Trimming Farmhouse Windows

Cedar

• Cedar is one of the top choices for exterior farmhouse windows. It's rot and insect resistant, light, and easy to cut on a table saw. There are two types of cedar. Rough-sawn cedar has a fibrous appearance and looks great outside. It doesn't accept paint well, but on the other hand, it doesn't need paint. Stain is fine for rough-sawn cedar, or you may leave it as-is. Planed or sanded cedar has a slick surface and works well for interior use on farmhouse windows, partly because of its varied red colors intermixed with knots and streaks of amber or white. It just looks interesting. Paint is not recommended for cedar on interior trim either, but it looks fine with a light coat of clear varnish or lacquer. The pleasing scent of cedar for interior trim adds a certain charm to the wood. Both types of cedar are an excellent choice for farmhouse window trim, due in part to its rustic appearance.

Fir

• Other trim lumbers include fir. Also referred to as Douglas fir, it's used as a construction lumber in houses nationwide. Farmhouse window trim application is no exception, with the rot-resistant quality of fir. It's not as insect resistant as cedar, but it's stronger, and more affordable. It ranges from light brown to amber in color, mostly straight-grained and strong. It readily accepts paint or stain, and can be used equally well for interior or exterior use. Fir is readily available in almost any size, and you can find it in any home supply store.

Pine

• Pine is the way to go for an all-purpose application on farmhouse windows. It's light, slightly pliable, and one of the most affordable choices for aesthetics. It is characterized with knots, swirls and patterns set in an amber color that evoke the familiar rustic quality typically found on farmhouses. Use it for exterior or interior trim, as it accepts paint or stain and any type of top coat or sealer. Pine has workability. It's easy to cut on any table saw, and available in large, wide pieces that are easy to cut down to size to save money -- or you can purchase dimensioned pine already cut to trim sizes.

Dimensions

• You have options for thickness and width when purchasing trim for farmhouse window trimming, no matter what species you choose. Most interior trim is 3/4 inch in thickness. A lot of exterior trim is 15/16, or what typically is referred to as 1-inch thick, but the thickness is optional for either interior or exterior. Use 1-inch material for a beefy, substantial look; use 3/4-inch for a standard, more conservative look. Width is determined by aesthetics. Farmhouse window exteriors look great with trim up to 3 or 4 inches wide. Use 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches wide, which is typical for moldings, on the interior. Most farmhouse windows have a certain substantial look. Use wider moldings for the best results on farmhouse windows.

Layout

• Farmhouse window trim doesn't have to be perfect. Its fine if one or more of the pieces extend past the adjoining piece; it only adds to the charm. One layout technique should be observed, however. Always place trim on windows to drain water. For example, the top, horizontal piece should extend past the ends of the vertical side pieces to drain the water away from the window. Start by cutting the bottom piece first. Measure across the bottom of the window from side to side. The bottom trim fits tight against the bottom of the window, with the ends flush with the vertical sides of the window. Cut the sides next. Measure from the bottom of the trim pieces on both sides to the top of the window, and cut the pieces to the measurement. Cut the top piece last. Measure across the top of the window, including the side pieces, and add at least 1/2 inch so the top piece is longer than the accumulated width of the window including the side pieces.

Nails

• Use nails long enough to penetrate through the trim into the stud frame around the window by at least 1 inch. For all-purpose farmhouse window trim nailing, 2 1/2-inch nails are a safe bet. You can nail the trim pieces by hand or use a nail gun. Finish nails typically are used for trim because of the narrow head, but farmhouse windows look fine with larger nail heads. Place the bottom piece on first, followed by the two side pieces and the top piece. Space the nails 6 inches apart, and center them so they penetrate into the stud or frame. Fill finish nail holes with an appropriate caulk, and run caulking around the perimeter and on the joints where the trim butts together.