10 Questions When Choosing a Window Box

1. Can it be painted?
A. If you want the look of paint, then wood or PVC is your choice. Both boxes can be painted to match or complement your trim or exterior house paint. Never paint the inside of a window box. The chemicals can get into the soil and kill your plants and lead to other problems.

2. Can it be mounted to the house? If so, how?
A. Some window planters merely sit on a window sill. If you're looking for a window box that is installed directly into the house as a part of it, then this usually is accomplished with bolts and anchors. Window boxes filled with dirt and water can at times need to support up to 200 lbs. and it's vital that the installation be as secure as possible. Fiber glass boxes often have special mounting clips that indirectly secure the box to the home, but can be dangerous. PVC and wood boxes can be drilled through the back where nuts and bolt can attach the box more directly. Lastly, sometimes additional decorative brackets can be fastened to the home and the box can sit atop of those.

3. How does it drain water?
A. Multiple drain holes drilled into the bottom allow water to drain out. PVC window boxes are ideal, b/c they are water resistant and rot proof and avoid the problems associated with wood ones. Potted plants often lack drainage and are sometimes used to sit inside wrought-iron window box cages. This can sometimes cause problems for plant growth.

4. I have a custom window. Can that box be ordered or built to fit it?
A. A good rule of thumb when measuring your window box is to measure the full width of the window from outer most dimension to outer most dimension. Then, add 6 inches. a little bit of overhang on each end adds curb appeal and helps avoid the embarassment of having too small of a window box for your window.

5. How long will it last before it rots or rusts or cracks?
A. If choosing wood, expect the box to last about 3-5 years before showing signs of rot. Window boxes need lots of water and water and wood usually don't go well with each other. PVC, vinyl, and fiberglass avoid those perils. If you like the look of wrought-iron, consider getting aluminum instead that is powder coated and made to look just like iron. Aluminum window boxes will never rust just like PVC window boxes will never rot. Vinyl boxes are usually made of thin material and can be subject to cracking if overexposed to the sun.

6. Does it hold dirt or potted plants?
A. Usually, an erosion tarp liner is placed in wooden or PVC window boxes to hold dirt in, but allow water to drain. For metal boxes, copper liners are usually used and can be very expensive. Alternatively potted plants can just be placed in the boxes and maintained separately.

7. What flowers do i want to plant in my box?
A. This is an important question. Different flowers and plants require different amount of soil space. Make sure you know the dimensions of the box such as how deep and how tall it is and consult with a professional on knowing the ideal soil space needed for what you want to plant.

8. Where can I buy window boxes?
A. Local garden nursery's will usually carry a few. Often times though, these nursuries will have to special order them from the manufacturer. If this is the case, you can often go online and there are many manufacturers who may sell them to you directly for a better price and get them to you quicker.

9. Which windows are good candidates for window boxes?
A. All of them. I've always been a fan of window boxes and some of the most beautiful homes are ones with 5 or 6 window boxes on the front. J/k, it's important to consider if there are any sun exposure problems or architectural limitations. Placing boxes where they can receive rainfall will help lessen maintenance. If you are going to spend the money on that many window boxes you should definitely consider going with PVC over wood to avoid having to replace them a few years down the road. One exception: placing a window box under a window that is over a front door is usually a bad idea, b/c water can drain on you when you leave the house.

10. How much do window boxes cost?
A. Window boxes come in a variety of sizes, types, materials, and price ranges. More expensive boxes usually are made to be integrated into the house, but can add equity to house as well. Less expensive boxes that don't install can be cheaper b/c they don't have to support as much weight or necessarily be as large. PVC window boxes are quickly becoming the standard, b/c of their longevity and resistance to moisture, but expect to pay in the neighborhood of 15-30% more than wood for these.