Introduction: Window Trimming the Easy Way
There's nothing warmer than the morning sun coming through an open window. After many winter months with the house being closed up, the fresh air of spring is a welcome guest. When my sister moved into her house, she was a little indifferent about her basic window trimmings.
After some poking and prodding she enlisted my help in putting the finishing touches on those boring old windows.
Now, let's get to adding some trim to those naked windows!
Step 1: Parts and Tools
Depending on how many windows you are looking to frame, you will need different quantities of wood. We framed six windows on one Saturday and used three 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4 inch MDF cut lengthwise using a table saw. We have prospects of doing more window framing in the future, so cutting the wood to specific quantities wasn't a top priority.
Parts:
- 3/4" MDF
- 7/16" x 1/2"
- 1 1/2" upper trim
Tools:
- Table Saw
- Air Compressor
- Nail Gun
- 16 Gauge 2" Nails
- Jig Saw
- Combination Square
Step 2: Window Sill
Measure the opening of the window from left to right and add 7 inches.
Take the 5 1/2 inch boards and cut to the length mentioned above.
Note: 5 1/2 inches was chosen because it is 2 1/2 inches wider than the original widow sill. If yours is different, a change here might be in order.
Measure 3 1/2 inches in from each end and mark the depth of the window sill to make a square (See picture 4).
Using the jig saw, cut out the two squares from each end and test fit in the window sill. If everything looks good, sand and nail in place.
Step 3: Sides
Measure from the top of the window sill to the top of the window on each side. Knowing that houses are never perfectly square, remember to measure both sides.
Take the 2 1/2 inch wide boards and cut both sides to length.
Sand and nail in place.
Step 4: Top
Measure across the top of the window on the outside of the MDF.
Cut the 7 1/2 inch boards to the above length.
Sand and nail in place.
Step 5: Bottom
Measure the window sill from MDF to MDF on the respective side pieces.
Take the 2 1/2 board and cut to length.
Sand and nail in place.
Step 6: Lower Trim
Measure for the lower trim.
Measure across the top and add the thickness x 2.
For example, the thickness of my trim piece was 7/16 inch so I added 7/8 inch to the width across the top and cut my trim to length.
Sand and nail trim in place.
Cut two pieces of trim to a length of 3/4 inch (the thickness of the MDF).
Sand and nail in place
Step 7: Upper Trim
Do the same for the upper trim.
The only difference is to make 45° cuts on the trim.
Nail in place.
If the nail is sticking out like shown in picture 3, use a nail set to sink the nail.
Step 8: Fill and Caulk
Fill the nail holes and caulk the joints.
Sand smooth.
Step 9: Tape
Using painters tape, cover the wall where you don't want to paint.
Step 10: Painting and Done
How you paint is up to you. Pick a nice accent color that will go well with the rest of your home. My sister is a fan of the lovely white accents shown here.
Some thoughts about painting. Using brushes could leave brush marks, but rollers have a tendency to "fling" paint. Use whatever method you choose and enjoy.
This style of window trimmings was inspired from here, but we used an MDF board and different sizes than what they recommended.
Enjoy!
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8 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
It looks like you left a small 1-2mm gap around the wood trim when you taped. Was this intentional, or am I seeing things?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
This was done for my sister. She was the one in charge of how they were painted. She wanted to put the calking over the paint for a nice clean edge that way. This is not how I would have personally done it, so paint as you wish.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Ah makes sense. Thanks for the great info!
8 years ago on Introduction
Looks great, for not much of an upcharge, you could use 1x3, 1x4 and 1x6 and not worry about the MDF chipping or wearing out with age.
8 years ago on Introduction
Very clever idea, that frame makes it just finished! Next time a client will asking me to install that type of 'curtain' I'll convince him to push the idea a bit further! ;)
8 years ago on Introduction
Wow, great job! Looks very professional!
8 years ago on Introduction
Nice job :-)
The pros on living in a house made of wood, you can add whatever you want on low cost materials.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Very true! And I've the look of it as well.