I have had a very simple window in my office space for years and decided it was time to dress it up.  I am converting this old office into a pantry and this is my second step in the process.  My first project was to add Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper to spice up the wall.  You can see that super simple tutorial here. Next up will be the pantry shelving!

Once I finished the window treatment, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! I saw lots of ideas on Pinterest and decided upon the Craftsman Style with Fillet and Chasing Cap.  I wasn’t even sure what those words meant – but I was going for it.  I learned this from True Built Home here.

Go follow my Pinterest for ideas (my DIY Window Pinterest Board here).

Here are my before and after photos – it made such a difference.  I learned a lot from Liz Forez at LOVEGROWSWILD Blog.  Her post on a very similar window is so helpful.  Read that here.

Supplies Needed:

• 1×4, 1×6, 1×8 and 1×2 MDF boards per measurements of your window (more details to come in step one)
• Paint and Painting Supplies
• Painters Tape
• Caulk and Caulking Gun
• Spackling Paste and Sand Paper

Tools Needed:

• Level
• Stud Finder
• Measuring Tape
• Brad Nailer and Air Compressor
• Miter Saw

Step One – Measure Your Windows

You will measure the height and width of your windows.  1×4 boards will be on both sides of your window – exact height.  1×6 board will be your window sill and will extend 3 inches over on each side (width plus 6 inches).  The MDF 1×4, 1×2 and 1×8 boards will also extend over by 3 inches on each side.  I had a 1×8 wood board in the shed so I opted to use that.  At my Home Depot the MDF board was cheaper than the real wood.  Additionally, Home Depot will cut your boards for you!  Read all about it here.

Step Two – Gather Your Tools

I keep all my tools prepped on the window sill so I am ready to grab them.

Blesser House Blog has another blog post on how to install a similar window and she uses real wood and brad nails with a hammer – no nail gun! It’s a great option if you do not want to use a power tool.

Step Three – Find Your Studs

This is important because you want your boards securely in the wall.  I use my Zircon StudSensor and marked it with painters tape.

Step Four – Install Boards

First you want to make sure your boards are evenly spaced 3 inches overlap on each side.  Most blogs tell you to put the two side pieces on first.  I started with the top pieces first.  Either is fine.  Grab your brad nailer and your level – make sure it’s straight before nailing into the studs. I was alone so YES I picked up the nailer with my feet!

I added the 1×8 board first.  I made sure to leave 3/4 inch room to add my 1×2 underneath.

It is very important that your first piece is level.  Check and recheck! It will determine the rest of your placements.

Next I added the top 1×2 piece and the bottom 1×2 piece.

I added the window sill next, but this effected the length of my 1×4 boards on the sides of the window – they were too long.  I had to use my circular saw (or a jig saw) to cut the sill to fit the area.  So if you do not want to make another cut in the 1×4 boards, install them first.  Then measure the window sill to fit second.  You will basically measure and cut out a corner on each side of the 1×6 board. Install with nail gun.

Finally I added the two sides boards and the 1×4 board underneath the window sill.

Step Four – Caulk

You will want to use paintable caulk.  I always use a caulking gun because it’s hard for me to push the caulk out of the tube otherwise.  I apply and then use my finger to make it smooth.  They have tools for this but I like to use my finger instead.  Keep a rag that you can throw away or a baby wipe close to wipe your finger on.

I am not very good at caulking as you can see in the next photo.  It never works super well for me.   If you aren’t either, don’t worry!  You can paint over it.  Just make it as smooth as possible.

Farmboy taught me to place a screw into the top so the caulk will not dry inside it.  Works great for us!

Step Five – Spackling & Painting

If you are not using a primed MDF board you will need a coat of primer.  MDF just soaks up the paint otherwise.  Tape your area with painters tape and then add spackling paste to the small brad nail holes with a puddy knife.  Let dry and sand off.  Wipe off dust with a dry rag and you are ready to paint! I used 2 coats of Sherman Williams White to match my house.

Pulling off the tape is the best part in my opinion.  It means your are done!

This inexpensive project added so much to my new pantry and I love it.  Anyone can add this feature, it’s easier than you think!

Love,

Kelly