Builder's Challenge: Flowerboxes

Flower boxes are an easy way to brighten windows, decks, patios and porches. Build your own...after being inspired by these readers' clever creations.

It doesn't take a master carpenter to build any of the unique flower boxes pictured on these pages. All were made by regular folks, starting with a basic flower-box plan and run-of-the-mill tools. What they did add was lots of creativity!

The challenge was straightforward—we asked them to build a flower box and embellish it to their liking. The only guidelines—make sure it's a "simple" flower box requiring no special tools and that it's weather-resistant.

You can do it, too! See the next page to start building your own custom flower box.

Naturally Stumped

To most people, leftover tree stumps are unwelcome eyesores, just another hassle to mow around.

But to Jack McClure of Aberdeen, Washington, the 400-to 600-year-old cedar stump in his yard has provided plenty of natural material for unique projects, like the flower box above.

"I split out some boards from the cedar stump," says Jack. "After seeing the wood grain and shape of the boards, I envisioned this simple flower box."

His and Hers

This whimsical flower box, made by Joanna Olsen of Stacy, Minnesota, started with the idea of recycling the antique doorknob. It's now the focal point for the box, a peek inside a his-and-hers closet.

"This project allowed me to be imaginative with stuff that was lying around," Joanna writes.

She painted the box with white exterior paint and covered it with polyurethane.

Starting Young

This instantly weathered flower box was designed and built by 18-year-old Japheth Peight of Lewison, Pennsylvania. We liked his design because of its creative finish. The craftsmanship is also impressive—each piece is individually cut.

"I used regular pine wood and weathered it with a propane torch before sealing with a good water-resistant finish," notes Japheth.