How to Attach a Window Box to Brick Without Drilling

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Window boxes add charm to your house and give you the space to include flowers or herbs to your decor. They are especially convenient if you don’t have space to set up an outdoor garden or when you live in an apartment complex. 

A common way to attach a planter to a brick wall is by drilling it in; however, this creates permanent holes that will be an eyesore if you end up removing the window box later. In this article, I outlined how to attach a window box to brick without drilling.

How to Attach a Window Box to Brick without Drilling

If you live in a rental house, adding holes into brick walls and surfaces is probably not something you want to do. Fortunately, it’s simple to mount window boxes without needing a drill. Here’s the step-by-step process for how to attach a box to brick without drilling.

Window box attached to brick wall

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Before kicking off the project, gather the materials and tools you’ll need. Chances are you might already have them. Otherwise, these are most likely available in any hardware store near you. 

Here is a list of what you’ll need:

  • Vinyl siding hooks
  • D-ring hooks
  • Screwdrivers
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Brackets for mounting
  • Hardware for mounting
  • Tape measure
  • Deck rail planter
  • Wind box hangers
  • Pencil

Tips When Shopping

  • Look for a window box fitted with hangers or hooks for easy mounting. The vinyl siding hooks do not require drilling, or using drill bits, which means that you’ll only need to slide the hangers in the cracks. 
  • Pick sturdy hooks that can hold the weight of the box without the risk of breaking. It’s vital to keep in mind that a window box is heavy and will contain soil, water, and flowers, all which add to its weight
  • Check on the recommended weight for every window box. Knowing the weight is important when picking mounting brackets.
  • There’s no rule regarding the type of window box to mount. However, the method of installation will differ depending on the type. Deck rails are ideal for large sizes boxes. 
  • Ensure you have all the hardware needed so you don’t have to make a return trip during the middle of the project. You may want to buy the mounting brackets and screw them at home or buy ready-made options.

Step 2: Mark the Area to Install the Window Box

  1. Measure the size of your windows to determine the size of the brackets.
  2. Determine where to hang the planters based on the size of your windows.
  3. Measure the distance from the window that you’d like the window box to be located. Put visible marks on this spot using a pencil.
  4. Make sure there’s enough clearance for proper alignment.

Step 3: Attach D-Ring Hooks to the Window Box

D-ring hooks are small pieces of hardware that screw into the window boxes. Essentially, they are hangers that properly secure the planter and help to keep it mounted. To attach the D-rings, do the following:

  1. Using screws, attach the two D-rings to the back of the window box. If there are already holes in the window box, place the screws in them. Otherwise, drill two holes in the box for the screws to fit into. Ensure the D-rings hooks are secure on the window box to make it easy to hook on the vinyl siding.
  2. Using a tape measure, measure the distance between the D-rings.
  3. Using your hand, separate the vinyl siding plates to create room for hanging the boxes.
  4. Push the hook in the space between the plates.

Step 4: Fasten the Vinyl Siding Hooks

  1. Pull the hooks towards you and downwards gently until there’s a clicking sound. This ensures the hook holds steadily on the panel. Confirm that the weight of the box is adequately locked in place to prevent it from falling.
  2. Adjust the siding hooks so that the box hangs proportionately. Ensure the distance between them is the same as the distance between the D-rings in the box. These hooks are flexible and move easily.

Step 5: Suspend the Hanger

Insert the D-rings to the end of the hooks and gently allow the hanger to dangle. Ensure its holding pretty well. If your window box has some hooks on the rear part, then you may insert the hooks onto the slots. Lastly, hook the hanging window box over the siding hook. 

How to Attach a Window Box to Deck Railing

The first method involves the use of hooks on vinyl siding. However, there’s another option of using rail hangers, especially if the window boxes are heavy. This method requires you to install brackets that will match the size of the deck. 

Some mounting brackets come loaded with extra features, such as bends for easy installation. These allow for easier fitting and normally support the weight of the box securely.

The window boxes require at least two brackets for mounting and this depends on the window box size. 

Some window boxes planters have a simple design and will not require the use of pricey corded drills or any drilling hardware to mount on the decks. There are large dents that allow easy sliding on the rails.

Here is the way to install the brackets on the deck railing:

  1. Brackets come with holes that you’ll need to line in the same position as the window box.
  2. Screw through each hole. 
  3. Tighten using a wrench.
  4. Adjust the size of the bracket to ensure it fits on the deck rail. You may need to set loosen the screw so that you can easily slide the mounting bracket. When in position, tighten the screws and ensures it locks in place.

How to Suspend the Window Box

After fixing the brackets, dangle the window box slowly. Allow the hooks to hold onto the rail firmly to prevent the planter from falling. 

Ensure it sits properly before filling with the potting mixture and plants. To add more flair to the window boxes, you can use decorative brackets in the bottom. Your window box is now ready for holding gravel and beautiful plants.

Additional Resource: Learn how to cut through brick with an angle grinding tool.

The Best Vinyl Siding Hooks you can Buy

Conclusion

You can spruce up your outdoors by hanging beautiful window boxes, even if you live in an apartment where there are restrictions on drilling walls or bricks, or stucco exterior walls. The install is simple and easy to do. It’ll only take a few hours to put everything together.

An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons.