How to Install Modern House Numbers for Curb Appeal Flair

Stain the trim

Stain the trim pieces for the panel and flower box (D, E, F, and G) in a contrasting darker color.

Set the stained pieces aside and allow them to dry while you proceed to the next step. Touch up any exposed ends after the number panel is put together and framed.

To avoid staining the natural-colored wood pieces (A, B, and C) with your fingerprints while you put the piece together, you MUST ensure the dark wood stain is dry before you start to handle it. Also, using oil-based stain will give your wood even more longevity when exposed to the elements.

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Determine the panel size

Our address has four numbers, but yours may be different. Adjust the panel size accordingly by laying out the numbers on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard. Think about the additional panel space you will want above, below, and on the sides of the numbers. Consider the 5-1/2-in. flower box and the plants that will need room to grow into the layout. When you have determined the size of your main panel (A) cut it.

Use the manufacturer’s template to align and drill the holes for the house number standoffs in the cut panel (A). Each number may have a different width dimension but are usually all the same height.

For vertical placement, find the center of the board, determine where you want the numbers to start and work your way down, laying out the numbers and drilling the screw holes. For numbers to be attached horizontally, find the center from top to bottom and side to side, then lay out the numbers accordingly. ALWAYS test fit your numbers before drilling holes.  It is much easier to adjust the placement before drilling than to have to hide and repair a misplaced screw hole. Just drill the holes for your numbers in this step. We’ll attach them later.

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Build the flower box

Use wood glue and brad nails to assemble the three-sided flower box out of the flower box sides (B) and flower box bottom (C).

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Drill drain hole

Drill a 1/2-in. hole in the center of the flower box bottom (C) to allow for water drainage once the plants are in. This will prevent the wood and roots of the plants from rotting.

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Attach the flower box to the main panel

From the back of the main panel (A) attach the flower box with wood glue and 1-1/2-in. screws.  Pre-drill and countersink the holes so the back of the main panel (A) can sit flush when installed.  Be sure to use screws instead of just nails to give the box ample strength to support the plant and dirt.

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Trim out the panel

Trim out the main panel (A) by nailing on the panel side trim (D) and panel top/bottom trim (E). Nail the panel trim pieces so that the back edge is flush to the back edge of the main panel (A). This will leave a 3/4-in. overhang around the numbers, making it look like a shadow box, and will allow you to hang the whole unit flush on the wall.

When the panel trim is attached, glue and nail on the side trim (F) and face trim (G) of the flower box.

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Seal the project

Apply at least two coats of spar varnish to every side of the entire unit, including the back of the main panel and the inside of the flower box.

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Attach the house numbers

Attach the house numbers by screwing them onto the main panel (A) from the backside. Use a mallet to ensure the numbers are fully seated on the panel. Countersink all the screw heads so that the back of the panel remains flat.

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Attach the aluminum cleat on panel

To hang this project, we used aluminum French cleat picture hangers, also known as z-clips. Z-clips are designed to marry into each other. Place one with the lip down on the back panel of your house number panel and one with the lip up at the location on your home where you’d like the panel to hang.

To balance the weight of the panel and flower box, we attached the panel side of the cleat three inches down from the top of the panel using 1/2-in. screws. Use a Speed square to make sure it is attached square on the panel.

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Attach the aluminum cleat on house

Slide the loose house-side z-clip so that it marries with the attached z-clip on the back of the house numbers panel and get a measurement from the top of the house numbers panel to the bottom of the loose z-clip. Ours was 6-7/8-in. inches: 3-3/4-in. (the gap above the panel-side z-clip w/ trim) + 3-1/8-in. (the width of the married z-clips).

Then, determine the desired location and height on your house. Install the z-clip on your house centered behind the location of your panel, with the lip facing up and the bottom of the z-clip 6-7/8-in. (or whatever your measurement from above comes out to) lower than the desired height. Use a level to ensure the panel will hang level.

If you install it directly into wood, secure it with screws. If you are installing into a hollow wall, brick, or stone, use the appropriate anchor to secure the cleat with screws.

Once the cleat system has been secured, do a test hanging of the panel before you fill the flower box with dirt and plants.  Maneuvering the whole numbers panel unit when empty will be much easier and lighter.  Once you’re satisfied with the placement, move on to planting.

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Prep flower box

To protect the flower box wood from too much exposure to moisture, line it with a plastic liner made out of a sandwich bag or plastic sheeting. Be sure to poke a hole through the plastic to expose the drainage hole. Then, line the flower box with a small piece of landscape fabric over the plastic liner. Leave the weed barrier intact over the drain hole. Water will drain, and dirt will stay in the flower box. 

Plant flower box

Once you are satisfied with the placement of the panel and flower box, add potting soil and plants. Plant it hanging or on the ground, whichever feels easiest for you. The panel will gain considerable weight once dirt and plants are in place. You may also consider simply dropping in the plant already in its plastic pot. However, still line it with plastic and place some landscape fabric to further protect the wood and the plant.

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FAQ

Do house numbers come in different styles and sizes?

House numbers can be purchased in various styles and finishes. House numbers may also be purchased so they sit flush or raised on standoffs.  You may also find house numbers with built-in solar lighting, making numbers seen at night.

How do I install house numbers on siding?

Under the siding, your house still has a façade that has been covered over.  To secure numbers over siding. Decide placement and drill through the siding to determine if you have wood or brick to screw into to and proceed according to the material.  The big key is sealing around the screw you install for the house numbers.  Use a dab of caulk in the color of your siding around the screw holes to prevent moisture from penetrating through the holes.  Consider using numbers on stand-offs if your siding is on different levels where flush numbers may be challenging.

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