Cedar Window Box Plans to Enhance Your Home's Exterior

Cedar window boxes are a simple and effective way to add some personality to your home's exterior. They can be stained or painted to match your home's style.

Using cedar wood for your window boxes is a great choice because it's durable and resistant to rot and insects. This means you can enjoy your window boxes for years to come without worrying about them deteriorating.

You can choose from various cedar window box plans to fit your home's unique style. For example, a rustic cedar window box plan can add a charming, country feel to your home.

A simple cedar window box plan can also be a great option if you're looking for a more minimalist look.

On a similar theme: Craftsman Style Home Plans

To build a sturdy cedar window box, you'll need to gather the right materials. I needed to build three matching units, so I spent $95 on the following supplies, averaging out to $32 per box.

For the basic box, use treated lumber for durability. I recommend using 1 - 2"x 8" 8 feet in length for the back of the window box, as it provides the necessary strength to bear the weight of the box when mounting it to the house.

You'll also need 3 - 1"x 8" 8 feet in length for the bottom, front, and sides of the window box. These will be the main structural components of your window box.

Cedar is a great choice for trim and siding. I used 3 - 1"x 6" 10 foot long, tongue and groove cedar siding and 2 - 1"x 6" 10 foot long, rough sawn cedar boards for my project.

You'll need a box of 2" screws to assemble the window boxes, as well as 12 - 4" (or longer) screws for mounting to your home. Don't forget to pick up some acrylic wood stain, like Behr's all in one wood stain and sealer in a solid white color, to protect and finish your window box.

To get started, cut one of the 1" X 8" boards into 3, 32" long pieces for the bottom of the window boxes. This will give you a solid foundation for your project.

A fresh viewpoint: 32 Foot Roof Truss Plans

Building a cedar window box can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You'll want to start by measuring the length of your window, which will determine the length of your box.

Using treated lumber can be a bit tricky, as it may start to cup after a few days, like I experienced in my garage. This can make it difficult to get the sides to line up properly.

To combat this, you can use spacers to hold the front of the box square to the bottom and parallel to the back, as shown in the photos. This will help you achieve a more accurate and square build.

The interior space of the box should be 6" x 6" in size, which will provide ample room for plants and soil. After adding the cedar siding and trim, the overall dimension will be 36" long x 9 5/8" deep x 8 3/8" tall.

You'll need to cut 3 boards for the bottom and two sides the length you want your box to be minus 1 1/2 inches, which is the width of the two end boards.

A fresh viewpoint: Gable End Cedar Shakes

To add a finishing touch to your cedar window box, consider adding a decorative trim made from the same cedar wood as the box itself. This will create a cohesive look and help to protect the edges from weathering.

You can use a simple nail to attach the trim, or opt for a more rustic look by using a hammer and some finishing nails. Whatever method you choose, make sure to predrill the holes to avoid splitting the wood.

A coat of clear sealant can help to protect the cedar wood from the elements and keep it looking its best for years to come. Apply a thin layer and let it dry completely before handling the box.

The cedar wood's natural resistance to rot and insects makes it an ideal choice for outdoor projects like window boxes. However, it's still important to apply a sealant to ensure the wood remains protected.

A well-made cedar window box can last for many years with proper maintenance. To keep it looking its best, simply clean it with a mild soap and water solution and reapply sealant as needed.

You might enjoy: Extreme Tool Boxes Made

You can build a cedar window box for as low as $25, depending on your local lumber prices. This cost includes the cedar boards, screws/fasteners, interior brackets, and 2 L brackets to hang the box, but not the stain.

The tools you'll need to build a cedar window box are relatively basic. Here are the essentials:

When building a custom window box, the cost of the wood is a significant factor to consider. The estimated cost to build one cedar window box is $25, depending on your local lumber prices.

The cost includes the cedar boards, screws/fasteners, interior brackets, and 2 L brackets to hang the box. However, it does not include the stain.

To give you a better idea of the materials needed, here's a list of the tools required to build a cedar window box:

It's worth noting that the cost of the wood can vary depending on your location, so be sure to factor that in when planning your project.

You can create a beautiful and functional cedar window box for under $15. For example, Rachel Joy made a 42″ wide and 6″ deep box, which is a great size for most windows. The cedar wood can be left raw, but you can also seal it with a clear coat or stain if you prefer.

The cost of the project is indeed under $15, as Mariah pointed out when she said "All these with just 15 dollar ?!!!". This is a great option for adding some charm to your home without breaking the bank.

Rachel Joy also mentioned that you can easily adjust the size of the box to fit your window, which is a great tip for customization. And, as Kippi noted, window boxes can add so much charm to a space.

Here are some possible dimensions for your cedar window box:

Keep in mind that you can adjust the size to fit your window and your needs.

To plant your cedar window box, head to your local outdoor nursery and pick out plants suitable for the sun level your box will be in.

Large focal tall plants, trailing plants, and filler flowers are a good starting point for your design.

Add a layer of good quality flower planter soil to the bottom of your box, which will help keep your plants moist and provide slow release fertilizer.

Use a chop saw to cut cedar fence boards to the width of your window, and then cut three boards to that length.

Next, use your chop saw to cut a hole in the board, and then use a nail gun and nails to assemble the box.

Install the box on your house by measuring the width and depth of the box and using a drill to make any necessary adjustments.

A fresh viewpoint: Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning

To plant your window boxes, start by heading to your local outdoor nursery and purchasing plants suited for the sun level your box will be in.

For a balanced look, pick out large focal plants first, followed by trailing plants, and then fill in with smaller plants.

Use a good quality flower planter soil that will help keep your plants moist and provide slow release fertilizer.

Add a layer of this soil to the bottom of your box before planting.

Set your large and trailing plants in place, then add the filler flowers, taking your time to find the perfect combination.

Start with the plants in the middle of the box, adding soil and flowers as you go out to the corners.

To build a window box, you'll want to start by measuring the width of your window. Cut three cedar fence boards to that length using a chop saw or table saw.

You'll also need to cut one of those boards for the bottom, ripping 1" off of it. This will give you a flat surface to work with.

Next, measure and mark another cedar board end for your side piece, with the width of your board at the top and the width minus 1" at the bottom. Cut three of those to create the sides of your box.

For the back of your box, glue and nail it into the sides first, then add the front piece. Make sure everything is secure and even.

Once your box is assembled, push the bottom into place and nail it in from all sides with nails spaced at 4" apart. This will provide a solid foundation for your plants.

To add extra support, glue and nail in the middle support piece. This will help keep your box stable and prevent it from sagging.

Now it's time to add a mitered frame for the top. Cut two strips from a cedar board, each 1.5" wide, and use them to create a frame with a 1/4" overhang. Install one piece at a time, nailing into the box and into each other.

Finally, screw the box into the house's siding and studs under the window trim with construction screws. Don't forget to drill holes along the bottom for water drainage.

Additional reading: Cedar Shake Asphalt Shingles