We’re putting in a 30″ x 60″ single hung window. I want to have a nice wide windowsill, about 10-12″ (for plants or people to sit on), and one way I’ve seen this done is to box out the window a few inches – sort of a mini bay window.
I’d like tips on the technique –
What to use to build the box
How to attach it to existing house framing
Trimming/flashing needed, especially on top
Thanks!
Pam
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Replies
What are the depth of your wall studs where this window will go? 2x4 depth (3-1/2"), 2x6 depth (5-1/2"), or something else?
just widen the sill and make corbels for under it..heck of a lot easier.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
"I'd like tips on the technique"
Tedd,
Did the same thing a year ago. Used 3/4 plywood and 2x4's. (~6'x6'x13" box) Built and framed EVERYTHING in advance (it was March in Wisconsin) waited for a nice day...Sawzall and a friend, one hour job after all the prep work.
I might have posted some pics here, I forget.
Jon
I agree it would be easier to just extend the sill - but this is actually in a small bathroom. My husband also wonders why I want to bother with a bigger window - I have a cockeyed theory that this will make the room feel larger and give a nice view outdoors (we live out in the country, so privacy is not a problem).
Jon, your idea sounds good but I can't quite picture it. How did you attach your frame to the house?
The wall is 2x6. I'd like to set the window out about 4-6 inches.
Thanks!
Pam
"I have a cockeyed theory that this will make the room feel larger and give a nice view outdoors (we live out in the country, so privacy is not a problem)."
Tedd,
Your theory is correct. Definitely made my bath feel bigger.
If the box is built in advance, you just nail through the plywood into the studs. (with shims of course)
Jon
Jon -
Wow - that's a beautiful job! Thanks for including the picture. Hmm....maybe I should scale up my plans a bit (if only hubby could hear what I'm thinking - he'd be moaning for sure!).
Did you have to build a sloping roof over the top to shed the rain?
Pam
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I just built one out of 3/4 " plywood 18" deep -- sits on 2x4 wall and 4" brick veneer - then on the outside of the box I built the exterior sides out 2" and put 2" of foam insulation in and then covered everything with the PVC board and have a copper roof that ties it all in together. Easy job, my window is 50" high by 60" wide and it is solid
"Did you have to build a sloping roof over the top to shed the rain?"
Pam,
Yes. See pic. Still not a difficult project.. BTW, it was insulated inside and outside the with rigid foam to R24 and covered with red cedar. The roof was added after the box was installed.
Jon
Edited 7/20/2004 5:46 pm ET by WorkshopJon
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pix - very instructive and inspiring. Showed the interior photo to our friend helping with construction and his reaction was "Wow!"
Sure appreciate your taking the time to share this, Jon.
Pam