Installing a wooden window sill with your own hands will not take much time, even for a beginner, if you have at hand detailed instructions. It is for this purpose that this article was written, let’s begin to study.
Obviously, installing a window sill in a wooden house will be done using high-quality natural boards, but what makes it necessary to use this product in the “concrete jungle”, where synthetic materials play a leading role in interior decoration? Indeed, today plastic has practically replaced everything natural from our apartments, because it is easy to care for, significantly cheaper and quite durable. A to modern man there is no time to think about a healthy atmosphere in the house and constantly take care of the safety of natural finishing elements.
But, time has begun to turn back, synthetic chemicals are less and less suitable for consumers, and wood is the most accessible natural material for decorating window sills. Of course there are fans natural stone, for example, but still the price category of such a product is closer to “gold”. Besides modern options wooden window sills are not as clumsy as in the USSR, they already have their own style, quite elegant and restrained, which allows them to organically fit into both a modest interior and a very sophisticated one.
Installing a wooden window sill will give you many advantages, even if your windows are made of PVC profile . Natural material will definitely get rid of the external “coldness” of plastic, even this small detail will bring a good share of comfort to the room. In addition, wood has long been known for its “smart” mechanism for regulating heat and moisture in a room; it’s not for nothing that entire houses have long been built from this material. Therefore, such a window sill is not afraid of severe cold and wet autumn, it always remains relatively warm, and the radiator located under the window will not cause the release of toxins that its plastic counterpart “sinned”, according to some scientists.
Many would argue that natural material capricious in operation, you can’t pour anything on it or put it hot. These are relics of the past modern technologies allow you to process the tree in such a way that it is not afraid of such accidents, however, if you are not going to deliberately check this daily. Well, we have already mentioned a word about the aesthetic side, there are many styles of such window sills. You can traditionally make this device correct form and polished to a shine, and lovers interesting designs The option of rough wood is suitable.
If you don’t want to buy a finished product, you can make it yourself. You will need a well-dried, carefully planed board without knots and chips. Choose which side will be outer and which will lie on the wall. Here on inner surface You will need to make a teardrop to remove moisture from the wall. This is a regular groove 5 mm deep and about 8 mm wide, which is made about 2-3 cm from the front edge of the board. It remains to cut the board to the length you need (this parameter should be 15 cm larger than the window opening).
But you choose the width yourself, the option is considered optimal when the protrusion into the room is about 7 cm. The tree is also treated with compounds against the harmful effects of dampness and open fire. Choice finished product should be carried out in the same way, focusing on the geometric data of the window frame and opening. It remains to find out how to put a wooden window sill, we will talk about this later.
How to install a wooden window sill quickly and securely?
Now let's proceed directly to the installation, the natural material is complicated in that it is very sensitive to errors in this process, so we will be more careful than ever.
How to install a wooden window sill - step by step diagram
Step 1: Preparing the Walls
To figure out how to install a wooden window sill, you need to start not with the board itself, but with the place where we will place it. The base on which the object of our attention will be located is thoroughly cleaned of dust and debris, because this was preceded by installation window profile. Next, you should thoroughly moisten it with water, because in most cases it is used to attach the window sill. cement mortar. If the base is not solid, that is, there is a recess with heating communications under the window, then you will need to place wooden or metal horizontal supports on top of this niche so that the window sill does not hang in the air. And for reliability, the board itself can be “dressed” around the perimeter in a metal profile.
Step 2: Leveling the Window Sill
With rare exceptions, the walls that serve as the base are located at the same level, so you will need to first align the window sill board level using wedges. In addition, you need to set the plane of the board so that it tilts slightly towards the room. It will help to determine these small degrees. Once you have obtained the desired slope in all directions, secure the wedges with several portions of mortar so that this position does not change again by some accident, and remove the board from the seat.
A window sill is not only a mandatory structural, but also an aesthetic and practical element of any window. Correctly chosen installed window sill keep warm in a house or apartment, will help create a finished, original, neat look for the window in the interior of any room.
