To hang wooden window boxes, you will need to follow a few steps. First, you need to determine the placement of the brackets on the house. It is important to choose a location that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for the plants that will be placed in the window box.
Once you have chosen the desired location, mark the bracket’s position on the house. I find it helpful to place the bracket near the bottom of the first course of siding below the window. This placement allows the window box to be easily seen and also provides stability for the weight of the plants and soil.
Next, you will need to bore a pilot hole and counterbore into the bracket. This step is important to ensure that the screw will sit flush with the bracket, preventing any potential for snagging or damaging the plants. I recommend using a countersink bit on a drill for this task.
To begin, mark the bracket for the top screw hole, aligning it with the predetermined placement on the house. Once marked, use the countersink bit to bore a pilot hole into the bracket on the mark. This pilot hole will serve as a guide for the screw.
After drilling the pilot hole, you will need to counterbore into the bracket. This step involves widening the top portion of the hole to create a recess where the screw head can sit. The counterbore should be slightly wider than the screw head, allowing it to sit flush with the surface of the bracket.
With the bracket prepared, it is time to fasten it to the house. I recommend using a 3-inch-long galvanized decking screw for this task. Galvanized screws are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor applications.
Insert the screw through the pilot hole in the bracket and drive it into the house. Be mindful of the depth you drive the screw, ensuring that it is secure but not over-tightened. Over-tightening the screw can cause the wood to split or the bracket to become misaligned.
Repeat these steps for the remaining brackets, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and aligned. It is important to use multiple brackets to distribute the weight of the window box evenly and prevent sagging.
Once all the brackets are securely fastened to the house, you can proceed to install the window box. Slide the window box onto the brackets, ensuring that it sits securely. Some window boxes may have additional attachment points or brackets to further secure them in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific window box to ensure proper installation.
Add your desired plants and soil to the window box, taking care to arrange them in a visually appealing manner. Consider the sunlight and water requirements of the plants when choosing their placement in the window box.
By following these steps, you can confidently hang wooden window boxes and create a beautiful and functional addition to your home’s exterior.
