Step-by-step instructions on how to make a wooden window frame with your own hands

When building a house with your own hands, sometimes you have to make a choice: buy ready-made window frames with glass or assemble them from wood yourself. In the first case, you can save time, and in the second, money.
But it should be taken into account that in the manufacture of wooden window frames, expensive special equipment is most often used, which makes the structure more energy efficient.

We’ll talk about making wooden window frames with your own hands in this article.

Is it possible to make a homemade window structure from wood without special equipment?

If you have some experience, you can make wooden window frames with your own hands, but such a design will be inferior in characteristics to one made using special equipment.

The most important rule in the production of this design is that all dimensions must be perfectly observed, since a deviation of even 1 mm will worsen the thermal efficiency of the window.

Homemade window frames can be made without the use of complex turning equipment, but such a product is suitable for installation in buildings where appearance and protection from the cold are not too important (garage, shed).

In some cases, a homemade window can be inserted into residential premises, but you will have to additionally insulate all joints and cracks so as not to lose much in energy efficiency.

Window decoration

Decorations can include sprockets, stained glass, and cutters. For the safety of the building, forged trellises in the form of climbing plants are used. An important element of window design is curtains and curtains. With their help, the room will become visually larger, brighter, or vice versa.

The fabric for curtains should be light and almost transparent. Better to use:

• organza;
• chiffon;
• tulle;
• grid.

Curtains provide protection from the scorching sun and prying eyes. Preference should be given to:

• colored synthetics;
• corduroy;
• flax;
• velvet.

But this part of the interior decor must be combined with the finishing material of the walls. Bright wallpaper or paint looks harmonious with the calm tones of the curtains.

If the room is small in size, then it is recommended to buy curtains with vertical stripes - they visually increase the height of the space, horizontal ones - make the room wider.

Tools and materials

To make wooden windows at home you will need:

• 
  hammer and mallet;

• drill and screwdriver;
• glass cutter;
• chisel;
• hand saw (in some cases it is recommended to use several tools with different cutting sizes);
• wood glue;
• seal;
• glass;
• plane;
• roulette;
• building level;
• sealant or putty;
• moisture impregnation;
• antiseptic;
• varnish;
• paint (optional);
• wooden glazing beads;
• self-tapping screws;
• metal window corners.

To speed up work and produce better frames, you should use:

• milling machine;
• grinding unit;
• a circular saw (if you want to save money and cut the timber yourself).

The most important step in preparing materials and tools is harvesting wood. To make frames, you can use 5x5 or 6x4 cm timber, as well as a 5x15 cm board. When choosing lumber for a frame, you should pay attention to its moisture content. Windows must be made only from fully dried wood.

If there is no such thing, then you can put the timber on a radiator to dry (2-3 months) or use a drying chamber (can be found in carpentry workshops) to dry it in 1 day.

Different types of hardwood or softwood can be used as wood to make a window frame:

1. 
   The cheapest option is pine .
   It is light weight, easy to handle and not difficult to find. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it is more fragile than oak or birch, and is also less durable.

   Read also:  Correct installation of heating radiators: under the window, in a niche, on the wall
2. Birch is a rarer material that has good durability and is easy to process. The disadvantage is that it is more difficult to find and is more expensive than pine.
3. Oak is the strongest and most durable type of wood for making window frames. Its main disadvantage is that the cost of purchasing only the material will be more expensive than ordering a ready-made assembled double-glazed window.

The cheapest option for making windows is plywood. This material can be used for frames that are located indoors, since even after a large number of treatments with protective impregnations, plywood quickly absorbs moisture. This leads to the fact that it begins to dry out and crumble.

The average option in terms of price/quality ratio is a solid wooden beam . It is stronger than plywood but costs less than laminated wood. The disadvantage of this material is that it can lead, and this will lead to a change in shape. This can happen if the wood is not completely dry and poorly processed.

Glued wood is most often used as a material for making windows, as it is not subject to deformation and shrinkage. It also has a lower weight than regular timber and is more durable, but because of this it costs more.

Types of processing

Wooden frames require periodic inspection, care and repair - they are most susceptible to the influence of the external environment.

The following processing options are available:

1. Applying putty. It is used in cases of deep damage to individual sections of the frame caused by rotting or insects. This will briefly extend the life of the frames. It is not recommended to apply putty in places where windows open. To add aesthetics, it should be painted.
2. Stain treatment. Used if the wood is in good condition and there is a desire to preserve the natural texture. In addition, stain creates an imitation of oak pine frames. Deep penetration solution. It has protective properties - it makes the tree resistant to ultraviolet rays, moisture, and prevents the appearance of mold or mildew. After complete drying, you can apply varnish. Read more in the article: “Protecting wood from moisture.”