A wooden window sill, today, is the simplest, although not entirely cheap way make your apartment warm, cozy and unique.
Window sills: functions
Window board or windowsill- an important technical element of any window, performing many functions:
- protects against cold: a properly installed window sill prevents cold from penetrating into the room,
- used as a shelf: this shelf can be used, extra bed storage or decorative stand for flowers and souvenirs,
- used as a place to create winter garden: flowerpots correctly and beautifully placed on the windowsill will create the effect of a minimalist garden or a real winter garden,
- used as a place for reading or relaxing: in the case of organizing a pre-designed (wide and durable) window sill on which you can sit, watching the beauty outside the window or reading your favorite books,
- used as an additional / main workplace: a wide and long window sill is very similar to a tabletop, therefore it is often used as a full-fledged work desk,
- gives the window a finished look: a window sill that is correctly matched to the interior of a room or the entire house will decorate the room and create unique comfort;
A well-installed window sill, made from almost any material, can combine these seemingly diverse functions.
Window sills: types
Windowsill - a popular part of a window block, which can be of absolutely any type.
According to the installation method, all window sills can be divided into:
- wide, can reach a width of more than 50 cm. Such window sills are installed if there are wide load-bearing frames external walls the building itself, as well as to create additional usable area of the window sill itself and decorate the battery.
- narrow, the width of such a window sill can be no more than 10 cm. Most often, the choice of such a window sill width is determined by design features building or the location of windows (for example, skylights).
- formal: there is no window sill itself, but its function is performed by the slope under the window or the window sill is so small that it cannot perform any function other than protection from the cold.
- with launch on the wall: This classic version installation of window sills. Launch, on average - 10-20 cm, but can be less/more, depending on additional functions placed on the windowsill.
- without launching on the wall: economical option installing a window sill, because allows you to save on the cost of the window sill by reducing its length.
- straight,universal option which will suit any interior.
- various forms. The rounded outlines of the window sill, although not suitable for everyone, will add originality and functionality to the interior.
Depending on the type of material used, there are:
- plastic pvc window sills, the most common and still in demand window sill option. The cheapest and most accessible, although not the highest quality: not heat-resistant, easily scratched.
- plastic with acrylic coating window sills are a variant of an improved PVC window sill. The acrylic window sill is heat-resistant and abrasive-resistant.
- window sills artificial stone , a more expensive and not suitable for any interior window sill option. The disadvantages of artificial stone window sills are that they are not resistant to elevated temperatures and abrasives.
- window sills made of natural stone, high quality, expensive, and again, not for everyone suitable option window sill.
- MDF window sills, a window sill option that is gaining popularity, due to its external and technical specifications reminiscent of wood, but cheaper.
- window sills made of plasterboard or plaster and decorated with tiles and artificial stone.
- wooden window sills, the most environmentally friendly, stylish and versatile window sill option for any interior. But, like any tree, a wooden window sill requires special attention when choosing a board, the type of wood from which it is made, installing and caring for it. After all, wood is afraid of excessive moisture and dry air (it can lead, they can crack), it is susceptible to rotting and fungus: it cannot be done without mandatory protective measures.
Installation of wooden window sills video
Installation of wooden window sills in brick, block or panel house is similar to installing any other window sill, made of any material.
From the tool we will need:
Square,
Roulette,
Level,
Brush and container for primer,
Gun for polyurethane foam with nozzles, wedges for adjusting the level/plane of installation of the window sill.
When the dimensions of the window sill are determined and clearly correlated with the dimensions of the lower window slope, we answer the following questions:
- how to prepare a wooden window sill for installation: treat the window sill with moisture protective compounds, especially in places where the wood meets the walls and window opening.
- how to prepare the surface of a window opening for installing a future wooden window sill: remove dust and prime, window seams, where necessary, foam.
- how to install a wooden window sill: here everyone decides for himself whether to install the window sill according to the level - using a measuring tool - a bubble or laser level, or start from the level at which the window is installed.
