4 2x4 or 2x6 planks (or other materials, depending on desired frame type and size)
1 bundle of shims
1 sheet of plywood
Box of industrial staples
1 6d and 1 10d nail or 2- and 3-inch wood screws
Windows offer your home natural sunlight, a view outside, and energy efficiency. Because windows provide so much to your home, you may decide to add more of them. With the right materials and preparation, framing a window opening is something you can tackle on a weekend afternoon.
There are several different types of replacement window frames to choose from, each serving a unique purpose. Be sure to carefully consider your options before installing new frames. Common weather, energy efficiency, and aesthetics are all factors that will influence your choice of which option makes the best window frame for your home.
Keep in mind that you may need framing members that are larger than 2x6, depending on how wide your window is. Consult with a window contractor or specialists at your home improvement store for appropriate sizes.
Prepping to Frame a Window
Photo: rh2010 / Adobe Stock
The best time of the year to frame a window opening is during the spring or summer seasons, when the weather is the most accommodating. You’ll have an open space through your wall until the project is complete, so frame your window opening when the forecast is warm and clear to prevent your home’s exterior from being vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.
Once you’ve gathered your tools and supplies, follow these steps for framing a window opening:
Expose the Wall Studs
If you are installing a frame for a new window in an existing wall, you must first take down the covering and any insulation of the interior wall to bare the studs. Figure out which ones must be cut (cripple studs) to install the new frame, keeping in mind that unless the studs are somehow damaged, you can reuse them to create a king stud.
Measure the Window
Use your measuring tape to get the window’s height and width. Once you’ve taken those dimensions, add half an inch for your rough opening measurements.
Create the Window Header
With measurements at hand, you’ll now create the window header. Cut your 2x6s the width of the rough-in with an additional three inches. Use two nails every 16 inches on both sides of the wood to nail the two pieces together. Apply the same measurements to one 2x4 and attach this newly cut piece to the bottom of your 2x6 assembly.
Attach Header to King Studs
Now, introduce the window header you just made to the king studs and nail the studs into place. Windows have two king studs that form the outermost sides of the window. They run between the bottom and top plate.
Cut and Attach Jack Studs
Lay your window where you intend to place it vertically. Measure downward to gather the measurements of your jack studs. Cut two of your 2x4s to this measurement. Now nail these into the king studs, so that the jack studs touch the top or bottom plate.
Add Bottom Support
Grab two more 2x4s and cut them for bottom vertical supports. They will be three inches shorter than the height of your window sill plate. Once these are cut, nail two to the jack studs, and the other two into the center section.
Attach the Sill Plate
Cut your last two 2x4s to match the distance between the two jack studs. Nail together and then onto the top of the four bottom vertical supports. This will serve as a double window sill plate.
Connect the Header and Jambs
Nail your window header to the top of the jack studs.
Cut three pieces from your 2x4s or 2x6s to the length of the top of the window header to the bottom of the top sill plate. Nail these jambs vertically in that section.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When framing a window, you will be staring through a rather large hole in your house until you complete the project. That’s why you’ll need to make sure you have the time, tools, and supplies to do the work.
But you don’t want to rush, either. Mistakes in window framing can leave the window—and your home—susceptible to moisture and drafts. If a window is framed incorrectly, it can affect the integrity of the window because the frame is what’s keeping it in place. Additionally, if you’re replacing a window frame that has rotted, whether in part or fully, you’ll be adding to the time and complexity of your project by repairing the wall and removing the wood.
All told, you may want to save your DIY skills for another project and consider hiring a pro to reframe the window for you instead. Replacing a window frame will cost $200 to $600, depending on the materials used. Keep in mind that labor costs will raise the price because the pro will have more prep work to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of DIY window framing is about $40 to $60 in materials. If you hire a window treatment professional, you’ll pay for materials plus labor costs—anywhere from $250 to $800 per window. The final cost is highly dependent on the window size, as larger windows are heavier and more difficult to install, as well as the type of framing material.
Water leakage through window openings is much more common in older homes, but it can also create issues with window frames that are improperly installed. If left unattended, water buildup can cause damage to surrounding fixtures, lead to harmful mold, and compromise the architectural integrity of your home. The potential damage that a water leak poses makes investing in weather- and water-proofing your window frames entirely worthwhile.
Window trim not only serves as the final touches on your window opening, but it also protects your windows and home from external elements like rain, snow, and wind. Window trim is essential since it bridges the gap between your window frames and home siding, protecting your home from moisture and the elements that could damage the structure.
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, NY, covering real estate investing and home improvement for Millionacres, Apartment Therapy, and others.
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, NY, covering real estate investing and home improvement for Millionacres, Apartment Therapy, and others.
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