Window planter boxes are a great addition to the exterior of any home. Even though the window boxes of today can be installed by the average homeowner, different exteriors have unique attachment requirements. Here is a closer look at how to hang window boxes on different exteriors.

Hardie Board

There was a time when Hardie Board or Hardie Planks were often used in the construction of modest homes. This type of siding is more durable than it looks. There are cement fibers in the individual boards which serve to give it more strength. The downside is that these boards can be harder to drill, often requiring masonry tools.

It is very important that you pay attention to weight when hanging your window boxes on a Hardie Board. Most window boxes will weigh more than one pound. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the boards, and make sure you attach to those studs. Otherwise the window box may fall out.

Stucco

Continuing the mortar style of home exteriors, stucco is known for beautiful patterns that are unique. This is because of how it is layered onto wall sheathing. A typical stucco construction includes plywood, metal lath, and tar paper beneath the mortar. It is certainly a complex type of home exterior.

Likewise, attaching window boxes to a stucco exterior also requires a little planning and a specific approach. The first step is to locate the studs. You’ll then want to use a masonry bit to pre-drill a hole for your anchors. The hole can be filled with clear silicone caulk before you tap the anchors into place. You then attach the window box to the anchors with screws that are treated to prevent corrosion.

Brick

Brick is the hallmark of the modern home exterior. It was the gold standard for home construction until being overtaken by vinyl and aluminum siding in many areas. Brick offers a good, sturdy support for window boxes, but many homeowners make a mistake when installing them.

The tendency is to attach brackets to the brick and then place the window boxes in the brackets. It is far safer if you will attach the window box itself to anchors in the brick. Use the same basic method as you would with stucco, inserting the anchors into pre-drilled holes before attaching the window box.

Vinyl and Aluminum Siding

Two of the most common home exteriors today are vinyl and aluminum siding. These types of exteriors have become popular for many reasons. One of these is versatility. You can work with aluminum and vinyl siding to get the colors you want, and you can easily manage attachments like window boxes.

Here’s the important consideration when attaching window boxes to aluminum or vinyl siding. You should disregard the advice to use hooks which hang over the siding and are meant to support the window box. The weight of a window box will almost always cause the siding to sag or bow, and it could even create permanent damage. Find those studs and attach window boxes directly to the siding.

A Final Word on Home Exteriors and Window Box Safety

We leave you with a final word of advice and caution. Many sources incorrectly advise homeowners to attach their window boxes with hooks, brackets, or clips. As we have seen, these are ineffective ways to support the weight of a window box.

Safety should always be the first consideration when hanging window boxes on different exteriors. It might take a little more time and effort to attach the boxes properly, but you’ll reduce the risk of injury to others and damage to your property.

Author Bio

Matt Buquoi works at FlowerWindowBoxes.com, a company that offers premium-quality, no-rot flower window boxes, exterior shutters, cedar gables and outdoor planters at affordable prices.