- how to fix a wooden window sill: wooden window sill in panel or brick house laid on foam, additionally, on the outside of the window, you can fasten the window sill and window frame using self-tapping screws, and the self-tapping screw must go through the entire window frame and enter the window sill by at least 4 cm. If the window sill is very wide and significantly protrudes beyond the lower window slope, additional care must be taken to strengthen the window sill: install strong metal corners on the slope using self-tapping screws, wooden blocks or mount the pins into the wall under the slope, having previously drilled holes for them in the window sill itself. And only after this, install the window sill on the foam.
The question of how to install a wooden window sill in a brick or panel house can be answered comprehensively with a video:
But the installation of window sills in a wooden house has its own characteristics: planning the installation of the window sill and the place for it is prepared at the stage of forming the window opening and installing the window.
So, for example, in a wooden house, if you have a good woodworking machine, you can save significantly on the purchase and installation of a window sill, because a jamb can act as a wooden window sill - the supporting structure of a window opening in a wooden house.
But, if it is nevertheless decided to install a wooden window sill, then it is worth fixing it to the jamb with self-tapping screws and special adhesive compositions for wood.
Although the installation of a wooden window sill with your own hands is possible with experience and taking into account the characteristics of the tree that is used as a material for the window sill, nevertheless, the installation of a wooden window sill is a matter that should be entrusted to a professional:
Among the materials used in interior decoration premises, wood is gaining more and more popularity. More precisely, it is regaining its once lost popularity. At one time, thanks to the development of the chemical industry, plastic polymers almost replaced wood from among finishing materials. However, the demand for wooden interior elements has arisen again. And this is understandable, since there is little that can be compared with a tree in terms of naturalness and aesthetic appeal. Increasingly, wood is used as a material for the manufacture of window sills. About how to install a wooden window sill with your own hands and what rules must be followed, and will be discussed below.
Why choose
In order to finally make sure that installing a wooden window sill in an apartment or a private house is a good enough idea, it is enough to familiarize yourself with some of the unique properties of this material.
- A wooden window sill will have excellent performance characteristics. Here, first of all, the complete naturalness of the material is implied, and therefore such a window sill can be installed even in a children's room.
- The material is durable and resistant to various types of impacts. This refers to both changes in temperature and humidity, as well as chemical substances, used, for example, during room cleaning.
- It should also be mentioned that wood leaves plastic counterparts far behind in terms of aesthetics. IN construction stores you can find the most various options these decorative elements. In this sense, even the most demanding taste can be satisfied. You can choose a window sill to suit any interior design.
Before moving on to the description of the technological process installation of a wooden window sill, it is necessary to clarify a little the rules according to which the choice should be made.
- First of all, you should pay attention to the integrity of this element. You need to look at the end of the product. There should be no cracks or chips either on the surface or in the structure of the wood itself.
- When choosing wood products, the type of wood used for manufacturing is also of considerable importance. In the case of a window sill, you should pay attention to hard rocks. Among them, the undisputed leader is oak. You can also look at beech, chestnut or pine.
- And, of course, it would be wrong to ignore the aesthetic side of the issue of choice. You can find many shades of wood, textures too, not to mention the wood pattern. And if we add to this just a huge number of different varnishes, stains and impregnations, then we can say that such a window sill will not only cope well with its tasks, but will also act as a true decoration of the entire interior.
Here we can also add that if you want to make the interior truly unique, you can make the window sill yourself. All you need is the right size and appearance board that needs to be brought to the required dimensions (which, by the way, should be about 10 cm more sizes opening) and impregnate with special protective compounds. When all this is absorbed and dries, you can proceed to the installation itself.
But before that, on the inner surface of the future window sill, it is necessary to perform the so-called teardrop. This is a small groove, about 8 mm wide and 3 - 5 mm deep, designed to remove moisture that can and most likely will form on the inner surface of the window sill as a result of temperature changes.
After the window sill has been selected, you can proceed with its installation. It is best to divide the work into several stages and carry them out sequentially.
Preparation
First of all, surface preparation must be carried out. It's about whether it's new house or are we talking about major renovation, after the installation of window blocks, construction debris must have remained that must be removed.
