How to Frame a Window
If you’re doing window installation by yourself, you need to prepare the wall where the window will be placed first, by making a window frame. Framing a window allows it to evenly sit without getting pressure from the wall’s weight. This can be a tricky task, but with the right instructions and materials, it can be manageable.
What You’ll Need:
Lumber
Circular saw
Studs
Measuring tape
Hammer
Nails
Carpenter’s level
Procedure:
Determine where you’re going to position the window. You need to take in consideration lighting conditions, the strength of the wall, and the overall aesthetic appearance.
When measuring the rough frame, put an additional two inch width on all sides of the new window’s dimension. For example, a standard window measures 30 x 36 inches. The inside dimensions of the rough opening should be measured 34 x 40 inches.
If you’re framing the window in an existing wall, remove the drywall, so you can view the studs. When you can see them already, determine the window placement and cut the studs away that run through the location you choose. Make sure you allot three inches on the rough frame’s measurements sides, so you can install the king studs and header.
Install the king studs. These are the supporting vertical studs that will replace the ones you removed from the original wall. Measure the king studs, then cut them to fit between the ceiling plate and floor plate. Use the outer edges as the measuring guide as you install them. For the standard 30 x 36″ window, the studs sit 36 inches away from each other.
Put in the window header. You need to make alternate arrangements for the wall support, because you’re removing a wall frame portion. Use 2″ x 6″ dimensional lumber for the header, and allow it to run along the window’s top. Cut two headers to the opening’s width, then put them in between the remaining wall studs found at the opening’s top.
Fit the headers into place, using a level to make sure they’re even. Use a hammer and nail to secure it to the supporting studs on the sides. The headers now sit sideways in the wall, beside each other. Nail them securely. The next step is installing the sill plate.
Cut a stud to the same length as the header boards, then put it at the proposed window frame’s bottom. Adjust the space between the sill’s top and the header’s bottom, so the sizes you determined previously for the rough opening will be met.
Nail the sill plate in place, cutting three cripple studs to support it. Your cripple stud must have the same dimension as the distance between the floor plate and sill plate. Install a cripple stud on each side, flush with the king plate. Install one in the middle, so the new window’s weight will be supported.
Put in the trimmer studs last. These studs complete the rough opening’s sides, where the window will be sitting. Measure the header to sill plate distance, then cut two trimmer studs to fit on each side. Securely nail them to the king studs. After this, you can install the new window.
A properly framed window will last longer and will look neater. Remember and follow these steps before you proceed to putting in your new windows.