How to Frame House Windows

The framing of windows is usually done while framing the rest of the house during construction. Window size is determined by the homeowner and framed accordingly by the carpenters working on the construction. Framing can either be done with two- by 4-inch construction or two- by six-inch construction, depending on how you will insulate the home. Framing will differ slightly when using a variety of window styles; however, the same rules apply and the framework is always basically the same.

Screws Electric screw gun Exterior latex caulking Lumber Circular saw or regular saw Hammer Nail Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your windows and write down the exact figures. The measurement should not include the lip that extends all around the window that contains predrilled screw holes. This part of the window frame will be screwed down to the wooden frame on the outside of the building.
- 2
  
  Cut the width of two-by six-inch stand, or stud, that you need for the window frame with a circular or a regular saw according to the measurements you recorded earlier. This piece, called the sill, will lie across the "cripples" which are the studs that hold up the window frame that are attached to the bottom plate at floor level. The cripples should be spaced 16 inches on center. Nail the sill securely in place to both the king studs and the cripples.
- 3
  
  Set your window frame between the two king studs running from top plate to bottom plate on each side of your framing. The top plate should be doubled lumber to make a four-inch thickness, while the bottom plate is a regular two-by plate.
- 4
  Cut both of the inner trim studs at the top of the window opening, according to the height you need for your window.
- 5
  Measure, cut and lay another sill stud across the width of the cut inner trim studs and nail the stud in place.
- 6
  
  Cut two pieces of lumber to fit across the top sill both sides of the framing with their wide sides up on their edges facing toward you. Nail both pieces in place securely. Cut one more piece of lumber to fit on the top of your header, which should now look like an open-topped wooden box on top of your window frame. Nail this piece to the rest of the lumber to form a closed box; this is your header and will prevent the roof's weight from crushing your window.
- 7
  Install your new windows with the help of a friend. Apply exterior latex caulking around the entire window frame to butt against the wooden framing to ensure a weatherproof and draft-proof seal. One person will hold the window in place; the other will use the screw gun to install the screws in the predrilled holes around the window frame.

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