I hated that the first thing you saw when you pulled up to our house was the big green electrical transformer box in our front yard. I drafted several designs and decided this is the most attractive and compliant for where we live.

DISCLAIMER: The cover is 3 sided and can be picked up and moved if they ever need to access the box. It has been up for over a year and I have not had issues with the city or HOA. Remember to follow local code and always call before you dig in your yard if you sink posts.

SUPPLIES 

• Pressure treated 4x4s and 1×6 boards
  • I bought 2 4in x 4in x 10ft boards and 9 1in x 6in x 8ft boards
  • Disclaimer: wear a mask while cutting and sanding pressure treated lumber
• Valspar semi transparent stain and sealer tinted “rusticana” from Lowe’s – get it tinted at the paint counter or buy a pre-tinted outdoor stain of your choice
• House numbers from Lowe’s
• Nails or screws (for outdoor use)

TOOLS

• Miter saw
• Sander 
• Hammer OR nail gun OR power drill (I nailed these in by hand but would use my nailgun if I did it again) 

STEPS 

1. Measure and draw your plan and make a cut list for your lumber
2. Buy supplies 
3. Cut boards to size (mitered corners optional). Wear a mask when cutting and sanding pressure treated lumber. 
4. Sand boards (optional)
5. Stain/seal
6. Assemble with nails or screws (I assembled mine upside down to use the ground to make the top even. Use a spacer to get the gaps even.) 
7. Add numbers. Glue for extra security. 

Do you know to “call before you dig”? Hitting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or death. My first design involved sinking posts and hinges and a latch. The design I went with looks better from the sides and I was happy to avoid sinking posts. 

FAILS 

I tried to attach the 1x6s to 4x4s with pocket holes. It worked when I tested so I drilled dozens of holes and when I started assembling the screws came through. I nailed all the boards in by hand because I didn’t have a nail gun yet. I think it would’ve looked just as good from afar to screw them in.