Windows and doors from scratch?

[stretchc1]

I spent the last 3 months scrounging for discarded windows and managed to find one smallish double-paned window that I'll install "fixed"--it's too heavy to hinge, I think.

But I'd like to put in at least one, maybe two windows that can be opened for ventilation. The summers here in CT can be quite hot and humid. The problem is that I don't know how to build a window--or a door and door frame for that matter. I've done some basic framing for a shed, but used salvaged windows. The coop designs I've studied here on BYC have fabulous windows and doors but not much detail about how to make them.

Ideally, I would have windows that would open outward on a hinge that could be latched up. The windows won't open into the run, so the chickens won't be perching/pooping on the opened window frame.

Does anyone have more detailed drawings/photos/explanations of windows and doors they could share?

 

[annek]

I prefer to buy my windows since they are a lot less work however with my coop and the size of the studs I was not able to find any that would fit in a standard cheap window so I had to make a few of my own. There are many ways to do it and this is how I made mine. I don't know how many tools you have so you can change it how you like. First I framed on the inside of the coop the window frame to the size I wanted. I used the existing vertical studs and just added a top and a bottom 2 x 4 piece of wood to create the frame. Then I just drill a hole in each corner, draw a line between the holes and cut out the the siding.

At this point I just have a blank hole on the outside of the building that has 2x4 supports on the other side of the walls. Over this hole I nail up my hardward cloth, then I nail up 1x4 frame around the opening to cover the nail heads and rough edges of the hardware cloth. Okay, now you have the frame size for the window you will be making. I use 1"x2" or 1"x3" for the wood that will hold the window pane. I cut it a little smaller so that you will have a little gap around the window pane frame and the existing frame that you built on the building. It will fit inside but can't be tight since you will have to paint it.

Next I dado out the edges of the window pane holder so that the piece of glass/plexiglass will fit flush on the side where you mount the glass. You can mount the glass with screws/caulk it in/glaze it/use glaze points whatever you wish to mount the window in its frame. Once the glass is in, flip the window over and mount 2 hinges on the top and screw it to the frame on the building.

Viola, a window. To raise it just add a hook and eye.

I can take pics tomorrow if you want to see what I did, I know I didn't do a great job of explaining it. two pics would be equivalent to all these words!

Good luck!

 

[DarkWolf]

Windows and doors are both made with rails and stiles and take custom router bits to do. That said, there are easy ways to do them yourself so long as you use a good [Gorilla] glue at the joints.

What you'll want to do for the windows is cut the framing members to length and then place a rabbit cut along the side so that window glass can be set into the frame once glued. With the window glass in place you can then tack quarter round in place to hold the glass.

Poof.. You now have a window that can be hinged.. Down side is you will also need to make a window frame, but that's not hard at all.

I'll be gone [out of state] till Monday but can offer more advice after that when I get back. Just give me a PM and I'll dig up a few useful links for you.

 

[tackyrama]

Don't over think the problem. It's easier than you think. I built a large coop last summer including making my own lumber with a chainsaw mill (Alaskan attachment). I made the main door and the three chicken doors plus the loft doors.
Determine the size. If you are buying manufactured doors then frame for standard size. For example: 3'x6'8". Allow 3/4" for the jamb plus 3/8" on each side for framing plus 1/8" clearance between the door and jamb. Install the jamb using a good level for plumb. Use shims and nail it in place. Make sure the hinge side is fastened well. Use quarter-round for a stop or is you have a table saw make a stop say 3/8x3/4".

Making a custom door is real easy. Make a frame out of 2x material (actually 1 1/2 x 1 1/2") what ever size you want. You don't need to miter the corners. Lay it on the floor and square it up and glue and nail 3/8" plywood on one side. Turn it over and sandwich in 1 1/2" building foam. Do no use white styrofoam. Cover the second side as the first with plywood. It is a good idea to put in more 2x material where the latch or handle is going. Chisel in the hinges and your good to go. I have made many doors like this.

Making a window is much the same method. Determine the size first and proceed as before using a stop on each side of the glass. I have also made windows using this method.

You can see how mine turned out on my BYC pages.

 

[DarkWolf]

tackyrama: That's not a coop.. That's a house! Nice work!

 

[redhawkou812]

Tain't that hard to do. I built my cellar door just like tacky discribed. Only thing I added was Liquid Nail for subflooring, 'cause it stands up to the temperature changes. THe door frame is easy to. I used 2x6's ripped out my rabbit for the door & had a nice looking exterior door frame. Windows are just picture frames with butt joints. If you have the tools & can do a mortise & tendon joint it's easy to build the sash. If not, lay a 1x2 on top of a 1x3, flush the ouside edges so the offset in the widths will work as one side of your window (glass) stop. Set your glass in place & either glaze it in or use a wood stop like the quarter round. By using the 1x2 & 1x3, you can lap the butt joints in each corner so you get the strength you need without a lot of fancy joinery. I'd add a slight angle to the window frame (that will hold the sash) sill plate to ensure water runoff....rain. Hate to see you amke something & then have to weather rot it out from under you. Good luck.

 

[Judy]

BTW, 2x2's are ridiculously expensive. If you have a table saw, it is very simple to rip a 2x4 and make 2 of them, and 2x4's are relatively cheap.

 

[farmerboy]

ive spent 25 years working with wood and in that time i have built many wood window frames from the high end to the loow end and the easyes way that ive find to make a good frame is easy take a 1x4 and rip it in two it should be about 1 and 3/4 ins +/- then set your saw depth at 1/2 in and cut a kerf just a little of center drown the middle of both boards then spin the boards end for end and do it again what u should have is a kerf thets about 1/4 inch wide now find out how long one side of your glass is and cut two that long adn place them top and bottom of your glass now masure between them and add abot a 1/4 in to that so if these where 25" then cut the boards 25 and 1/4 " long now take one of the frist boards and both of the last boards glue and screw them together then slid ur glass and only screw it on now if you need to replace a pice of glass its easy for your frame all you need is to make your studs a 1/4 wider then what the window frame is and add a 2x4 between them at the bottom where you want the bottom of your window at then masure up from there and add a 1/4 " now if your useing plywood then go ahead and put it up leaveing the holes for your windows now add your hinges to the windows to the outside of the frames leaveing the barrels to the outside and then screw them th the stud add a latch and your done ther will be a gap around the frames and if u dont want that then take some 1x and nail it to the outside of your window and place your hinges on the backside then fasten it to the sideing so when you shut the windows the trim covers any gaps add a latch and your good to go if you need any more info let me know

 

[rainbowgardens]

Just thought I'd mention, for those who need to go the low cost route and aren't that handy building, that I used an old shower door on my new coop and the window in my old coop door is from the storm door on my house.

I take them off in the summer and just have the wire mesh.

There are so many options in every budget range.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I was thinking an easy way to make a window may be to just put in an opening with hardware cloth. To close it in the winter, take a sheet of plexiglass or some transparent or translucent plastic, drill holes in the corners, and bolt it over the opening.