Do-it-yourself wooden carved window frames. How to make and install platbands on window openings yourself Carved platbands on windows with your own
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The platband is a decoration and functional part of a window on the facade of a building. This tradition has been going on for a long time and does not lose its relevance today. You can make beautiful window frames in wooden house on one's own. Moreover, many products are made not only from wood, but also from other materials. Creating such elements requires certain knowledge and skills, as well as suitable tools.
The extraordinary color and style make the carved platbands a real decoration of the building
Currently, the installation of platbands on windows in a wooden house is again in demand. The photos below allow you to see best examples. This element emphasizes the desire to revive traditional decor.
The advantages of this element include the following:
- performs decorative function and helps to visually expand or stretch the building;
- complements the overall style of the architectural solution;
- protecting the space between the window opening and the wall surface from moisture and dust;
- reduction of heat loss and noise levels;
- emphasizes the individuality of the building and the style of the era you like.
This design also has some disadvantages:
- wood requires certain treatment to prevent high humidity and swelling;
- the need for constant processing and regular care;
- not compatible with metal-plastic windows.
Helpful information! When combining wood with metal-plastic, they must be made in the same color scheme.
DIY carved window trim templates
There are various platbands for windows in a wooden house. Their varieties often depend on the method of attachment to the window.
Based on the type of fastener, two types can be distinguished:
- telescopic products have L-shaped protrusions that coincide with the grooves of the window frame;
- Overlays are installed on the window frame using construction adhesive or nails and screws.
The original solution is the installation of carved platbands. At the same time, on the Internet you can find a lot of templates for carved window frames. Such structures can be made with your own hands only with the help of special equipment.
You can consider the following types of materials to create such structures:
- wood is considered a traditional material;
- plastic models are resistant to temperature changes and ultraviolet rays;
- MDF is made from wood waste, therefore it is more environmentally friendly than plastic products;
- polyurethane varieties are characterized by practicality.
How to choose the right wood?
Wooden frames are popular. Wherein performance products depend on the type of wood chosen.
The following options are worth considering:
- Ash, beech and oak are hardwood varieties. They are durable, but difficult to cut patterns on;
- It is much easier to process soft hardwoods - linden, aspen and alder. You can even carve patterns on their surface by hand. Such surfaces must be carefully treated with special compounds;
- It is recommended to create small elements from cherry and apple trees that can be attached to the base;
- characterized by ease of processing and good operational properties pine and birch.
Helpful information! Different combinations of wood types can be used. In this case, special protective impregnations should be used.
Secrets of making templates for window frames with your own hands: stencils and design
You can find various window trim templates on the Internet. You can print stencils with your own hands. The chosen ornament must be combined with the overall style. However, you should not mix geometric and floral patterns.
When making platbands, it is worth considering the following points:
- wall color palette and decorative items must be combined;
- It is important to choose the right size. Products should not be too small or wide;
- need to be selected quality option coverings. In this case, special paints and varnishes are used;
- a template is required to create external carved elements.
Helpful information! The design must be placed correctly on the workpiece. The parts should be located along the grain of the wood.
Platbands for windows in a wooden house: stages of production
Before you start creating window decor, you can select carved frames for windows in a wooden house based on the photo. A template is first made, which must be the same for the design of all window openings.
There are two main ways to create patterns:
- applied thread is distinguished by individual pattern elements that are attached to one base;
- with slotted carving, a through ornament is created that looks like lace made of wood.
For any manufacturing method, they must be used. You will also need special tools: a hacksaw for wood, a set of knives and chisels, and a drill. Window trims are made in a wooden house from prepared materials. The product creation process includes several stages:
- accurate measurements are taken;
- The selected wood must be dry. The width of the boards depends on the dimensions of the window opening. The thickness of the material must be at least 30 mm when making slotted threads and at least 10 mm when making overhead threads;
- the resulting holes are rubbed with sanding paper;
- the prepared parts are attached to the base. In this case it is used adhesive composition or special nails.
Helpful information! When installing platbands, you cannot use self-tapping screws, as such fasteners cause cracking.
Installation features
The finished casing is mounted to the window opening in the following ways:
- installation on a blind tenon. Such parts are installed on the inside. Special holes are created in the frame for them. Glue is applied to the tenon and it is inserted into the groove. Such fasteners protect the platbands from dust and moisture;
- a through tenon is used. In this case, the joint must be carefully treated with varnish.