3. Painting. Recommended if the old coating is cracked or the frames have been treated with putty. The surface is pre-cleaned. To avoid drips, it is better to dilute the paint and apply it in several layers. You need to buy acrylic or oil paint. The first dries quickly, but has a short service life. With the second, the surface will dry out longer, but will not crack in the cold and will last for many years. Before processing, window glass must be protected with tape. Painting should be carried out vertically from the glass. Thematic material: “Painting the gazebo.”
4. Varnishing. Suitable for wood without significant damage. Glossy, acrylic or matte varnish is used. It is also recommended to cover the glass with tape.

It is important to note that traces of tape can be easily removed with vegetable oil and then with detergent.

How to make drawings and projects?

In order to make the correct measurement of the window opening for the frame, you need:

1. Take the width measurement from the outside of the window (measuring should be done from the side slopes). For greater accuracy, you need to take measurements from the bottom and top of the opening, as it may not be level.
2. Measure the height of the window on the left and right.
3. To the thickness measurements it is required to add 20 mm for panel houses and 40 mm for brick houses. Additional distance is used to overlap the projection (quarter);
4. Measure the ebb between the side parts of the quarter and add 30 mm. If there is excess, you can cut it off.
5. Measure the width of the ebb from the window to the end of the protrusion and add 25 mm.

After taking all the measurements, you can begin creating projects and drawings. To do this, you can use the services of a specialist, take a ready-made drawing from the Internet (you need to adjust the dimensions to the current ones) or create a layout from scratch. To do this, you must have drawing skills or working with AutoCAD (computer program), as well as three-dimensional thinking.

To make a drawing on paper, you should:

• make a drawing of the box for the frame, taking into account the measurements (the box should be 1-2 cm smaller than the opening on each side);
• choose the shape of the frame, the number of compartments and layers;
• draw a frame design with dimensions (1-2 mm smaller than the frame on each side);
• make markings of the moving parts (sashes) with dimensions (3 mm smaller than the frame).

Also in the drawing there should be a side projection with a drawing of the shape of the frame, as this will clearly show what type of glass will be installed: sheet or double-glazed glass. Additionally, the fittings elements should be marked in the drawing.

When choosing a window manufacturing scheme, there are 3 main design options:

1. The Russian version is considered the simplest and cheapest to produce, since its production requires ordinary sheet glass and a wooden beam.
   The advantage of this design is that glass for windows is easy to make yourself, and if it is damaged, it can be quickly replaced. The disadvantage of the Russian frame is that it retains heat less well (at least 2 glasses are required with an air gap of 2 cm between them) and can deform over time, which will lead to deterioration in energy efficiency.
2. The German or European version of the design involves a more complex frame design, as well as the use of a double-glazed window containing gas inside.
   This type of window is more expensive than Russian, but has lower thermal conductivity and good sound insulation, and is also highly durable. Since the fastenings on such a structure have a more complex architecture, the German window has the opportunity to use the ventilation mode. When manufacturing the European version of the frame, a complex cut pattern is used, which is why complex equipment is needed for its production.
3. The average type is the Finnish design . It has a lower cost than its European counterpart, since double-glazed windows and sheet glass are used for its production. The cutting pattern for a Finnish window is similar to the German 3-layer construction, but sheet glass is used as an additional double-glazed window. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the product without significant loss of energy efficiency.

Since the Russian version of the window has the simplest manufacturing scheme, it is easiest to do it yourself, and to assemble a frame with a double-glazed window you will need special expensive equipment and higher work skills.

Depending on the chosen scheme, the complexity of the work, the number of glasses, as well as fastenings for the sashes and the possibility of ventilating the room will depend.

When making a window, you should take into account that it requires a frame that will distribute the weight from the building during shrinkage of the structure and prevent damage to the glass and frame. For high-quality measurements and drawing up a plan, it is best to use the services of a specialist, since each window has an individual shape and size.

Features of polycarbonate windows

A polycarbonate window consists of the sheet itself and the frame. The latter can be metal or wood. The material is resistant to almost all types of influence, and is resistant to temperature differences and temperature changes. When used to cover greenhouses, special additional polycarbonate films are often used. They are necessary to neutralize the effect of UV rays on plants. Some polycarbonate sheets are sold with a film already applied, which is ideal for home glazing.

Due to the presence of air pores in the structure of the polycarbonate plate, the material has high sound-proofing and heat-insulating properties, although these parameters will ultimately depend, of course, on proper installation.

