Add Window to Shed

I have a simple shed that I use as a workshop. Working in my shop I realized that a window would allow me to have a breeze in the summer, and bring in sunlight in the winter. My budget is $100, and I'm not particular about insulation, building codes, or weatherproofing, which is good, because I really didn't insulate, meet any codes, or provide safety from the weather at all.

The end result is functional, and safe, but you really shouldn't follow these instructions for any structure you care about, like a home or commercial property. Proper wall strength is important, and the energy efficiency of this installation is not good at all.

Step 1 Idea/Design

Every instructable should explain the motivation behind the decisions made in the project. This project especially, because I'm guessing you can't find the same supplies, or don't have the same shed as I do.

Benefits of a window in the shed:
 - Light: a southern or eastern window will probably be a big help in the winter.
 - Breeze: A window on the opposite side from the door would create a cross breeze that will cool the shed down in the summer.
 - Space: Third benefit, If I am working on something large, there's a chance I will open the window to fit the cut.

Constraints:
 - Money: In this case I was thinking $100, but I got away closer to $60.
 - Structural Integrity: I won't do anything that I think has a good chance of destroying my shed, or causing major(expensive) damage.
 - Time: I want a simple, fun project. I don't want something that will take the rest of the summer to finish.

The conclusion I initially came up with was to find a small, inexpensive window, and try to fit it in between the existing frame of the structure.  Once I started shopping for a window, I changed the design to create space for the specific used window I found.

Comments

[Bushie]

Down here (Australia..), the exterior/outside moulding/trim around doors and windows is normally mitred on the corner joins, when made from timber - at least on the two top corners, even on modest garages and sheds. Mitred corners will better protect the end-grains from the weather ~ and they look much better and are stronger..

I noticed you had a mitre saw among the tools, so it wouldn't have been any extra work ~ and uses less material. A shorter piece of 4"x1" moulding would suffice...

For my local conditions, I would also consider using flashing on all four sides..

[soloist102010]

I absolutely agree with you, when I saw first time not mitred corners at windows and doors trim I was surprised and started asking why, why? I was explained that it is up to the owner to decide what to do at corners. I don't ask any more. :)

[Bushie]

Yeh !!! You have to appreciate (or not..) the way some people say those things like "... it is up to the owner to decide what to do.." ~ this rather reminds me of those types who try to shut a discussion down by stating such lame homages as "There's more than one way to skin a cat.." ~ while at the same time ignoring the fact that most of the time, one particular way will usually be greatly superior to their other ways..   ;-P

 

[kwhit190211]

That's a good job & I plan to do the same one day for my bandsaw. But, long ago I put a hinged hatch in the wall of my shop to take care of all the wood that came off the outfeed of my thickness planer. Using the same idea that you did for the window, I used for the hatch. Plus I insulated the hatch with 2" foam board.

[Kiteman]

Nice job. I like the idea of being able to temporarily extend my workable space to fit in long things.

I already have one window in my shed, but I cannot add another as the other three wall are dedicated to storage.

[jeffeb3]

Thanks.

This wall had a bench on it, but I removed it in favor of some mobile tables. I definitely need more storage (who doesn't) but I think the next step is figuring out what I actually need in the shed, and what I need elsewhere.

[DIY Dave]

Great job. Once my dad had a shed built, and the builders forgot to put the windows in.