Similar techniques are used if the window is wooden. For installation on metal-plastic, special liquid glue is used.
What kind of care is needed?
Carved products are primed, varnished or painted. Such treatments are carried out every few years. This will extend the life of the products and also maintain their attractive appearance.If plastic or metal products are installed, they do not require special care. It is important to protect products from corrosion and occasionally renew the paint.
Making beautiful frames with thematic patterns with your own hands will allow you to decorate window openings in an original and unusual way and add a special twist to the intended architectural style.
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Hand-made window trims are a wonderful decoration for the facade of a house (ready-made stencils and templates will be given in the article below). They make the house unlike any other, visually changing its proportions.
Today, with certain skills, you can independently create elegant frames for windows in a wooden building. Moreover, they can be made not only from wood, but also from other materials.
When the owner decides to install platbands, he strives to arrange traditional decor in his possessions.
Platbands have the following advantages:
- Excellent decorative function. This visually enlarges the building.
- Complementing the overall style of the architectural design.
- The space between the window opening and the wall plane is protected from moisture and dust.
- Heat losses and noise levels are reduced.
- The individual features of the house and the style of the chosen era are highlighted.
Platbands also have some disadvantages:
- Wood needs certain treatment to prevent high humidity and deformation.
- Products require regular care and treatment.
- They do not harmonize with metal-plastic windows. In this case, the platbands are made in the same color scheme.
Create your own templates
Today there are many platbands. Their types are determined by the methods of their installation to the window. According to this criterion, there are two varieties:
- Telescopic. Their specifics: L-like protrusions that coincide with the grooves of the window frame.
- Invoices. Installation takes place on the window frame. Fasteners - construction glue or nails with screws.
An elegant solution is the installation of carved products. It is possible to independently implement such plans only if you have special equipment.
Popular materials
- The most common material for platbands is wood. Products made from it have an elegant and harmonious appearance.
- Plastic versions are also often used. They are characterized by strong resistance to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. Plastic options are sold ready-made.
- Another popular material- this is MDF. It is prepared from wood waste. It is more environmentally friendly than plastic. In addition, products made from it have a look reminiscent of natural wood.
- Polyurethane. Variations from it are highly practical. Facade stucco molding is often made from this material.
The nuances of choosing the right wood
As already noted, wood is the most popular material for platbands. And the performance characteristics of wooden platbands depend on the type of wood used.
Here we usually pay attention to such options.
- Hard deciduous. These varieties include ash, oak and beech. They are very durable. But it is quite problematic to create patterns on them.
- Soft deciduous. These are: linden, aspen and alder. They are easier to process. Patterns are even created on their surface by hand. And such surfaces are thoroughly treated with special means.
- Cherry and apple tree. They are optimal for creating small components that can be attached to the base.
- Pine and birch. They are also easy to handle. And they have excellent working qualities.
- Various combinations of wood types. The use of special protective compounds for powerful impregnation here is mandatory.
Using wood High Quality it turns out beautiful original design window opening.
The nuances of creating templates on your own
The basis of the work comes down to creating stencils and design.
Printing stencils on your own is something that everyone can do. It is important to achieve a combination of the chosen ornament with the entire style. Mixing geometric and floral patterns is not allowed.
When working on platbands, the following subtleties are taken into account:
- There should be harmony in the color palette of the walls and decorative elements.
- It is imperative that the appropriate parameter is selected correctly. The platbands should not be very wide or small.
- A high-quality version of the coating is selected. Special paints and varnishes are used.
- A template is required for making external carved components.
- The pattern is correctly positioned on the workpiece. The details follow along the wood grain.
When you manage to achieve color combination platbands and the plane of the walls, a complete and harmonious facade is obtained.
Manufacturing stages
Before creating window decor, carved frames are selected from photographs. You need to make a template in advance. It should turn out to be the same for the design work of all openings.
The following methods for creating patterns are usually used:
- Overlay thread. It has separate pattern elements. They are attached to the same base.
Installation of overhead components should be on the base in compliance with the template pattern.
- Slotted thread. Here they make a through ornament. It looks like wood lace.
For all working methods, the presence of stencils is mandatory. This is what they look like:
Also in your work you must have the following tools:
- Jigsaw.
- Hacksaw (oriented for wood).