Manufacturing step by step with photos

Before starting work, you should prepare all the necessary materials.
For the box you will need a long board 5x15 cm . If the lumber has not been turned and sanded in advance, then this procedure will need to be performed independently.

To do this, it is necessary to cut all the parts of the structure, leaving a small margin. For example, with a box size of 108x132, the length of the cut pieces should be approximately 114x139. This is necessary because when processed with a plane, the edge of the board will have a slight wave, which can then be cut off.

Next, you need to cut some of the segments so that their width is 65 mm . This is necessary if for the frame you will use not a 5x5 or 6x4 beam, but a 5x15 board. After roughing, the part needs to be sanded. To do this, you can use a drill attachment and a special grinder. Thorough grinding can be carried out only on those edges that will be the front ones.

Before installing wooden window elements (before installing glass), they should be treated with an antiseptic, moisture impregnation, varnish and, if desired, paint. This is necessary so that the wood does not become damp or rotten, and also dries out more slowly.

Box

To make a box, you need to cut a groove in a 5x15 board using a saw or router . After this procedure, the profile of the parts should look like the letter “G”. This is necessary in order to make the structure more airtight when installing the frame. To connect all parts of the box together, a tongue-and-groove connection is most often used.

In order to cut such a connection, you can use a saw and chisel or a hand router. In this case, the grooves must be cut on the vertical part of the box, and the tenons on the horizontal. After this, the joint must be coated with wood glue and all parts connected.

It is imperative to ensure that all angles are 90°. This can be done using a special device - a metal square.

To make the structure more durable, you can secure all connections using corners that are attached to self-tapping screws. After all the work, the box must be left to dry until the glue hardens.

To further strengthen the joint, in the center of the knot it is necessary to drill a hole with an angle of 45° and insert a wooden dowel into it , which must also be coated with glue.

To secure the box in the window opening, you can use wooden blocks (for this you need a perfectly flat concrete surface) or using metal plates. The empty space between the wood and the opening must be filled with polyurethane foam, and after it dries, the seam must be covered with plaster.

Frame

After assembling the box, you can begin measuring for the frame . To do this, it is recommended to contact specialists who have experience in assembling windows. This is necessary because the slightest deviations in the manufacture of the frame can lead to the fact that the doors will not close properly or fit tightly, which will lead to heat loss.

The moisture content of the material for the frame should not exceed 12%, and for its manufacture it is better to use solid timber or thick laminated wood. These parameters affect the rigidity of the structure, which is important for assembling the doors that will open.

You will need to cut grooves in the parts for the frame depending on how much glass will be used.

If you use 50x50 mm timber, then, viewed from the end, you need to make the following cuts:

• in the lower left part there is a groove 20 mm wide and 15 mm high;
• in the upper left part – 14x10 mm;
• if 2 glasses are used, then a 14x10 mm groove is also required in the upper right part.

You should also initially determine how many sashes the window will have, as well as how many layers the frame will consist of. This is necessary in order to understand the amount of fittings and glass. In some cases, for better insulation, a multilayer structure is made, which consists of two frames. In this case, the doors will go one after another.

When installing a double-glazed window, the groove on the frame must correspond to its thickness and the thickness of the bead with which the glass will be secured. To make such a recess, you should use a router, as this will make the groove more even and smooth.

To connect the frame, you will need to make a 45° cut at the ends with a tongue and groove. After this, all the nodes are coated with glue and fastened together until dry. To prevent the structure from moving, it can also be fixed with metal corners or pressed tightly with a clamp.

After everything is dry, you should make the movable parts of the frame. To do this, it is necessary that the gap between the frame and the sash be 1-2 mm on each side (3-4 mm in total). You can secure non-moving elements to the box using self-tapping screws. To do this, you need to drill holes whose diameter will be slightly smaller than that of the screw.

Installation of canopies and accessories

Installation of canopies and fittings is carried out in special grooves that need to be machined for them. These elements include:

• hinges for moving parts;
• pens;
• locking mechanisms.

For more complex window designs, drive elements and microventilation are used. All fittings must be secured to pre-prepared places. These elements most often have holes for self-tapping screws, through which you need to make holes and secure all the parts.

Glass cutting

In order to cut glass, you need experience (you can practice on an unnecessary piece) and a sharp glass cutter (for example, after cutting tiles, this tool will be very dull).

To start cutting glass, it should be placed on a flat surface without distortions or bumps, since it is fragile and can burst during operation at the point of pressure.

After this, you need to make markings and place a ruler along the entire length of the cut, which can be additionally secured with a clothespin. Next, you should place the glass cutter so that it does not wobble when cutting and begin to smoothly move it from one end of the marking to the other.

