Windowsill Planters are an easy and inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your home facade and to take advantage of tight spaces. You can plant flowers or herbs there, giving you the opportunity to practice gardening without leaving the comfort of your home. If you are interested in building one of these planters, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Design a Windowsill Planter
Step 1. Look for inspiration
Search online or go to specialty stores to find planters and pre-made models that can give you an idea of the design that's right for you. The instructions below refer to a basic model of rectangular shape, which you can easily adapt to the characteristics of the type of planter you are looking for.
In particular, you can first think about how to hook the planter to the wall of your home. Several models use wooden shelves or supports to support the planter: this aspect is also important to consider in your project.. A very simple type of wooden support you can also do alone, but in any case in gardening or DIY stores you can find many models available
Step 2. Measure the length of the window under which you intend to place the planter, to determine the length of the window and the amount of lumber you need to buy
- If you want the planter to cover the full length of the window, the amount of lumber to buy should be twice the length and width of the window to cover all four sides of the planter.
- The bottom of the planter must be the same length as the side parts.
Step 3. Choose the type of wood to use for the planter
It must be a very weatherproof quality of wood (after all, the planter will always remain outside). When it's time to choose, consider what specific characteristics the material should have. How is the climate in your area? How big should the planter be? How much weight should the wooden planks be able to support? Each type of wood has its own particular characteristics, to be taken into consideration when choosing.
- The most common planks for making similar projects measure 2.5x15cm or 5x15cm (heavier planks are preferred for the bottom of the planter). The wooden boards are available on the market in the most varied sizes: choose carefully the ones that are most appropriate for your project.
- There is a wide variety of pressurized wood, in different grades, capable of withstanding external climatic conditions, each designed for different environments. Find out about the different options available and choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Although autoclaved boards are no longer subjected to the same toxic chemicals they once used, they are still treated with some special substances. Also, new treated lumber contains some moisture and therefore cannot be painted until it has begun to dry out or age. For those who prefer natural woods that are relatively weatherproof without having been treated, some varieties of cedar, cherry or locust tree may be fine.
Step 4. Determine which finish or paint you want to use
As mentioned above, when it comes to timber, this too must be taken into consideration. In any case, remember that the outer coating also affects the appearance and durability of the planter, so you have to find the right balance when choosing.
Step 5. Purchase materials
Go to one of the more and more numerous shops dedicated to home and do-it-yourself, which have sprung up everywhere in recent years: in almost all of them you will find the timber and other accessories you need (see the complete list at the bottom of the page).
It is recommended that you speak to the store staff for advice and suggestions on how to build the planter. Salesmen usually know how to give you more information about the wood or paint you want to buy (because they have to respond to requests and complaints from customers who have already tried their hand at this project). Clearly they have an interest in selling, but they will not fail to provide you with all the information you want
Method 2 of 2: Building the Windowsill Planter
Step 1. Measure the wooden planks and mark where to cut them
Always remember the maxim: "measure twice, cut once". After you have already cut the wood, if you realize that you have made a mistake, you will have to go back to the shop and as soon as they see you they will immediately understand why you came back.
Step 2. Use a saw to cut the wood to the desired length
First cut the longer pieces, then use the remaining ones to make the shorter sides or to create the supports.
Step 3. Sand, if possible, seal or paint the wood before mounting
If you can apply a sealant or paint before final assembly, use them. The purpose is to coat the wood, so why not make sure it is adequately protected before finally screwing all the parts together?
Step 4. Using a drill, drill holes in the wood, which will serve as a guide for the screws you will insert to assemble the different pieces
Although there are tools that allow you to insert the screws directly into the wood, it is preferable not to do so, because the wood could be damaged or cracked at the ends. Furthermore, by creating guide holes first instead of inserting the screws directly, it is easier to carry out the screwing operation, especially with harder woods.
Step 5. Assemble the frame
- Attach a screwdriver insert to the drill and secure the ends of the planter to the bottom using rust-proof screws. Make sure you rest the wood against something sturdy and stable or ask a person to hold the pieces in place while you screw them.
- Place the front and back sections on the bottom of the planter and check that all pieces have been cut precisely (the ends should line up with each other). After making sure they fit snugly, attach and screw them to the bottom of the planter.
Step 6. With the drill, make some drainage holes
A number of holes need to be made to allow water to drain out of the planter.
Step 7. If you think you should, apply additional sealant or paint as needed
Let them dry completely before finally installing the planter.
Step 8. Insert a plastic cover into the planter to prevent damp soil from rotting the wood
Step 9. Cut small pieces of the weed cover
Use them to cover drainage holes to prevent soil from leaking from the bottom of the planter.
Step 10. Install the planter on the windowsill
Drill holes in the wall where you will insert the planter. If you have any wood left to use as a support, drill holes for that as well. First hook the support, then the planter, screwing them tightly but without damaging the wood.
To screw the planter to the bottom supports, use screws slightly shorter than the thickness of the planter bottom
Step 11. Add the soil, flowers, plants and / or herbs
The project is complete.
Advice
- If you don't have a power saw for cutting wood, most stores can provide you with this service at no additional cost.
- If you can't find the plastic liner, apply a layer of roofing compound to the inside of the planter using a wide trowel.
