all the information in front of you. First off, there are
many materials to choose from: wood, vinyl, PVC,
fiberglass, aluminum, wrought-iron, and copper to name a
few.
Wooden window boxes are the old standard that have been
around for centuries and they're an affordable solution to
window box planting and gardening. The advantages are that
they can be painted, they can be made custom, and they are
often affordable. The disadvantages are that the average
wood window box lasts 3-5 years and usually shows signs of
rotting after just 2 years. They will require a liner
inside and they are vulnerable to splintering, warping,
fading, peeling, moisture, and insects. The ideal choice
for a wooden window box is either cypress or cedar. Both
woods have the ability to resist rotting and will help the
window box last longer than other woods.
Vinyl window boxes are an alternative to wood that is a no
rot solution to window boxes. Vinyl is resistant to
moisture, however, vinyl window boxes usually do not accept
paint, have a shiny appearance, and are made from thin
double walled material that can crack over time. Vinyl is a
great choice for someone who wants a no rot planter that
needs to be white and lives in an environment where
temperature changes are minimal. Although vinyl window
boxes are not ideal for supporting heavy loads they are
lightweight and easy to install and many smaller sized
boxes can easily be clipped to a window with accessory
brackets. Vinyl has many advantages over wood and is an
affordable no rot solution to window box planting.
PVC window boxes are an upgrade over vinyl in that they are
made from solid core material that makes them more durable
and prevents them from splitting, cracking, or warping over
time. Additionally, PVC window boxes are also moisture and
rot free. Unlike vinyl, they have the ability to accept
paint readily and they have a matted finish to them that
keeps them from looking like plastic. In fact, they often
look like wood after being painted. The disadvantages are
that they are heavier than vinyl and can cost more on
average.
Fiberglass planters offer many of the advantages of PVC
window boxes in that they will not rot and are moisture
resistant. The advantages of fiberglass window boxes are
that they are available in custom sizes and they can
usually be painted as well. The disadvantages are that
they are generally heavier, limited in availability, and
pricier of all the options. They can be more difficult to
install, especially for larger boxes. They tend to have a
glassier finish to them, but they can usually be painted.
Next, that takes us to aluminum, wrought-iron, and copper
window boxes. Aluminum is an upgrade over wrought-iron in
that it can be sprayed black to look like iron but will
never rust. A wrought-iron window box will generally show
signs of rust in 3-5 years and may require maintenance.
Metal window box cages will need liners to hold potting
soil directly or they can be used to hold potted plants
instead. Some metal window boxes are bulk manufactured in
certain sizes and are made affordable at that size.
However, custom sizing can be pricey or limited in
availability. Copper window boxes tend to be pricey, but
offer a very distinct look that cannot be substituted in
any way.
With so many new materials on the market it's important to
understand the advantages and disadvantages to all of your
choices. Whether you're look for affordability, low
maintenance, or a distinct look, window box gardening can
be a fun hobby that brings lots of joy into your life.
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Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a
manufacturing company that specializes in affordable window
boxes, PVC window boxes, and custom window boxes. He has
built and installed window boxes of all sizes, shapes, and
types and regularly writes about window boxes and window
box gardening.
http://www.flowerwindowboxes.com
