Do-it-yourself wooden windows - drawings, step-by-step instructions, technology.

Is it possible to make high-quality wooden windows with your own hands? - It turns out that if you have the tools, skill and a detailed plan, it is possible, and in this article we will tell you how.

This material is specifically about handicraft production at home, and we talk the industrial production

Plastic windows are in great demand among consumers, but wooden windows and doors are a budget and more environmentally friendly option. Since it is not difficult to make a wooden window yourself, many people install them in their dachas. The main thing is to understand how the window structure works. In order for the product to turn out to be of high quality, you need to follow the production technology, wood processing rules and assembly methods. And step-by-step instructions with a detailed description will help with this.

Drawings and work plan

Each construction and installation work consists of 3 stages: preparation, creation and completion of the work process.
To assemble the window, the most suitable raw materials are selected and carpentry tools are prepared. Do-it-yourself wooden windows are made using a diagram. The detailed drawing indicates the overall dimensions of the frame and the size of each individual part. There are two types of windows:

Simple, old-style (they are also called Soviet). Cheaper to manufacture, suitable for an unheated cottage.
Euro-windows of the “new type” with double-glazed windows. The double-glazed window provides thermal insulation and sound insulation. Such windows are more expensive, but much better quality.

We will talk about both types.

For example, window diagram 80/60 mm:

General algorithm of actions:

wood selection
cutting bars - blanks
cutting out frame joint grooves
milling grooves for glass / double-glazed windows
gluing
grinding
installation of fittings and handles
installation of glass or finished double-glazed windows
painting, impregnation with antiseptic, varnish treatment

To make a window you will need:

chisel;
drill and screwdriver for tightening screws;
glass cutter;
manual wood router;
grinding machine;
saw and hammer;
roulette;
self-tapping screws and wooden glazing beads;
PVA glue (or a more expensive analogue);
putty;
antibacterial impregnation (antiseptic).

Entrust the installation of wooden windows to professionals from.

Preparing the window opening

To begin with, the window opening is cleared of remnants of previous plaster and other technical residues. In the case of brickwork in which voids have formed due to destroyed material, it is recommended to eliminate them.

First you need to carefully and thoroughly prepare the window opening

The principle of the preparatory stage is to adjust to the required dimensions, which must be carried out with special care, avoiding noticeable errors. All surfaces are cleaned of elements of previous plaster and other residues. Installation of wooden windows in accordance with GOST requires the presence of a gap of a fixed width around the perimeter of the frame, which, upon completion of the alignment of the entire structure inside the openings, is filled with polyurethane foam.

Installation of a wooden window according to GOST requires the presence of gaps between the frame and the opening

It is not recommended to leave excessively large gaps along the edge areas, preferring a width of 10 to 15 mm, so that later the voids can be well foamed. A gap of 40-50 mm is left along the bottom of the window structure. This nuance is necessary for high-quality alignment of windows inside openings. Always remember that before installing windows into openings, the geometry and dimensions are first checked. This step allows you to achieve the correct work, eliminating possible distortions and disproportion of parts.

Sometimes craftsmen violate technological points by making wall lintels incorrectly, since the window opening is used as formwork with a window walled up inside. Such actions lead to additional financial costs equal to the price of a new structure, because the window frame is placed very tightly between the edges.

If you neglect the technological principles of installation, the structure will soon require replacement

In extreme cases, complete removal of wooden windows may be necessary. Do not forget the GOST recommendations regarding gaps, then the work is guaranteed to be crowned with success.

Selection of wood material

Since a wooden window can only be made from dry or laminated wood (laminated veneer lumber), these materials are chosen for the manufacture of window frames.

It is better to make a window frame from oak, larch or pine. If you compare wood with each other, then oak has a high cost. It is quite possible to make windows from wood with your own hands, efficiently and inexpensively; for this you need to choose the right material.

Types of materials:

Glued laminated timber. This is a lightweight and durable material that does not deform and has moisture-resistant properties. It acquired such characteristics due to its multi-layer nature and maximum drying. This material is the most suitable for making wooden windows. In this case, the most rational size of the timber is 5x5 cm.
Solid timber. Sometimes the material has cracks and knots, so when purchasing it, it is carefully inspected for their presence. In addition, the board can be moved and it will change its shape. There is also a danger that during operation the frame may crack. Despite its shortcomings, solid timber is good value for money.
Plywood sheets. This is the cheapest material of poor quality. Plywood tends to quickly absorb moisture and collapse. Therefore, the material is used only for those windows that are planned to be installed indoors.

External conditions for replacement

Despite the fact that modern double-glazed windows are produced in such a way that their surface is reliably protected from atmospheric changes, according to technical regulatory recommendations, craftsmen do not install windows in rainy weather and at temperatures below - 3°C, with the exception of rare force majeure situations ( man-made or seismic accidents, hurricanes, etc.).

