Q: Look at varieties of window boxes online or prefabricated models in stores to get an idea of the design you would like to use. (The instructions that follow are for a basic rectangular box. They can be easily modified to fit whatever specifications you are looking for.) In particular, you may want to think immediately about how your window box will be attached to your house. Many designs employ wooden brackets or braces to hold up the box, and this should be taken into account in your plans. You can make these simple braces yourself, or there are a number available for purchase in home and garden stores. This will determine how much lumber you will need to purchase. If you want your window box to run the full length of the window, add twice the length of your window box plus twice the width that you are planning to determine how much lumber you'll need for the 4 sides of the box. The bottom will be the same length as the sides. Your need to select a type of wood that is resistant to the elements (after all, this will be hanging outside). In making your selection, you need to think about the specific requirements that must be fulfilled. How harsh is the weather in your location? How big is this window box going to be, and how much weight will the boards have to bear? Every type of wood has unique qualities, and you should keep that in mind as you make your choice. Fairly typical boards for projects of this sort are 1X6s or 2X6s--that is, its dimensions are one inch by six inches or two inches by six inches (the heavier boards may be useful for the bottoms of the box). These come in a number of lengths, so consider which one will be most appropriate for this project. There are a wide variety of grades of pressure-treated lumber that can stand up to outdoor conditions, each designed for specific environments. Learn something about the grades and think about which one will suit your requirements. Though pressure-treated boards are no longer treated with the same toxic chemicals they once were, they are still treated with some peculiar substances. Additionally, new pressure-treated lumber will contain some moisture, and so it cannot be painted until it has begun to dry or weather. For those who would prefer natural woods that are relatively weather resistant without treatment, certain varieties of cedar, cherry, locust, or others may be appropriate. As noted above, this is something to consider when thinking about lumber as well. But the exterior coating will also affect both the appearance and durability of your window box, so strike the appropriate balance when making your selection. As most of you know, there has been an accumulation of home improvement stores throughout the country in recent years. Most have lumber, and nearly all have the additional supplied you will need (a complete list follows at the bottom of the page). It is recommended that you talk to the people who work at the home improvement store to get any quick tips or advice they might have for the project. They often know something about that lumber or paint they are selling you (usually due to customer complaints following failed projects). Understand that they are interested in making a sale, but know that they may have useful information to share.
A: Find inspiration. Measure the window where you want to place your window box to determine the length of the box. Determine the type of lumber you would like to use for your window box. Determine what finish or paint you would like. Purchase the materials.

Q: This job is very messy. You will have drywall and paint everywhere, so you need to make sure everything is well covered. You can drape furniture in old sheets, drop cloths, or tarps. You may also want to cover vents so it doesn't spread throughout your house. You can tape plastic over them to prevent dust from going through. If you're worried about damaging your furniture, it's best to just move it out of the room. You should definitely move any fragile or antique pieces out of the room, if possible. If you want to minimize your cleanup, put tarps or drop cloths on the floor. That will help contain the mess, so you can pick it up and take it elsewhere, away from your floors. Tape the tarp down around the edges using painter's tape. Don't forget to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the debris. If you're worried about lead paint, consider wearing a respirator instead of just a dust mask. You may also want gloves when applying the joint compound. If you have an old house, you'll likely be dealing with lead paint. In that case, you'll need to take extra precautions, such as removing everything from the room, or covering it up with 2 sheets of plastic, each one 6 millimeters thick. You should also wear clothes you can throw away or disposable coveralls, along with gloves, goggles, a HEPA respirator, and a hair covering. Vacuum any dust off you with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
A:
Cover the furniture in the room. Move furniture out if you're nervous about dust. Put tarps down on the floor. Protect yourself with safety gear.