Also at this stage, it is necessary to level the surface intended for the installation of the window sill as much as possible. If even slight distortions are observed, then they must be removed with the help of wooden wedges. The only distortion that is allowed in this case is a slight slope of the window sill plane towards the room, but we are talking here about a few millimeters.
Installation
When the base is ready, you can begin the installation of the wooden window sill itself. Typically, this process is carried out using cement mixture. That is, it is necessary to prepare a certain amount of cement-sand mixture. Here we can say that there should be enough solution so that it hides the upper planes of the wooden wedges used to level the plane by 3–5 mm. After this, the wooden window sill is laid on top and pressed down. Excess solution is simply removed with a spatula.
Sealing and securing
After the above steps, in principle, you can do without additional measures, but to achieve the best effect, additional fixation of the window sill will not be superfluous. In the case when not only the window sills are made of wood, but also the frames of the window blocks, you can proceed as follows.
WITH reverse side windows, directly through the frame, you need to screw a couple of self-tapping screws into the window sill. Length additional elements fasteners should be selected so that the screws enter the window sill at least 5 cm. Such measures will not be superfluous and will allow you not to worry about the strength of the window sill. This is especially important if this element of window decoration will be used to place bowls with flowers or other decorative elements on it.
Also, we should not forget that all the cracks remaining after work must be sealed with polyurethane foam or silicone sealants. In this case, you won’t have to worry about blowing from under the windowsill.
Installation Features
To what has been said, it would not be superfluous to add that in order to correctly install a window sill, it is necessary to keep in mind certain features that this process has.
- The width of the window sill is considered optimal if it protrudes from the wall at a distance of approximately 7–8 cm. This is quite sufficient in most cases. But, if you plan to use a window sill for arranging, for example, large quantity flowers or it is planned to equip an additional seating area on the windowsill (and this happens much more often than it might seem at first glance), then the width of the window sill may not be enough, and therefore you will have to install a wider element. In order for its fastening to be strong enough to support the weight of a person, additional supports must be installed under the window sill. You can use rods as them metal fittings. For this purpose, holes must first be made.
- Polyurethane foam can be used as the material on which the window sill is installed. It is necessary, like a solution, to be applied in sufficient quantity to the base, and then the window sill is installed. Thus, it is possible to reduce the total work time and achieve maximum window tightness.
- Installation of a wooden window sill is possible not only if the window blocks are also made of this material, but also in combination with plastic. With the right approach to choosing color palette, a wooden window sill is quite capable of harmonizing with a plastic window; moreover, this design element can add some zest to the faceless stamping of plastic, thereby adding individuality to the appearance of the room.
In conclusion, we can add that the installation of a wooden window sill can be done independently, but in order for the result to be guaranteed successful, especially if there is not enough experience in carrying out such work, it would be better to entrust the work to specialists and, if desired, control the process.
Photo
Video
In this video, a wooden ash window sill is installed:
* - These prices are not a public offer. Published prices are approximate and may differ from the final transaction price. The final price of the transaction depends on the volume of the transaction, the type of payment, as well as the amount of the discount. Check with the manager for the final price.
One of the most the best materials for the manufacture of wooden window sills it is oak, as it has many beneficial properties and qualities. The most important property of oak is its density, which ensures durability in use and, as a result, high quality of the resulting wooden oak window sills, the very beautiful texture of oak gives the window sill an excellent appearance, and after decades you realize that you made the right choice, oak window sills show themselves through the centuries.
It is also worth noting that oak window sills have good hiding power when treated with stain, varnish, or oil, which is excellent for any interior and any room, because you will not have problems with color. Moreover, over time, oak window sills do not change their properties.
Before creating oak window sills, the wood is dried for more than fifty days. drying chamber in such a way that internal stresses, cracking and warping of the material do not arise, it is the stage of drying oak that is the most important and expensive, requiring large energy costs, so oak cannot be cheap, think about what can happen to your window sill if it is made from low-quality raw materials... the window sill is on the junction of heat and cold and poor-quality processing is guaranteed to lead to dire consequences. Therefore, we pay special attention to this even at the stage of preparing all materials for the manufacture of oak window sills.
