DIY FARMHOUSE WINDOW TRIM

Window trim is one of those architectural details that will elevate the whole room without being showy. Here’s how you can add it yourself.

Window trim is one of those architectural details that will elevate the whole room without being showy. Here’s how you can add it yourself.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Measure the dimensions of your window frame (height and width). Your width will be measurement A, and your height (minus 1 inch) will be measurement D. Refer to Illustration 2.

Cut your lumber to length (refer to Illustrations 1 and

2). You can cut the pieces with a saw, or see if the store where you bought the lumber will cut it for you. You’ll need two 1x4 pieces at measurement A, one 1x6 piece at measurement B, two 1x2 pieces at measurement B, one 1x3 piece at measurement C and two 1x4 pieces at measurement D.

Lay out the pieces on the ground to make sure you know where you’ll place them on the window. Refer to Illustration 1 for the placement of each piece. Note that the A pieces will sit with their 4-inch sides against the wall, while the B and C pieces will sit with their 1-inch sides against the wall, which will make them stick out.

The last cuts you need to make are on your window sill, which is the 1x6 B piece. From each end of the board, measure width A +½ inch, and mark with a pencil. Then measure the depth of the window frame and mark. You should be cutting off a rectangle from each end, which will leave a half T shape at each end. Make sure the piece fits into the bottom of your window frame.

Sand the edges of all pieces for smoothness.

Install the pieces. Start with the window sill, using both wood glue and a nail gun or brad nails for stability. Once the sill is secure, work your way up and down the window to build out the trim. Center the boards with B and C lengths so you have ½ inch overhang on each side.

Once the wood glue is completely dry, you can paint. Tape off the trim from the rest of the wall, then add 1-2 coats of primer, allowing the paint to dry fully. For the smoothest finish, lightly sand between each coat, then wipe down the wood with a damp cloth.

Before adding your top coats, fill in any gaps with caulking and allow it to dry.

Finish painting with 1-2 coats of your top coat color. Then remove the tape and enjoy your new window trim.

BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R • I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y VA N E S S A G AT O N G A • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRE T GUM If your window already has a sill,you can either remove it with a crow bar or use it with your new trim. The length of your existingsill would become length B.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: LUMBER:1x6 board 1x4 board(s) 1x3 board 1x2 board(s)OTHER SUPPLIES:Measuring tapeMiter or table saw PencilSandpaperWood glueNail gun or brad nails and hammerPrimer of choice Paint of choicePaint brushCaulkingLUMBER LENGTHSA – Width of the window frameB – Measurement A + 1 inchC – Measurement B + 1 inchD – Height of the window frame minus 1 inch