The first sash window known to have ever been built was used in English homes during the seventeenth century. Robert Hooke is the English scientist who created the traditional design. Usually, these windows are found on aged Victorian or Georgian styled buildings. Though centuries old and often seen on older homes, these windows are still being used in designs of newer homes. Over the centuries, many companies have stuck with the traditional ways of constructing sash windows. There are more precise instructions on making a sash window for your personal use, but this guideline will give you an overview of the current modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows.
Hooke designed the window to have to glass panes that were meant for mobility. One or both panes move in a horizontal or vertical fashion. When the panes are moved, the opening created allows ventilation and circulation of air throughout a room. Each glass pane consists of gridded panels. Originally, each pane would have a grid, dividing the glass into sections with three panels across and two panels tall. When both panes are closed, the window would be one large glass with twelve even sections.
There are many tools necessary to build a wooden sash window. First off, you need wood and a table saw. A finishing blade and a dado blade will be needed to cut the wood to exact measurements. Wood glue, nails, a rabbeting bit, sandpaper and safety goggles are other supplies that will be necessary for this project as well.
The first thing you need to do is build the frame. Four pieces of wood are needed for a sash. The side pieces will be the same dimensions as each other. Many times, the top and bottom pieces differ in size. At each end of both top and bottom wood pieces, use the dado blade to create tenons. Then, cut holes of the same dimensions into the side pieces. The tenons will fit perfectly into the holes and secured with wood glue. The glue will take at least one hour to properly dry. Once the glue is dry, nail the side pieces to the top and bottom pieces to keep them adjoined.
Now that the frame is sturdy, a rabbet, or notch, needs to be cut along the inside of the frame where the glass is going to be secured for the window. A rabbeting bit and quarter inch chisel will help ensure the rabbet is even throughout the frame. Before placing the glass into the rabbet, spread a glazing compound into the entire rabbet. A small string dipped in the glaze and then placed into the notch will help apply the substance. Lay the glass in the rabbet and push it down to make sure it sticks to the glaze. Add some more glaze to the edge of the glass to secure it in. Allow the glaze to dry overnight. Once the glaze has stiffened, the window is ready to be stained or painted.
Windows made out of wood require more care and maintenance. Because it is wood, there is a greater chance for weather erosion. Hot and cold weather will make the wood shrink and expand. Water or rain will also weaken the strength of the wood and cause the wood to rot. Since sash windows are meant to slide up and down or side to side, the sliding also wears the frame down. In order to restore a sash window, you can follow the same guidelines in building a new frame for the window.
A large benefit to making a wooden sash window yourself is that you do not have to pay somebody else to do it for you. All you need to pay for are the tools and materials. Labor costs can be expensive. However, this project is no easy task to do on your own. It can take a lot of time and be quite challenging. If you wish to have a professional build one to your personal liking, you may research carpenters and contractors in phone books and on Internet.
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