If everything is done correctly, you will get an even, straight and continuous scratch . After this, you need to move the glass so that the cut protrudes slightly beyond the edge of the table and gently press on the glass until it breaks off at the scratch site.

In some cases, you can lightly tap the cut on the reverse side using a glass cutter. As you tap, you will notice how the depth of the scratch increases. You can also order glass of the required size in special workshops.

Glazing

To install the glass correctly, you must follow the following points:

1. After cutting the glass, you need to install it in the frame to check how it fits and take it back out.
2. Coat the edges of the glass with sealant and install it back into the grooves.
3. For fixation, a glazing bead is used, which must be cut to the required length, and its edges cut at an angle of 45 °.
4. In those places where the glazing bead will adhere, the glass must be coated with sealant.
5. After this, the bead is applied to the glass and fixed with small nails.

Installation Features

Features of the installation include:

• the box must be fixed “tightly”;
• when installing double-glazed windows, you will need to make a window sill and micro-ventilation;
• When fixing glass with glazing beads, you should be careful, since driving nails can damage the glass;
• The joints between the sashes and the fixed frame can be additionally insulated. To do this, a D-shaped seal is glued along the entire length of the connection;
• If the polyurethane foam is not covered in time, it will begin to dry out, which can lead to the formation of cracks.

Do-it-yourself window without machines, with homemade double-glazed windows, video instructions:

Continuous glazing of the veranda

Such glazing of the veranda will be the only way out if there are no special tools for more complex structures.

Continuous glazing without the ability to dismantle:

Wooden slats (3x5 cm or 5x5 cm in size) will serve as a window frame for the veranda. They need to be cut to size, sanded and attached to a piece of wood with screws (seven to nine cm long). After that, the glass is secured on both sides with silicone sealant, and the joints are locked with platbands, a strip or a decorative strip.

Errors and difficulties during work

The most important difficulty in the manufacture of window structures from wood is the manufacture of grooves with high precision and the correct measurement of all sizes.

If there is an error in the measurements, the design parts may not fit together, may be connected with distortions, or may not fall into place. Also, incorrect measurements and inaccurate cuts will lead to the formation of weak spots where heat loss will occur.

One of the mistakes when working is the wrong choice of glass . If the cuts are made 14x10, then you can use a glazing bead 10 mm thick and glass 4 mm thick, since the thicker it is, the more heat will be retained in the room.

Painting can be considered one of the difficulties during the work, since it should be done after installing all the parts. To avoid staining the glass, its edges should be sealed with masking tape.

Installing windows at a height of 2 or more floors is considered work at height, for which it is recommended to use special equipment (for example, a truck crane) and trained people capable of working at height. In some cases, the participation of construction climbers will be required, who will descend from the roof using special equipment.

Prices for windows in companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg

The cost of finished products is calculated based on the size, shape, frame material, type of glass unit and manufacturer.

Non-standard window designs are made to order. The fittings are already included in the price of the product, but you will have to pay separately for installation. The average cost of installation of 1 m2 is from 1 thousand rubles. For windows of non-standard shape or size, the work of specialists is estimated at 1,500 rubles per 1 m2 and above.

A single-leaf pine structure with screw-in hinges measuring 570*870 mm will cost 3,290 rubles, a blind window with the same parameters will cost 2,650 rubles. For a double-leaf window 870*1170 mm you need to pay 7090, and for a fixed window - 5230 rubles.

You can order a mosquito net. Its price ranges from 1300 to 1500 rubles per 1 m2.

In any case, factory designs, the quality of which has been tested over the years, are much more durable. If you need to save money, then it’s worth working on making your own windows.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of making wooden windows with your own hands include:

1. 
   Selecting the desired window design for the required style (you can make an individual plan).

2. Reduced costs (if everything works out without errors).
3. If it is impossible to purchase a ready-made window, a homemade option will help complete the construction of the house.
4. Speed ​​of work (when ordering a window, you can wait a long time for your turn).

Among the disadvantages it should be noted that:

1. Making a window yourself without the appropriate experience can increase the cost of money and time (irrational use).
2. A homemade wood structure can have many defects that will lead to poor appearance or reduced energy efficiency.
3. Taking measurements and installing a window is a complex procedure for one person (at least two are needed), especially if it needs to be installed at a height of the second floor or more.

