How to install a window sill and trim
I just love windows. I love the light they let in and the view they provide. What I don’t like is a plain window, which was every window in my house when I moved in. I like trimmed out windows, it gives great detail to a room and frames the view so beautifully. Unfortunately most builders just sheet-rock around the window to save time and money.
But there is hope if you, like me, want more dressed up windows. You can dress them up depending on your taste. Here are some of my dressed up windows.
Get how they are “dressed” up? lol
OK, I know I’m corny!!
But you can add just a casual look by adding a new window sill/stool. Or get on your Sunday best and some casing around the rest of the window. Or go for the evening gown look and add a cap and crown. It’s all matter of taste. Once you have decided on your final look here are the steps to transform your windows.
There are lots of ways to accomplish the same goal, this is my way.
Step 1. Remove Drywall.
Many people skip this step and just lay the new stool on top of the drywall. I think it looks better in the end to take the time to get rid of the drywall layer. Start by scoring the drywall in the corners and along the window with a sharp utility knife.
You want the surrounding drywall on the sides intact so be careful as you dig it out with a crow bar. Once you get a hole you can pull it out in bigger chunks. Then remove all the nails and corner bead. That’s the metal strip along the edge.
You will have a ugly section under the stool where the corner bead was, don’t worry you will cover that up latter. Then sweep and vacuum up the rest of the debris.
Step 2. Make a template.
You can try to just measure and cut your stool/sill out but I find I get a much better fit if I make a template. You can make it out of just about anything. I like to use corrugated cardboard because it’s thick enough to give me a good fit and easy to trim to size. Paper is to flimsy and a wood template is too much work to cut. Making a template allows you to get a good fit to unsquare walls. Use your template to determined how deep you want the sill.
Step 3. Cut out stool and install it.
I have seen people use MDF, but I do not recommend this. I prefer wood because it can take a little more abuse. Save the MDF for the rest of the window trim that won’t get so much abuse. If you have a window in a bathroom or gets left open during rainstorms may be exposed to water often, I found a Cellular Vinyl PVC molding works great. I found my at Lowe’s, but I’m sure you can find it other places. Trace your template right onto your wood and cut it out. Test fit it and them sand the rough edges. If you use the PVC I just glue the sill in place with construction adhesive. If using wood I glue and nail it.
Step 4. Make and install apron.
Now we cover that ugly spot where the corner bead was. The apron is the molding that is under the stool. You can make this out many different kinds of molding, what ever looks good to you. I often use base board trim turned upside down. I cut it with a 45 degree angle and then make a return. That finishes off the end the best way.
Step 5. Finish Work
Fill the nail holes, sand, and paint. If you wish you can add molding all the way around the window, the sky is the limit on how fancy you get.
Then stand back and look out your beautiful window!!
If you want to see more window treatment ideas and tutorials, here are two post on specific windows we did. Master Bath Window, Finished Master Bath, Pirate Room Window, Finished Pirate Room Window.
About the contributor:
Thank you so much for posting this! I was exactly what I needed after my puppy decided my window sill was a chew toy!
The cardboard template is such a good idea!
I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate the marble sills the builder used. They left the rest of the window bare, and just put a sill on each window. And they don’t stick out that much. I’d hate to tear them all out, but I really want to make the windows look finished. Any ideas?
I love this tutorial, thanks so much for sharing it! Our windows are only set into the wall about an inch, but I could still put some trim up around them! Pinning this. 🙂
Thanks, I was just wanting to do this to all my windows and wondering how when I did my daily read of this blog and there was my answer. Perfect timing!