- Knives and chisels.
- Drill.
- Milling technology
Platbands must be created from prepared materials. The working stages are:
- Meticulous measurements are taken.
- The selected tree must be dry. If it is wet or humid, then it must be brought to dry conditions. The width of the boards is determined by the parameters of the window opening. The thickness of the material reaches at least 3 cm if a slotted thread is made, and at least 1 cm when an overhead thread is made.
All workpieces are pre-treated with a protective compound. They are cut using templates. And the cutting of ornaments is done using a jigsaw. It is better to use different types of files for this tool.
Working with an electric jigsaw requires certain skills and special care. The created holes must be filled. An excellent tool for this is sandpaper. After powerful grinding, the part is treated with special impregnation.
Next, all prepared parts are installed on the base. Here you need to use glue or special nails. In such work, it is better to avoid using self-tapping screws. They will cause the products to crack.
Installation specifics
The created platband can be attached to the desired position using the following methods:
- On a dull thorn. Installation of such parts is carried out on the inside. Special holes should be made in the frame for them. Glue is applied to the spike and distributed evenly. The tenon is inserted into the groove. This fastening protects the platbands from dust and moisture.
- Using a through tenon. The joint area here is thoroughly treated with varnish.
These methods are justified when working with a wooden window. To attach to metal-plastic, a special powerful liquid glue is used.
Required care
The installed platbands require constant attention and care. For processing, special preparations are used - powerful impregnations. They create high-quality protection against:
- wood pests;
- appearance of cracks;
- sudden fire.
Carved versions must be coated with a primer, then varnish or paint. The intensity of such treatments is once every 3-5 years. In this way, the service life of the products will be seriously extended, and at the same time their attractive appearance will be preserved.
When installing plastic or metal products, no special care is required. It is necessary to provide high-quality protection against corrosion for products. Periodic paint updates are also required.
Thus, it is very possible to independently make platbands of extraordinary beauty with elegant patterns. Some carpentry, carpentry and tool handling skills are required. So you are very original method decorate window openings and add an elegant twist to the chosen architectural style.
Do-it-yourself window trim templates, stencils: drawings, sketches and drawings for cutting, photo gallery, manufacturing instructions
Hand-made window trims are a wonderful decoration for the facade of a house (ready-made stencils and templates will be given in the article). They make the house unlike any other, visually changing its proportions.
Carved window frames: templates, photos
Old Russian architecture is invariably associated with carved window frames. This form of house design is distinguished by its diversity of species. Just a few decades ago, each region had craftsmen with their own style of creating decorative elements. Today's return to origins is accompanied by a revival of interest in window decoration using carved frames.
Framing purpose
The word “platband” itself speaks of its location – “on the face”, that is, one of its functions is to decorate the facade of the building. Therefore, people tried to express their individuality through it and decorate their windows with carved frames. In addition to their decorative role, window casings, first of all, perform a constructive function, closing the gap between the frame and the opening. This prevents dust from entering the house, protects against precipitation, drafts and extraneous sounds.
In the old days, carved platbands were also attributed magical properties. It was believed that framing a window with a certain shape of a strip protects against the evil eye and serves as a kind of amulet. Therefore, in the bizarre patterns one could see various figures and plants carrying a specific meaning.
IN modern architecture The functional purpose of window frames is as follows:
- Properly selected carved design allows you to visually elongate a low building or expand a narrow wall.
- The opportunity to show individuality and decorate the building in accordance with the spirit of a certain era.
- Allows you to achieve a unified architectural ensemble between all buildings on the site.
- Protection of cracks from penetration of external negative factors (precipitation, noise, dust).
- It is one of the elements of thermal protection of the house.
Carved finishes, especially those made of wood, have a number of features that should be taken into account during operation:
- Dependence on the influence of atmospheric factors. Moisture and temperature changes invariably cause damage to decoration.
- When selecting a frame, you should take into account the properties of the rock from which the frames are made and take care of high-quality processing. Timely preventive measures extend the service life of window products.
- Difficulties often arise when combining wooden carved elements with modern plastic frames. With this combination, it is preferable to install windows that imitate wood texture.
The meaning of carved elements
The desire to comply with ancient traditions requires knowledge about the meaning of the various elements of carved frames:
- The sun is usually placed on a kokoshnik. It symbolizes life and energy.