At the same time, attention is paid to the condition of the seam, the sealing of which is characterized by resistance to atmospheric fluctuations , frost and UV rays. According to the standards, the joints between the window, the opening and the street must withstand -35°C - +70°C.

Much attention is paid to the layers of the wall pie around the perimeter on which the window structure will be installed. The layers must include vapor barrier and waterproofing material. In regions with harsh winters, layers of insulation are also added, which are cut in the form of strips.

The heat insulator reliably insulates not only the joints, but also the surrounding surfaces. Mineral wool is best suited for these purposes. Mineral wool slabs with one foil side are especially in demand.

All installation work must be carried out in dry weather. Then, in the room, after installing the window system, you will need to maintain a comfortable temperature (+21-23°C) so that condensation does not form. Despite the fact that modern polyurethane foams can withstand low temperatures down to –10°C, it is also advisable to use them down to 0°C.

An indicator of high-quality installed wooden windows is the absence of condensation and cold bridges in the cold season, as well as in rainy weather.

Frame making

In order not to use the expensive services of specialists, you can make a wooden frame for the window with your own hands. The material chosen is timber 5×5 cm or boards with a cross-section of 5×15 cm. If the size of the window block is large, then timber with a different cross-section is prepared. The profile for the window frame can be of different shapes. It is chosen depending on the thickness, number and size of glass.

Tools you will need:

window corners;
wood glue;
chisels;
saw and hammer.

It is better to make homemade frames from laminated wood blocks, since this material is considered the most suitable for their creation. You can use solid wood material, but if exposed to moisture, the structure may lose its shape or crack over time. Manufacturing technology of wooden frames:

First, a window frame is made, and then the exact dimensions of the frame are calculated. A groove in the shape of the letter “G” is made in a prepared board with a section of 5×15. This shape will help make the structure airtight.
Then the window frame is prepared; for this, the boards are sawn into 4 parts. The finished parts of the frame are connected to each other. The parts are connected using the tongue and groove method, since this is the most reliable of all the options.
You can plan grooves quickly and efficiently using a chisel, saw and hammer. The tenons are located on the horizontal side of the frame, and the grooves are located on the vertical side.
The parts are coated with wood glue and connected at an angle of 90°.
For reliable fixation, the corners of the frames are reinforced with window angles.
After the glue has completely dried, a movable part of the frame is made; for this, a beam with a smaller cross-section than the frame is used. There should be a gap of 1-2 mm. This is necessary so that the window sashes can open and close freely. Finished parts are connected using the window frame method.

A connection at an angle of 90% is more reliable than at an angle of 45%.

Manufacturing process:

To make a wooden frame for a window with your own hands, you will need a beam with a section of 6x4 cm.

What you need to know about the technology of manufacturing wooden frames:

If you plan to install a single-chamber double-glazed window, then 2 rectangular grooves are made in the window frame. They are necessary for glazing and fixing inside the box.
An additional groove is made for a double-glazed window. It is needed to install the second glass.
If the bead size is 1 cm, then choose 4 mm thick glass and a rectangular groove.
On homemade products, fastenings are made standard - using a tongue-and-groove system. For complete fixation, use wood glue. This will provide additional immobility of the product.

If self-tapping screws are used instead of glue as additional fixation, then their heads are completely deepened into the wood. This is necessary to ensure that the doors open and close smoothly.

Standards

The conditions for the use of regulatory rules in the documents are provisions on installation work, window sizes developed according to the customer’s drawings, operation, and requirements for wood.

Any rules regarding wooden structures indicate the quality of consumables and the absence of defects in the processing of the timber. Attention is also drawn to the gaps in the rebates, which should not be larger than (2 mm) and the condition of the seams that require mandatory sealing.

There are many documents regulating the installation of wooden structures (there are more than 18 of them in the Russian Federation). The main ones are:

GOST 23166-99.
GOST 34378-2018.
GOST 24699-2002.
GOST 11214-2003.
GOST 30972-2002.
GOST 24866-99.
GOST 5087-80.
GOST 5090-86.
GOST 10174-90.

The presented regulatory documents provide information about window structures, describe the scope of their application, talk about the types, conditions of production and installation, explain in detail the main terms, and provide references to other GOSTs and SNiPs that regulate the quality of the resulting products.

Compliance with regulated installation technical standards will allow all work to be carried out efficiently, to obtain a safe design, without loss of its operational characteristics.

Option 1 - installing glass yourself - (old type windows)

A more economical option, in which you do not need to buy a ready-made double-glazed window, is slightly inferior in terms of heat and sound insulation.

