How to Build a Window Box
The first thing you need to do is using a table saw crosscut a 1×6 piece of wood (pine or fir as long as it’s smooth) to 16″ long. Next you need to rip the board to a width of 4-1/2 inches. When doing this you should use a push stick to push your piece of wood through the table saw. Most table saws come with such a device but if you don’t have one just use a scrap piece of wood. Next you will be cutting out the sides of the window box. First you need to get a board and mark it at 10-1/2 inches from one end, on the same side measure and mark your board 6 inches from the opposite end and on the other edge mark it at 4-1/2 inches. With a straight edge join your marks and you will end up with a straight edge and an angled edge. To visualize this, the straight edge will be the back of the window box and the angled edge will be the front of the box (on the sides). Once your lines are drawn you need to cut this piece out with your table saw.
Next you need to cut the bottom, back, and front boards to length. Place a side piece at one end of the bottom, flush with the back and side. If you have a T-bevel use it to transfer the line from the angled piece to the bottom board’s edge. If you don’t have a T-angle (which I don’t) just put a straight edge against the angle and continue it onto the edge of the bottom board. On your table saw angle the blade to math the line you just made on the edge of your bottom board. Once you have made all the adjustments to your saw blade start slow and make sure that your cut is going to be right. Push it through and you will have your bottom board with the appropriate angle on it. The reason for this is to obviously make the bottom beveled to be able to attach the front board at the right angle.
Next you need to start some assembly. Align the bottom with the sides, drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the diameter of your 6d screws 2″ you are going to use. Once your pilot holes are drilled (two on each side of the front and two one each side of the back, also the bottom). Before you assemble you need to get your bottom board and drill 2 or three 1/2″ holes in it, this is for drainage if you are planning on using it for planting. You should do this no matter what because you are bound to get some excess moisture in the box at some point in time.
Once you have got all your boards cut and your holes drilled you need to assemble. First you need to align the ends of the front and back flush with the ends of the bottom and the sides. In your pilot holes nail or screw the front and back to the bottom and sides. You may need to do some sanding or other finish work and then you are ready to finish the box. You can either stain it with a clear protectant seal or you can paint it any color you want. Either way you are done now and it’s been fairly easy. You can do the project in a couple of hours and once you get the process down you can start mass producing the things. Once you have your template down make very few adjustments to your saw, just cut out all the pieces you need instead of going back and forth all the time. It’s an easy project and can make a big difference in the look of your home. Good luck.
