Flower Boxes and Exterior Painting

1x6 boards
primer
paint
wood screws
weed blocker
potting soil
flowers

Tools:

glue
hammer
nails
cordless drill
nail gun
air compressor
chop saw
paint brush
pencil
tape measure

1. Assemble the box by building a U-shaped trough using three 36-inch pieces of 1x6 boards (figure A).

2. Cut 1x6 end caps to 5-1/2 inches and attach to ends of the trough using glue and nails.

3. Drill a few holes in the bottom of the planter to allow drainage. Line the planter with landscape cloth to keep the dirt from sifting out (figure B).

5. Attach the flower box to the house with screws.

6. Fill with planting soil and add flowers.

Materials:

five gallons house paint color
two gallons trim paint color
three ladder jacks
three 12-foot 2x12 planks

Tools:

airless sprayer (rental)
blue tape
extension ladder
painters plastic
painting supplies
safety glasses

Tip: Renting scaffolding can make the job go faster. Ladder jacks and extension ladders are readily available and take up little room. You can also use bricklayer's scaffolding or jack-style lifts, all are available at the local rental center.

1. Clean the exterior surfaces to be painted using a garden hose or pressure washer.

2. Remove any shutters or other trim pieces that will not be painted. Cover other surfaces that you don't want painted with tape and plastic.

3. Spray the body of the house using the airless sprayer. The bulk of the painting will go quickly with the sprayer.

4. After the house is painted, remove any plastic and use a small roller and brush to paint the corner boards, window trim and soffits (if applicable).