To install glass in a window frame, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. Glass is a sharp material, and to avoid cutting yourself, protective gloves are used during the work. Tools and materials you will need:

glass;
roulette;
glass cutter;
ruler;
transparent sealant.

Before you start cutting glass, you need to decide on the required dimensions. Using a tape measure, measure the distance between the grooves on the frame. Since wood tends to shrink and expand during temperature changes, the glass is cut 4 mm smaller than the resulting numbers. Otherwise, it may burst when compressed. Glass cutting and installation process:

The material is placed on a table or other horizontal surface.
Cover with a cloth and mark according to the sizes.
First, make a cut from the short side of the glass, then from the long side.
A ruler is applied to the marks, along which one cut is made with a glass cutter.
The glass is placed in a cut line on the edge of the table and gently pressed onto it. It will break into two parts.
Small sections of glass (from 0.5 to 0.20 cm) are bitten off with pliers.

To avoid cutting glass yourself, you can contact a special glass cutting service. Silicone sealant is applied to the edge of the frame, then the glass is inserted. Glazing beads are mounted on top and secured with nails.

Wooden balcony frames with one or two glasses, which is better?

It all depends on how you plan to use the balcony or loggia. If the room is not insulated, it will still not be possible to use it year-round. Therefore, you can install simple wooden frames with one glass. Of course, they won’t save you from the cold, but they will protect your balcony from dust, rain and snow.

wooden balcony frames with 1 glass

Warm glazing involves the installation of double-glazed windows with at least 2 panes. Subsequently, even if the loggia is not heated additionally, the temperature in the room will be 10 - 12 degrees higher than outside.

wooden euro windows 2 glasses

Important: installing wooden frames is an additional load on the balcony slab. Because a wooden window is heavier than any PVC model, not to mention an aluminum profile. Therefore, it is better to check the condition of the supporting structure in advance.

Option 2 - install a ready-made double-glazed window - (windows of a new type)

You can buy double-glazed windows without a frame from manufacturers or window companies, although the choice of sizes is limited, so take this into account at the stage of drawing up window drawings.

To secure a finished double-glazed window into a wooden frame, a colorless sealant is required. It will be invisible and will not spoil the appearance of the window.

After the window is ready, it is installed in the window opening. This is not difficult to do, but during installation you need to take into account the type of opening and the material from which the house is built. Rules for installing Euro-windows in a brick and concrete room:

The opening into which the glass unit is installed must be smooth and clean. Using a level, the geometry of the opening is checked, all uneven places are leveled.
A double-glazed window made of wood is installed in the opening and secured with self-tapping screws. Fastenings are made at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. Do not use foam or nails for fixation.
If gaps appear between the double-glazed window and the frame, the window will lose its characteristics. To prevent this from happening, the window is treated with a sealant during installation.
All cracks and holes are sealed with polyurethane foam. It will protect the room from dust, dirt and the penetration of cold air inside.
When the foam hardens, it is cut with a knife. The outside of the replaced area is sealed with tape, and cashing is installed on top. This is to protect it from destruction.

To ensure high performance properties, windows are insulated using Swedish technology. The method got its name thanks to the EuroStrip material, which was chosen by the Swedes. In terms of heat saving, groove insulation of wooden windows is not inferior to PVC insulation packages. The manufacturer produces 3 types of seals: silicone and rubber, as well as thermoplastic elastomer.

How to install correctly?

The basic rules for replacing or installing standard and Euro-windows, regulated by numerous GOSTs, include:

Mandatory drawing up of a diagram and measurements of the opening to establish the design. The opening must be fully prepared, clean, plastered, without chips or cracks.
The dimensions for the opening are formed in such a way that they exceed the window frame by up to 2 (cm) on three sides along the perimeter, except for the lower part, which should be larger (up to 6 cm).
The installation must be controlled by the building level.
Indicators of deviations from the geometric level cannot be more than 1.5 (mm) per 1 (m) of the total length of the window system, and more than 3 (mm) in height.
The formation of seams should include several layers (3-4), with protection from external atmospheric phenomena.
The protective function of the installation seam must include insulation, vapor and waterproofing.
Additional sealing at the seams can be done using tapes such as sealing tape, polyurethane foam. You can also add strips of mineral wool.
Polyurethane foam can be used as a sealant.
It is advisable to treat the surface of the window span and the wood structure itself with an antiseptic and a polymer substance. This prevents the appearance of fungi and strengthens the wood's defenses.
The permissible length between fastening elements is no more than 80 (cm).
The installation depth of the window structure depends on the material of the wall, the number of its layers, and is, on average, 1/2 in practice (the middle of the load-bearing wall).
The room should have a comfortable temperature – 20-23 °C. At the same time, the recommended humidity is 55-60%. This way the windows will not form condensation and fog up.
Fastening and auxiliary elements must comply with technical standards, be marked, certified and guaranteed by the manufacturer.

