DIY Coastal Window Box

Turn PVC planks into a gorgeous DIY Coastal Window Box. I have an easy step-by-step tutorial and also fun ideas on what to plant inside.

Our shed came with teeny, tiny window boxes which looked super cute BUT they were so narrow it was hard to plant anything inside them. For 4 years I’ve told Luke I wanted to replace those tiny window boxes. In case you don’t remember what they looked like you can see them here, I shared the DIY Rope and Starfish Wreath last week.

See what I mean? Teeny, tiny, almost doll size…

It was our 17th wedding anniversary, so I like to think that Luke built me this for our anniversary. I thought this summer project would be great to share as part of the DIY hop for Seasonal Simplicity Tour hosted by my friend Krista.

See the tutorial below and be sure to visit all my friends’ DIYs at the bottom of the post.

How to Build a DIY Coastal Window Box

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Materials

We chose a 9 1/2″ board for the bottom and 6″ boards for the sides because that’s the dimensions we wanted for our window box. We used 3/4″ boards as that’s what was available but a 1/2″ board would do a great job and be lighter.

• 2 8′ long x 6″ x 3/4″ PVC boards
• 1 8′ long x 9 1/2″ x 3/4″ PVC boards
• 8′ length of PVC trim
• 8′ 1 1/2″ PVC Pipe
• 2 1 1/2″ PVC Pipe 90 degree corners
• 2 1 1/2″ PVC Stoppers
• PVC Glue
• Rope
• Box of 2″ stainless steel screws with wafer heads
• 2 4″ Lag Bolts
• White Screw Caps

Method

Step 1 – Cut the three boards to be the final length of the window box. Our’s was 66″ because that’s what would fit under the windows.  The cuts can be done with a mitre box or compound mitre saw.

Step 2 – From the 9 1/2″ board cut two pieces that are 6″ high x 8″ wide (these are the end pieces). These dimensions might vary depending on the boards you choose.

Step 3 – Pre-drill holes along the four sides of the 9 1/2″ board.

Step 4 – Pre-drill two holes at the ends of the 6″ boards, being careful to keep the top holes under where your trim will be attached.

Step 5 – Place the two 6″ boards along the long edge about 9″ apart. Lay the 9 1/2″ boards on top and screw into the two boards. Put the two shorts end in place and attach using the screws with the white screw covers.

Step 6 – cut the pieces of trim with a mitre joint. Attach using a nail gun.

Step 7 – To create a water system inside the window box, cut two 3′ lengths of PVC pipe and two 5″ lengths of PVC pipe, glue these to a corner piece using PVC glue and at the other ends of the 3′ lengths glue on the stoppers. Drill a number of holes down the pipe in the lower half of it (to enable water flow). Cut 2 3′ lengths of rope and feed through the pipe.

Step 8 – Find the stud positions in the wall and pre-drill holes in the back of the window box. Secure to the studs with lag bolts. We also ran some screws along the top to keep the top of the window box snug against the wall.

Step 9 – Place the watering pipes in and add compost.

Once the window box was hung, it was time to add many plants! I was so excited with the planting space the new window box offers.

This area gets full day sun (hooray!) which meant I could choose some lovely plants. I went for lots of greens with some accents of whites and pinks. My inspiration was Nantucket and the Vineyard and the window boxes spilling over with vines. I’m always on the look out for great plants to include in arrangements so I thought I’d share what I planted:

 Tricolor Sweet Potato Vine | White Licorice Plant | October Daphne Stonecrop

Fountain Grass | Musica Electric Purple Double Impatiens | Supertunia Vista Silverberry

I was sure to add Osmocote, watering crystals, and water the plants.

It looks so dreamy. Just as I imagined it would!

I dragged the cedar bench Luke built a few years ago down from our deck. I thought it picked up the colors of the wreath and looked so perfectly coastal with the window box.

Here’s a view with the pool in the shot:

I also took a few photos with the loveseat that used to be inside the shed, but I think it looks too big in front. What do you guys think?

It’s lovely to sit here in the afternoon sun! So I’m still figuring out what should be in front but definitely some kind of comfy seating 😉 I’m hoping to start making over the inside of the she shed to a pool house this week and next week. It’s my goal to get it done before the kids get out of school for summer! Don’t worry I’ll be sure to share on Insta Stories and also on the blog the progress and the design plans.

 

I hope you like how our coastal window box came out and that you also got some planting ideas for your own yard.

Be sure to visit all my friends who are taking part below.

And, today I’m joined by a fabulous group of blogging friends who are also sharing their Summer DIY Ideas as part of the Seasonal Simplicity Summer Series…

Just click on the links below the images to be taken to their posts and see what they’re sharing today. I’m blown away by all the awesome summer DIY ideas!

5 Minute Dollar Store DIY Hit Wall at The Happy Housie
Anthro Octopus Knockoff at Craftberry Bush
Summer Activities Tree at The Handmade Home
Easy Ways to Bring Colour Into Your Home for Summer at Tatertots and Jello
Rustic Birdhouse Garden DIY Decor from the Dollar Store at The DIY Mommy

DIY Shell Planter Tutorial at Zevy Joy
Painted Wood Jewelry Dish at Paint Me Pink
DIY Beach Art on a Canvas at Shabbyfufu
DIY Concrete Vase at Place of My Taste
How to Dress Up Your Walls For Summer at My Sweet Savannah

DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Liberty Burlap Party Banner at She Gave it A Go
Campfire S’Mores Gift Basket Idea at Modern Glam
How to Paint a Concrete Patio at The Turquoise Home
DIY Hanging Garden Trellis at A Pretty Life
DIY Coastal Window Box at Finding Silver Pennies

DIY Rainbow Book Art at Life is a Party
DIY Tabletop Marshmallow Roaster at Sincerely, Marie Designs
How to Make a Sign the Easy Way at Confessions of a Serial DIYer
DIY Bird House at Seeking Lavender Lane
Simple Botanical Watercolour at Lemon Thistle
DIY S’mores Bar at Clean & Scentsible