Do-it-yourself original window frame step by step: nothing complicated

When all the tools have been collected and prepared, and the materials have been purchased, it’s time to begin the work itself, that is, in fact, to produce a window unit with your own hands. It is worth considering that the gaps between the frame and the sashes should not exceed a distance of two millimeters, otherwise your entire design will be incorrect, there will be blowing from the windows and you will have to immediately deal with the sealing, but why such difficulties if everything can be done at once qualitatively. You should definitely watch the video at the end of the article on how to make a window frame with your own hands in order to fully clarify all the details and nuances of this, far from simple matter.

Expenses

The cost of a wooden window depends on the material from which it is made, the complexity of the design and size.

For example, a window made of laminated timber with double glazing and:

• one leaf will cost from 2800 to 7200 rubles;
• two doors - from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles;
• three doors - 10,800 to 16,700 rubles.

The cost of ordinary planed timber 50x50x3000 will be 245 rubles/piece, edged board 50x150x6000 - 615 rubles, and glass 4 mm thick - from 700 rubles/m2. When purchasing a finished 2x1.5 m window with glass and glazing beads, you will have to pay from 6,000 rubles.

Maintenance of sliding structures

To ensure that the installed system lasts for many years and does not lose its newly purchased appearance, it is recommended to study and take note of a number of maintenance rules:

1. Once every 2-3 years, it is necessary to disassemble the sashes and clean them with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner from accumulations of dust and dirt.
2. If you have a “cold” aluminum structure, you need to thoroughly clean the gap seals every year, since a lot of dust accumulates there.
3. The mechanism must be lubricated to ensure good operation.
4. Handle the sashes extremely carefully, especially if a lift-and-slide system is installed.
5. During severe frosts, the doors often freeze and it is simply impossible to open them, but the use of brute force is strictly prohibited. Instead, you should keep a special product on hand - a glass defroster. If purchasing it is not possible, you can use a hairdryer to heat the required area.

There are very few rules, but following them you can significantly save money and time on calling technicians and repairing broken mechanisms.

Varieties by type of design

In order for the selected windows to perfectly meet the requirements of the owners, it is necessary to pay full attention to the mechanism of movement of the sashes. Today there are four main types of structures on the market: lift-and-slide, sliding and frameless

All of them are at approximately the same level of demand. Below is basic information on each type.

84bc81b509a3f38df05f64898f557f07.jpe

Lift and slide system

This design works on the principle of a sliding wardrobe: you need to open the window slightly by lifting it, thus reducing the weight on the lower sashes. The mechanism is simple and comfortable to use.

The disadvantages are the high cost and the inability to open the window to the full width of the opening, since the sashes slide one after another.

Tilt-and-slide system

This option is similar to ordinary plastic windows, but the main difference is that tilt-and-slide windows can open both towards themselves and to the side. This system can sometimes be found on tourist buses.

Did you know? PVC, which is the material for making the profiles of plastic sliding windows, is considered one of the safest and environmentally friendly materials. In medicine, it is often used to create blood storage containers.

• Advantages:
• the highest level of heat, sound and waterproofing;
• rational use of space in a small room;
• the mechanism allows you to fix the sash open for ventilation;
• presence of an opening limiter: you can leave the sash in any desired position;
• It occupies an average place in the price segment.

The only significant drawback can be considered the mandatory presence of a threshold that cannot be stepped on: polyvinyl chloride quickly becomes unusable if there is a lot of weight on it. However, you can additionally acquire specialized pads that will protect it from damage.

Sliding folding design

This glazing system is popularly called “accordion”, as it consists of several sashes that fold, allowing the opening to be opened to its full width. The advantages of this design include the ability to zone space, good heat and sound insulation, the ability to let in sunlight, the system is made of different materials (PVC or aluminum), and the opening of one or two doors.

No obvious disadvantages were identified.

Glass or polycarbonate: what to choose

You can insert regular window glass, plexiglass or polycarbonate into the frames. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass is transparent; for the terrace you can choose transparent, tinted, matte modifications. However, this material is quite heavy and very fragile; it requires special skills when cutting. It is difficult for a beginner to avoid a high percentage of defects. If you decide to use glass to decorate your terrace, it is better to choose an impact-resistant material, although it will cost a little more.

Plexiglas is much stronger, has good light transmission, and is suitable for panoramic and frameless glazing. It can be used for cold and heated verandas, gazebos and other buildings. Plexiglas can withstand heat and scorching sun very well, is quite resistant to cold, and does not require additional protection from ultraviolet radiation. The material is cheaper than polycarbonate and regular glass and is suitable for self-installation.

The main advantage of polycarbonate is increased strength. By installing such windows on the terrace, you don’t have to worry about their safety. Falling icicles, hail, and sharp gusts of wind will not harm the windows. Polycarbonate is easy to cut and install. Among the disadvantages is less transparency.