The dew point for the location of the window system is determined, in accordance with the wall pie , according to the following principles:

for single-layer walls – +10 °C (middle part of the wall);
for two-layer – +10-12 °C (along the border of the wall surface with the heat insulator);
for three-layer ones – +10-13 °C (with a shift towards thermal insulation).

The ideal dew point for all windows is +10 °C. The calculation is made between external (outdoor) and internal (room) temperatures. The indicator is recorded in the documents in the form of an isotherm.

Compliance with regulatory rules is a necessary circumstance , since poor-quality installation of a window can lead to loss of thermal insulation qualities (up to 25%) and disruption of the functionality of the structure (difficulty in opening and closing, the appearance of condensation, failure of various elements, including shut-offs) .

Without simple carpentry skills, it is not recommended to do the installation yourself. It is better to entrust the installation to specialists from a construction company who will carry it out, according to the calculations, without violating state standards, in a short time.

Installation of hinges, handles and fittings

Window fittings are a set of mechanisms that allow the window opening to operate correctly and control the functionality of the glass unit. There are several types of hinges that can be installed on a wooden window. Which one to choose depends on the characteristics of the window frame.

Hinges are classified according to the method and direction of opening, as well as the material from which they are made. They are:

with left and right opening direction;
lower and upper;
rotary-vertical and horizontal, folding;
plastic, metal and wood.

Hinges made of plastic and wood are installed on lightweight small structures. For heavier models, metal ones are used. To install the hinges, a hole is drilled at the bottom and top of the window frame and in the sash. The hinges are mounted on the frame, aligned along the axis and secured. The window sash is placed on ready-made hinges. When making a wooden profile for windows with your own hands, holes are made in the frame to install the handle. The product is inserted into it and screwed.

Is it possible to make a homemade window structure from wood without special equipment?

If you have some experience, you can make wooden window frames with your own hands, but such a design will be inferior in characteristics to one made using special equipment.

The most important rule in the production of this design is that all dimensions must be perfectly observed, since a deviation of even 1 mm will worsen the thermal efficiency of the window.

Homemade window frames can be made without the use of complex turning equipment, but such a product is suitable for installation in buildings where appearance and protection from the cold are not too important (garage, shed).

In some cases, a homemade window can be inserted into residential premises, but you will have to additionally insulate all joints and cracks so as not to lose much in energy efficiency.

Impregnation with antiseptic, varnish and painting

External factors such as dampness, insects and sunlight greatly affect wooden windows. To increase their service life, windows are treated with sealant, varnished or painted. Processing consists of 4 stages:

Before painting, a wooden window must be soaked with an antiseptic. It will protect the wood from fungus.
When the window is dry, it is sanded with abrasives.
After sanding, the window is coated with a water-based primer.
Colored varnish or paint is applied to the primer. If the coating is translucent, then the wood is varnished. If the coating is covering, then paint.

To make a wooden window, you need to become familiar with the manufacturing technology of structures and prepare all the necessary tools for the job. In this way, you can independently assemble a window structure and glaze your country house or cottage. If it doesn’t work out, or the upcoming task seems too difficult, then it makes sense to trust the professionals and buy ready-made windows with installation, for example, from Dentro windows[/anchor].

Find out the cost of double-glazed windows in Moscow. (Only for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region), send a request to calculate the cost:

Average prices

The cost of installing windows does not depend on seasonality, but is determined by the complexity of the work and depends on the region. The center of the Russian Federation (Moscow and St. Petersburg), as well as the northern regions, are always at prices higher than other regions. The price for installation is indicated in the companies’ price list, which can be studied on the official websites.

The price includes only the cost of work, taking into account the consumables used, without loading and unloading.

On average, in the Russian Federation, it is:

Dismantling an old window without preserving the frame - 180-220 rubles/m2, and with preservation - 480-550 rubles/m2.
Preparatory work for openings (cleaning, putty, primer) – 580-800 rub./l.m.
Installing a window in a new building or cottage – 2000-2800 rubles/m2.
Installation of structures in “Stalinka” buildings – 2200-3000 rubles/m2.
Creating a box for wooden houses - 1250-1550 rubles/p.m.
Low tides - 950-1100 rub./rm.
Window sills – 720-910 rub./rm
Finishing slopes from the inside - 820-1100 rub./rm.
Wooden slopes – 1250-1520 rub./running meter.
External slopes – 610-750 rub./l.m.
Cleaning the place of work, including garbage removal – from 1200 RUR/1 piece.

Many companies offer discounts on a number of their services in order to attract customers. You can save money if you dismantle and prepare the surfaces yourself and clean up construction waste.