FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Ideal Window-sill Heighth(?)

newbuilder | Posted in General Discussion on August 21, 2007 01:33am

Wondering if there is any ‘general wisdom’ or ‘tried an true’ framer’s rules about ideal window heighth.  I’m now framing in windows on a pretty high fourth floor.  I’m personally comfortable with a fairly high sill … about 51-plus inches .. that’s about sternum highth for me.  It guards against constantly being ‘watchable’ from the street.  But now that I’ve got one framed for that heighth it somehow appears MUCH higher than the 48/49″ (also hi .. i know) that I usually go for.  (no, it does not designate window height in the blueprints… it shows a ‘window’ .. height to be determined at building.)

Any thoughts on this?

thanks –

nb

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. newbuilder | Aug 21, 2007 07:36am | #1

    aahhh shucks.

     

    c'mon fellas .. share the mental wealth!

     

    n

  2. BillBrennen | Aug 21, 2007 07:52am | #2

    One common "rule" is that all headered openings have their tops at the same height. Makes for a nice line of casings around the room. That, plus window size, gives you the sill height.

    Sleeping rooms in cities want a higher sill height than living rooms. Bathrooms higher still. It's a privacy thing.

    Fire egress codes also control sill height in bedrooms, on at least one window if no outside door is present for egress.

    Just my random thoughts.

    Bill

  3. User avater
    zak | Aug 21, 2007 08:00am | #3

    I agree with Bill- head casings should usually align. 48 or 51 sounds quite high to me. Maybe it's a country thing, but I'm used to the window sills being at 32-36", leaving space for a window close to 4' tall. Bathroom windows are set higher, and the window itself is shorter, but the bedroom windows I've noticed are set the same height as living room windows.
    I also think that it's odd to not designate a window height on blueprints.

    zak

    "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

    "so it goes"

     

  4. User avater
    Sphere | Aug 21, 2007 03:10pm | #4

    Same as porch railings, make it "pee-able" height. Which varies by pee-er and equipment of said pee'er.

     

    1. MikeHennessy | Aug 21, 2007 03:18pm | #5

      "Same as porch railings, make it "pee-able" height. Which varies by pee-er and equipment of said pee'er."

      Yeah. I think I saw that in the code somewheres. ;-)

      Reminds me of that old joke:

      Two guys peeing off a bridge. Sez guy 1: "Man, that water is COLD!"

      Sez guy 2: "Yeah. And it's DEEP too!"

      Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

    2. newbuilder | Aug 22, 2007 12:31am | #8

       

      "Same as porch railings, make it "pee-able" height. Which varies by pee-er and equipment of said pee'er."

       

      ah!  very good.  if THIS is the 'rule of thumb' I'm good.  I'm only of average physical heighth, around 5/10 ... but the other half of the consideration means that the 51" that I've got the sill at now would be perfect for me if that's the criteria. 

      thanks!

      ;-)

      Edited 8/21/2007 5:37 pm ET by newbuilder

  5. Danno | Aug 21, 2007 04:36pm | #6

    What is the room being used for? If people will be standing and want to look out, it can be higher (like in hallways or areas where peopl might be gathering and talking while standing). In dining room or living room, sills can be lower so peopl can see out while sitting. As others mentioned, privacy is important too--if you can see out, others can see in. A book I saw once showed how if the whole building, or floor is elevated, (or if the window is on second floor or in a room above a partialy buried basement), the sills can be lower without losing privacy.

  6. DanH | Aug 22, 2007 12:05am | #7

    You certainly want to be aware of code issues with regard to having it too low. Most AHJs have tightened this up (raised the required sill height) over the years due to kids falling out of windows. If the window is too low it will require somes sort of restraint system -- bars or safety glass or some such.

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
  7. User avater
    popawheelie | Aug 22, 2007 12:34am | #9

    You want to take into consideration the look from the outside also. High small windows can look like a prison.

    If the sill is low on the inside and it makes you feel to exposed you can always put something in front of the window. So you can change it later. But you can't make it look better form the outside later.

    We have a project in the future with a low wall we are going to be sitting behind. But we will want some privacy. I'm going to build it low and then have movable objects (potted plants) that we will put on the wall. It will be customized later after we have sat there for a while. It keeps the plan flexible and avoids mistakes.

    You could look at this issue the same way. Think about how it will look from the outside and think about what you could put in front of it afterwards.

    1. newbuilder | Aug 22, 2007 12:39am | #10

      thanks everyone .. good stuff ... much appreciated

       

       

      nb

    2. Ragnar17 | Aug 22, 2007 12:51am | #11

      You want to take into consideration the look from the outside also

      Excellent point, and one that is often overlooked by designers today.

  8. Snort | Aug 22, 2007 01:46am | #12

    If the window is in a bedroom, our code reads no higher than 44"... also, if it's in a bedroom you might want to pay attention to egress size.

    Someone's got it in for me, they're planting stories in the press

    Whoever it is I wish they'd cut it out but when they will I can only guess.

    They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy,

    She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me.

    I can't help it if I'm lucky.

    1. BillBrennen | Aug 22, 2007 03:11am | #13

      Correct if it is the ONLY window in that bedroom. Others don't all need to be egress portals, just one of them.I know you know this, just clarifying for the lurkers.Bill

  9. JohnSprungX | Aug 22, 2007 03:51am | #14

    Back when I was reading up on the code here, there was one thing that required a minimum height of 42", or you have to put in bars to keep people from falling out.  In another place, for bedroom emergency egress, there was a maximum of 42", so the fire dep't could get you out thru the window. 

    Therefore, the answer is the same as in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: 42.  ;-)

     

    -- J.S.

     

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build

Self-installing an HVAC system requires a lot of thought and planning.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data