Far Eastern ash can be considered the optimal material for making window sills from valuable wood species in terms of the ratio of price, quality and appearance to the characteristics of wooden ash window sills best option. That is, it looks like an oak window sill, in terms of characteristics it is in no way inferior, and in some cases even superior, and it costs an order of magnitude more affordable, as they say, why overpay.
By choosing ash window sills, you can be sure that it will serve you for many years and will not bother you. The professionalism of our craftsmen combined with the use modern equipment and design allow us to produce ash window sills that will undoubtedly please you and your loved ones. High quality material combined with a well-designed design, high-precision manufacturing, professional painting and installation will ensure the highest quality and best results.
Wooden larch window sills are a unique product. As they say, all of Venice rests on our larch. The most affordable window sill made from dense wood for their manufacture can rightfully be considered 
larch, in terms of price/quality ratio to characteristics, larch window sills are the most affordable in their price category. Yes, many say that it is very similar in appearance to a pine, but this is only at first glance. In terms of characteristics and density, it is in no way inferior, and somewhere superior, to many species such as birch or elm, but it is an order of magnitude more affordable. And the property of larch to resist water, fungi, mold makes it truly unique for the manufacture of window sills, since the cold of the wall and the window acts on the window sill on the one hand, and on the other hand there is heat from the heating radiator.
We can talk endlessly about the decorative role of larch window sills in the interior. But the very first issue that the owner of the house decides is the choice of material. Of course, a lot will be determined by style, but there are a number of certain rules. Let us briefly describe the main materials used for the manufacture of window sills. Various types of wood are used to make window sills: soft (pine) and hard (Far Eastern oak, Far Eastern ash, Siberian larch, etc.).
Pine window sills are the most budget-friendly and common type of solid wood window sills. Wooden pine window sills are suitable for those who frame windows in country house and doesn't want to overpay. The only drawback in them is their insufficient density, but this drawback can become an advantage when performing design delights such as aging wood (removing softer layers with a broaching machine). But if you properly care for pine window sills, they will last for many, many years and will delight the eye with their warmth and beauty of natural wood.
Installing a wooden window sill is important not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a functional one. Products are made from various types of wood and its derivatives, different sizes and depending on the purpose of the room. Self-installation will not be a problem if you know the main stages and treat the work with full responsibility.
You can make a window sill from any type of wood, the main thing is to decide for what purpose and where this interior detail will be installed. Hardwood, for example, oak, is resistant to moisture and temperature changes, has long term service, but the cost of such a product will cost a pretty penny. This material is suitable for window sills that will be used as working area or stands for heavy flower pots.
A budget option would be pine or spruce. Window sills made from these species are easy to install and do not require antiseptic treatment due to their increased resin content. You can install a larch board. It is not as expensive as oak, but has the properties coniferous trees. The shade of a larch window sill turns out to be more noble, which determines its demand among buyers. There are several criteria for choosing wood for installing a wooden window sill with your own hands:
- integrity of the board. There should be no defects (chips, cracks, knots, etc.) at its ends, as well as inside the wood structure itself;
- The type of wood must be strong. It is better to choose oak, beech, hornbeam. Less strong are larch, pine, chestnut, cedar, but they have a beautiful pattern;
- texture and color of the board. There are so many species, so many shades and patterns of wood you can find. The choice depends on individual preferences and interior design.
In addition to solid wood, laminated wood, chipboard and MDF are used. Unlike solid wood, laminated boards do not deform from moisture, are much cheaper, but look no worse. If you want to save even more, it is better to give preference to MDF or laminated chipboard. The raw material is pressed wood chips covered with a laminate on top. The material is also good because it has many options for textures and shades. With its help, you can give the window sill the look of marble, stone, with a matte or glossy surface.
