Window boxes seem to be popping up all over the place lately. Over the last decade window boxes have become increasingly popular with online searches doubling from 2004 to 2005, doubling again in 2006, and doubling once more over the next season and a half. Window boxes used to be a seasonal item that was only searched for online in the months of April and May. In 2007, searches were up 8-fold over 2004 for window boxes and reached high volumes from February all the way to October. This increasing trend for window boxes is due to a variety of factors. Low maintenance materials such as vinyl, PVC, and fiberglass allow window boxes to last much longer and look new many years after they were purchased. Also, the housing recession of 2007 and 2008 has many home owners and builders upgrading to improve the curb appeal and sell factor for their homes. Homeowners who have traditionally bought or built wooden window boxes are now looking at alternatives to wood so that they do not have to replace their boxes every 3-5 years.
Window boxes have been most popular in the northeastern portion of the United States with strong showings in Cincinnati, Boston, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis. Atlanta, GA rounds out the top five for cities who most search for window boxes on the internet. The trend is not just isolated to the United States. In the United Kingdom and Canada as well, the trend follows a similar consistent rise. In Europe, and especially Great Britain, window boxes, planters, and flower boxes are abundant everywhere you go. More companies are adding curb appeal to appeal to customers and set themselves apart. Landscapers have begun requesting window boxes for landscaping and commercial projects. Home garden enthusiasts all around the country are discovering window boxes for planting and gardening. The trend doesn't show signs of slowing down and look to see continued growth throughout 2008 and 2009.
Vinyl emerged as a popular no rot, low maintenance choice in the last couple decades and PVC quickly has been introduced as an upgrade over vinyl that allows for paintability, the look of wood, and a solid structure. Fiberglass window flower boxes were introduced a few years back as a different alternative to wood, however, they can be expensive, heavier, and harder to install in a safe manner than PVC. They also don't capture the look of real wood. Starting to emerge are composite window boxes made from a variety of materials such as recycled woods, plastics, and others. Look to see window boxes continue to gain in popularity, especially throughout the housing recession. Also, look to see PVC window boxes take the limelight as the most affordable no rot alternative to wood over the next few years.
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