Construct the rough opening that will hold your window.
When you frame a window, you are preparing the wall in which the window will be placed. During the construction of a new home, you will frame the window opening as you build the entire wall frame. In a remodel, you may remove an existing window or install a window in a solid wall. In all cases, the opening that will hold the window must meet specific guidelines in order for your window to sit evenly without receiving pressure from the weight of the wall. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plan the rough frame to be 2 inches wider on all sides than the dimensions of the new window. For instance, if you're installing a standard 30-inch-by-36-inch window, you will frame the inside dimensions of your rough opening to measure 34 inches by 40 inches.
2. Remove the drywall so you can view the studs if you're framing the window in an existing wall. When the studs are visible, determine the placement of your window and cut away the studs that run through the desired location. Allow 3 inches on each side of your rough frame measurement in order to install the header and the king studs.
3. Install the king studs. A king stud is the supporting vertical stud that replaces the studs cut from the original wall. Measure and cut the king studs to fit between the floor plate and the ceiling plate. Install them, using the outer edge as your measurement guide. With our example window, that means the king studs will sit 36 inches apart.
4. Install your window header. Since you're removing a portion of the wall framing, you must make alternate arrangements for wall support. The header runs along the top of your window frame and is usually made of 2-inch-by-6-inch dimensional lumber. Cut two headers to the width of your opening and install them between the remaining studs in the wall at the top of the opening.
5. Fit each header into place, use a carpenter's level to make sure it is even, and nail it to the supporting studs on either side. The headers will sit sideways in the wall, side by side. Nail them securely to each other. Now, you're ready to install the sill plate.
6. Cut one stud the same length as the header boards and place it at the bottom of your proposed window frame. Adjust the space between the bottom of the header and the top of the sill to meet the size you previously determined for your rough opening. In this case, the distance would be 40 inches.
7. Nail your sill plate into place and cut at least three cripple studs to support the sill plate. A cripple stud is the exact same dimension as the distance between the sill plate and the floor plate. Install one cripple stud on each side, flush with the king plate, and one in the middle to support the weight of the new window.
8. Install trimmer studs last. These studs complete the sides of the rough opening where your window will sit. Measure the distance from your header to your sill plate and cut two trimmers studs to fit, one for each side. Nail them securely to the king studs. Now, you're ready to install the new window.
Tags: your window, king studs, sill plate, rough opening, each side, window will, your rough
