Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
EASY STEPS TO YOUR WINDOW BOX
DON’T STOP AT WINDOWS PRETTY UP YOUR BOUNDARY WITH FAB FENCE BOXES TOO!
Build a plywood box and clad it with spo ed gum timber to transform that bare square of a window frame into a chic and charming li le home for all your favourite fringe dwellers.
For you to note
The window box is based on store-bought plastic troughs that will hold the plants. Ensure the width of your box suits the width of your own troughs.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Use a sliding bevel to find the angle of the window sill. Hold stock of the tool against window and swivel blade until it hits the sill. Use wingnut on the tool to lock blade in position.
STEP 2 Measure and mark a point 110mm from the corner of a plywood sheet. Place sliding bevel against edge of the ply so the blade meets this point and scribe the line of the blade.
STEP 3 On the adjacent edge of the ply sheet, measure and mark a point 160mm from the corner. Use a combination square to draw a square line from the edge to the angled line already drawn.
STEP 4 Use a circular saw to cut out the drawn shape to make the side. Use this as a template to mark out a second side and cut it out.
STEP 5 Use saw to cut a 110mm wide strip of plywood that will fit between sides to create back of the box. Make the length of the piece so the overall dimension,
including the sides, will be 15mm less than the width between the bricks in the window opening.
STEP 6 Spread PVA glue on the end of the back and bu into 110mm long edge of side. Predrill using a countersinking drill bit and screw together using 50mm screws. Repeat to a ach other side to other end of back.
STEP 7 Cut decking so lengths are 38mm longer than the box width. Sit boards on front of box so the ends overhang sides of the box evenly then predrill and screw to box with 50mm decking screws.
STEP 8 Predrill and screw top half of the hanging rails to the sides of the box using 18mm screws.
STEP 9 Determine position of bo om half of hanging rails on bricks of house so they will interlock with the halves on the box. Mark holes in rail on bricks and drill using a 6mm masonry drill bit. Insert red wall plugs in holes, then screw rails to house with 50mm pan head screws.
STEP 10 Li box so hanging rails at each end of the box lock together. Cut lengths of decking to fit on sides of box between bricks and decking on the front.
STEP 11 Place troughs in box and, with plants still in pots, finalise arrangement. Remove plants and troughs and li box out of window.
STEP 12 Clamp decking side pieces from Step 10 to sides of box, predrill and screw through inside of box into decking to secure. Use 30mm screws.
STEP 13 Apply 2 coats of oil to decking boards. Let dry a er each coat. Put box back in window. Plant up troughs and place inside so rims sit on box edges.
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