How to Choose Brackets for Railing Planters in 4 Easy Steps
Railing Bracket + Window Box = Railing Planter
Which comes first, the window box or the railing bracket? The most important thing to remember about choosing railing brackets for planters is that the bracket hardware needs to fit your railing, first and foremost. This practical deck rail bracket guide helps you find brackets that fit your railing while safely and securely supporting your garden in midair. Read on to learn how to choose the best railing brackets for your home.
Step 1: Identify Your Railing Type
Measure your railing. Measure it twice. Wooden railings are measured differently than metal rails, and your railing's shape may help you narrow down your options quickly.
Wooden Deck Rails
Wooden deck rails come in many shapes and sizes. Standard wood rails are usually 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 nominal sizes. Measure your railing on all sides to determine which nominal size coincides. Don't see your size or shape? Scroll down to our Unique Shape Rails section below.
All of our wood deck rail brackets do not require additional hardware or drilling into the rail itself. Over rail brackets are available in many sizes, and can often be customized if needed. Brackets are listed with dimensions, allowing you to choose the right bracket for your rail and window box.
Rectangular and Flat Wood Rails
Deluxe Deck Rail
Designed for a railing that is made out of standard 2x4 wood (nominal 2x4 board dimensions are 1 1/2" High x 3 1/2" Wide).
Deck Clamp Bracket
Deck Drape Brackets provide 2x4 and 2x6 options for wood fence and deck railings, letting you rearrange for more than one option when needed.
Deck Rail Brackets
These brackets fit all of our wrought iron cages & Decora window boxes; for 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8 wooden deck rails.
Deck Drape
Our 7" Shelf Deck Drape bracket is 11"wide and can accommodate window boxes from 11" to 24". Our Deck Drape bracket with a 9" shelf is 19"
Metal Balcony Railings
Measure your iron railings to determine the exact dimensions and note the shape of your railing, as well as any possible designs or vertical bars in the metalwork that might interfere with installing your railing planter brackets. Keep in mind you may use square-shaped brackets on round railings as long as your planters have some type of surface to rest on.
Square, Flat and Round Metal Rails
Rail & Balcony Bracket For Metal Railings
At 2 1/2" long, width options include 3/4" up to 5 1/2" wide. Perfect for metal railings, brackets drape over the top
Black Brackets for Cottage Weave
Works on railings and walls. Fits any railing shape up to 15"
Heavy Duty Cable Ties
Prevents theft and property damage; Each strap holds up to 250lbs
Railing Shelf Bracket
Fits railings up to 2 1/2" and window boxes with 8 1/2" to 11 1/4" bases
Step 2: Identify Bracket Features
Some brackets are designed to fit one rail size, others are adjustable to fit multiple railing sizes. When shopping for brackets, the hook style determines just how easy installation can be for each railing type.
Countryside Railing Brackets
Accommodates lightweight vinyl window box planters. Each bracket comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation.
Countryside Deck Brackets
Designed for lightweight vinyl window box planters up to 18 pounds, this minimal hardware fits 2x4 and 2x6 wood railings.
Medallion Universal Brackets
Holds flower boxes weighing up to 37 pounds, these brackets are ideal for either wood or metal railings.
Step 3: Determine How Many Brackets you'll Need
Determine how many brackets are required for your planter box. Longer boxes require more supports due to the weight of soil, plants and water. 1 pair of brackets is will support fully-planted containers up to 48" long. Add another pair for boxes up to 72" in length. Additional supports should be added every 16" for containers 72" and up.
Flower boxes that are 48" or longer will need two pairs of brackets to support fully planted containers. Any balcony railing planter shorter than 48" will only require one pair of brackets.
Step 4: Bracket-Window Box Series Compatibility
Now that you've found a bracket that suits your railing shape and size, it's time to choose a window box. Hooks and Lattice has the largest selection of window box planters, offering 100+ unique designs to suit every style. Here's a quick overview to help you quickly and easily find a window box style that will work on your railing type.
Decora Window Boxes
- Deck Rail Brackets for 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 railings
- Heavy Duty Cable Ties
- Metal Railing Brackets for rails 3/4" - 5 1/2"
Aluminum Window Box Cages
- Deck Rail Brackets for 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 railings
- Metal Railing Brackets for rails 3/4" - 5 1/2"
- Heavy Duty Cable Ties
Wrought Iron Window Box Cages
- Deck Rail Brackets for 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 railings
- Metal Railing Brackets for rails 3/4" - 5 1/2"
- Heavy Duty Cable Ties
Fiberglass Window Boxes
- Metal Railing Brackets for rails 3/4" - 5 1/2"
- Deck Clamp Bracket for rails up to 2"
- Railing Shelf Brackets - 11 1/4" shelf
PVC Composite Window Boxes
- Railing Shelf Brackets - 11 1/4" shelf
- Deck Clamp Bracket for rails up to 2"
XL PVC Composite Window Boxes
- Stainless Steel Balcony Brackets for rails 1" - 5"
Wooden Window Boxes
- Stainless Steel Balcony Brackets for rails 1" - 5"
Lightweight Vinyl Window Boxes
- Adjustable Deck Rail Brackets for 2x4 or 2x6 rails
- Rail Brackets for rails up to 1 3/4"
- Universal Brackets for vertical rails up to 1/2" (no top rail needed)
