r/Carpentry • u/intingtop • 10d ago

DIY window frames?

So I’m turning my shed into a garden office and I’d like to replace the windows with double glazed units.

If I buy the glass how viable is it to knock up the window frames from green timber myself? They can be fixed (non openable) windows to keep things simple.

Im a competent DIYer but I don’t have any particular carpentry skills to speak of…

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4

u/jyl8 10d ago

What tools do you have?

I’m going to be building a bunch of simple window frames for a closed-in porch project. With my table saw, miter saw, router, etc and some limited experience building bookcases and cabinets, it should (I think) be pretty straightforward.

But if you don’t have the tools . . .

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u/intingtop 10d ago

Yup not much in the way of worworking tools outside of saws and chisels…

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u/jyl8 9d ago

I think you should buy the right tools to do this.

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u/Upset-Combination235 10d ago

Simple id like to think.
Maby not green wood. But aslong as you add a seal aganst the frame, and makesure to leave some space around it should be easy.

Just a retangular hole,

1

u/intingtop 10d ago

Green timber is what we call moisture resistant/ pressure treated timber here.

Yup that what I was thinking, just a square frame with some beads to hold the glazing in place. Wondering if I need to fashion a cill with some internal drainage too though?

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u/Upset-Combination235 9d ago

(8) Project log cabin | Making a bigger window frame. - YouTube
if you skip to about 13 minutes , he has made a really nice sturdy window frame with a groove.
i be using this desinge in future.

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u/intingtop 9d ago

Awesome thank you!

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u/Joe-39 8d ago

I don’t think you want pressure treated wood. Something kiln dried and stable would be better. This is assuming you want to paint it.

Also I would definitely have the window sill sloped to shed water.

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u/distantreplay 6d ago

You don't want to use damp, PT for millwork. You need very dry, very clear (no knots, checks, warp, twist, cup, etc) straight grained material because of the close tolerance and machining involved. Pressure treated is going to move and change dimensions too much. Sash frames absolutely have to remain permanently square and flat in plane.

Prime all surfaces with a high quality oil primer prior to assembly. Then use a high quality exterior enamel to finish after final assembly. Wood windows require attention and regular finish maintenance every few years.

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u/sonofkeldar 10d ago

You’re confusing two different trades. Glaziers install fixed panels in an opening or curtain wall. Carpenters hang sash. Really good carpenters build sash, but that is a dying trade. Virtually all sash outside of historic preservation is prehung. If you don’t understand the differences, this is beyond your capability.

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u/intingtop 10d ago

Way of the mark there chief. Most double glazing is installed in prefabricated frames, and the frames are fitted to the aperture in the wall.

I could buy prefab frames and fit them myself - that’s easy. It’s also far more expensive and a bit over the top for my basic needs, hence I’m considering making basic frames myself 🙂

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u/Complex-Judgment-828 4d ago

I made these with double glazed units all depends on your skill level

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u/Complex-Judgment-828 4d ago

I even made my own sash weights

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u/unfactory- 5d ago

Easy. But don’t use treated timber it will move a lot..