertically on the end of each of the side boards about ½-inch from the end. This is where the sides will be joined by another piece of wood that will be inserted into the slots. You can use a handsaw and chisel, a router or a radial-arm saw to make the slots. Use the chisel to clean out the slots.

Step 4: Putting the Window Box Together

Apply some glue to the slots on the side boards. Add the end pieces and tap them into place with the mallet. Use the bar clamp to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries.

Measure the size that you will need for the bottom piece of wood. It must be a snug fit. Cut a piece to size.

Put the bottom piece of wood in place, tapping into place with the mallet. Use screws to secure it to the front and back pieces of wood.

Drill drainage holes in the bottom piece. These should be placed approximately 12-inches apart and begin about 6-inches from each end.

Step 5: Make the Brackets

Make a template for the brackets from the piece of cardboard. The bracket must fit snugly against the exterior of the house as they are what will hold the weight of the window box, the dirt and the flowers.

Use wood that is at least 2-inches thick for the brackets. Trace the design of the bracket on the piece of wood. Cut out three brackets using the handsaw to cut the curves and notches. Countersink the holes on each edge of the bracket for the screws.

Step 6: Finish the Planter

Apply the stain or the paint to the finished planter and the brackets. The stain or paint will protect the wood, and keep it from drying out and rotting.

Step 7: Putting the Planter Box in Place

Place the three brackets where they are needed, one on each end and one in the middle of the box using a level to make sure that they are all the same height. Attach the brackets to the wall by placing screws into the countersink holes. Place the wooden buttons in the holes to hide the screws.

Place the planter box on the brackets and fill with dirt and flowers.