How-To: Hanging a Window Box

For all of you small-space gardeners out there, window boxes are a great way to maximize growing space. Find out how to hang one with this how-to, from the experts at This Old House. If you have basic carpentry skills (and know how to operate a level and a power drill) then you can decorate your house with gorgeous, flower-filled window boxes.

• Depending on the type of windows your home has, you'll have to hang your window box at different heights. For a house with double-hung or sliding windows, measure down one inch from the bottom of the sill. Make a pencil mark. For a window that swings out, measure down 6 to 8 inches.
• Now you're going to install the top screw on the bracket. To do so, hold the first bracket with its top on the pencil mark. Mark the bracket for the top screw hole. It should hit close to the first section of siding below the window.
• Next, use a countersink bit to drill a pilot hole and counterbore into the bracket on your pencil mark. Fasten the bracket to the house with a 3-inch-long galvanized decking screw through the pilot hole.

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Make sure that the bracket is level then install the second screw. Then check again that it's level. Bore a pilot hole and counterbore for the second screw through the bracket just above the horizontal leg, where it will be hidden by the window box. Then drive another 3-inch screw through the bracket.

Next, install the second bracket. Use the same technique as for the first bracket. Be careful though! You'll want to use your level to make sure that the second bracket is at the correct height.

Next, you'll want to make sure that the window box is centered. Do so by placing the window box on top of the brackets with the angled side of the box facing out.

After you've measured to ensure that it's centered, fasten the window box to the brackets. Drill and counterbore pilot holes into the upper rear edge of the box, directly in front of each bracket. Then drill a 2-1/2-inch-long galvanized decking screw through the box and into the upper end of each bracket.

Congratulations! You're done! Now fill the box with potting soil, and plant with gorgeous flowers, vining plants, and herbs.

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