If you approach the choice of material for the window sill with all responsibility, then in addition to the functional element, you can get a real decoration for the room. Already on sale finished products, or you can try and do it, and then install the wooden window sills yourself.
Necessary tools and materials for installing a wooden window sill
Before installing a wooden window sill, preparatory measures should be carried out. First of all, you need to prepare the tools and materials:
- window sill board (finished or made yourself);
- building level;
- square and ruler;
- measuring tape;
- polyurethane foam and a gun for her;
- marker;
- solution container;
- brushes and rollers;
- pegs or bars to regulate the installation of the window sill.
Check that you have all the accessories so that you don’t have to look for them while working.
Preparing walls before installation
Installation of wooden window sills begins with preparation. The surface on which the window sill board will be laid requires special attention. Surely, after installing the window structure, there was excess cement, dust, and other construction debris left behind. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned from them. The side parts are tapped. This is necessary to ensure that the board is firmly fixed in the wall. For better retention, it is better to “recess” the window sill into the slopes to a depth of 1-2 cm. If metal corners are encountered when making recesses, they must be carefully cut with a grinder and removed with a chisel.
Primer and water are applied to the cleaned wall. If there is a recess under the base in which communications pass, then horizontal supports made of metal or wood are placed on top of it to hold the window sill.
Window sill alignment
According to the construction rules, 2/3 of the window sill plane is located on a hard surface, and the rest is left in the form of a canopy. The maximum protrusion beyond the wall should not exceed 7-8 cm. If this point is violated, then subsequently the heat exchange in the house will be disrupted, and condensation will form on the glass.
Most homes aren't perfect. smooth walls. The base for the window sill is no exception. The surface is leveled and checked using a level. If there are even small errors and distortions, they are eliminated using wedges. The window sill may not be installed perfectly level. The standards allow a slight tilt, just a few millimeters, of the boards forward. After the window sill board is placed on the wedges, the angle of inclination is checked again with a level. It should be the same over the entire area. After this, the board is removed and the wedges are fixed to the surface using cement mortar.
window sill fixing
Before installing a wooden window sill, you need to treat its surface, especially at the point of contact with the wall, with a moisture-proof compound. This will prevent its premature deterioration and rotting. A cement mortar of such thickness is applied to the base that it rises 5-8 mm above the level of the wedges. In addition to cement, you can use putty or gypsum, but traditional mortar will hold the structure more firmly. The window sill is laid on cement and pressed against wedges. Excess mortar that appears is removed with a spatula, but before it sets. If there are doubts about the quality of impregnation of the window sill with a moisture-repellent agent, a polyethylene film.
You can install a wooden window sill not only if the window structure is also made of wood, but also in combination with plastic. The market offers a large selection of shades and with the right approach to choosing a color, a wooden window sill board will harmoniously combine with plastic window. In addition, a wooden element will add zest to faceless plastic and create individuality in the room.
Reinforcement and sealing
If laying a wooden window sill with your own hands is carried out in a panel or brick house, then it can be laid on polyurethane foam. After it hardens, the protruding residues are cut off. For additional reinforcement, from the outside of the window a window sill and window frame secured with self-tapping screws. At the same time, it must penetrate through the entire window design and enter the rear edge of the window sill no less than 4 cm. Thus, both vertical and horizontal stability are achieved.
A wide window sill, which protrudes significantly beyond the lower window slope, also needs to be additionally secured. To do this, metal corners or wooden blocks secured with self-tapping screws are installed on the slope. You can use pins, which are mounted into the wall at a slope. Preliminarily, holes are drilled under the pins in the window sill itself. Only after these manipulations to carry out installation wooden element on foam. Keep in mind that the installation of a window sill in a wooden house should be carried out at the stage of installation of the window block itself.
At the end of the installation process, you need to seal all joints and small cracks at the point of contact between the frame and the window sill. This is done with acrylic. It is more plastic and resistant to negative influences.
Installing a wooden window sill with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first glance, but still requires some experience. If you are not confident in your abilities, and there is an opportunity to ask for help, it is better to leave this matter to professionals.