- The personification of wisdom and fertility is contained in the image of a snake.
- A symbol of harmony between spiritual and material aspirations is a cross in a carved frame.
- The feeling of unity with nature is emphasized through vegetation.
- The earrings testify to the hospitality of the owners of the house.
- The connecting element of all times is the silhouette of a bird on the window.
Characteristics of materials and forms
Natural and artificial materials are used to produce window frames. Traditionally, carved elements were made from weather-resistant wood. Characteristics of the properties of individual rocks will help determine the most suitable type:
- Larch is minimally susceptible to rotting processes, but is not suitable for the production of carved frames due to its fragility.
- Aspen, alder and linden are the most convenient species for creating openwork decor on windows. However, the pliable and soft wood of carved frames needs special treatment due to its ability to absorb moisture well.
- Window frames made of oak, ash or beech are characterized by resistance to negative atmospheric influences, but the processing of carved elements is burdened with difficulties, overcoming which you will get a durable decor.
- A good choice would be birch or pine wood, which allows you to create neat carved decor. At the same time, the platbands are strong enough for external use.
- Small carved window decorations that are fixed to the main elements can be made from cherry or apple trees.
What other materials are used in the production of window trims and what their features are, we will consider below:
- Laminated MDF allows you to accurately imitate the color of any type of wood, but is intended exclusively for indoor use.
- Plastic windows are harmoniously combined with platbands made of a similar material (PVC), which is not subject to rotting and has a wide color palette that is resistant to solar radiation. The color of the trim is selected taking into account the finishing of the house to match or contrast with the facade.
- For round windows, polyurethane products are ideal, as they are lightweight and easy to maintain.
- Metal strips are attached to protect the assembly seam, connecting them into a single unit with the profile box.
There are two main ways to install platbands:
- The invoice is the most common method when decorating windows. For fixation, special glue or nails are used.
- The telescopic method involves an L-shaped form of manufacturing the platband, which allows you to secure the product by entering into the grooves of the box. Most often used for finishing doorways. His characteristic difference– no traces of fasteners.
Patterns and types of threads
The carved shapes of the platbands give the window individuality, but to make them, you will definitely need templates. Having wood carving skills allows you to choose a complex ornament. If the ability to work with wood is not enough, it is better to find a light pattern for window trim. We suggest studying:
- variants of single element templates and their general appearance;
- top, bottom and side decoration details.
You can copy them completely or add your own details to the pattern. The carved frame design you like or a fragment of it needs to be enlarged to a scale taking into account the size of your window. To make carved templates, fiberboard, thick cardboard or paper are used. It is advisable to decorate windows with platbands with the same carvings. Please note that making small carved elements is much more difficult, and they deteriorate faster than others. In this case, partial replacement of the frame will be required.
The upper part of the window casing is called a kokoshnik, the lower part is called a towel. The most widespread ornaments of carved frames are the contours of plants, images of animals and geometric shapes.
The key details of the drawing for any window casing are:
- bottom strip or window sill;
- vertical rail;
- top bar.
The pattern can also contain all kinds of hangers, flowerpots or a tiara. Detailed description The names of carved decorative elements are presented in the diagram below:
If your windows have different sizes, experts advise making a drawing with an intermediate repeat repeating required amount once. For rapport, you can choose one or two elements that are repeated alternately. An example of such a scheme is shown in the photo below:
There are several ways to make carved wooden frames for windows:
- Carved platbands are characterized by the greatest decorativeness and delicacy. The product is made of light-colored wood or is subsequently coated with white paint. This window design is more dark wall looks sophisticated and elegant, vaguely reminiscent of Vologda lace.
- With overlay carving, separately cut parts are fixed to a continuous board by gluing or nailing. This technique allows you to design a window with a simple platband. Protruding elements are often coated with contrasting paint.
Sometimes both types of carving are combined.
Manufacturing process
Having decided on the pattern, material, type of carving and method of fastening the trim, you can proceed directly to the manufacture of carved frames for the windows.
It is better to mark the places in the pattern where slits need to be made with color. The work on making platbands consists of the following stages:
- Taking measurements from the window.
- For slotted carving, boards with a minimum thickness of 30 mm are selected; the overhead method allows the use of wood with a thickness of 10 mm. All work is carried out with dry lumber.
- Blanks are cut out.
- To ensure a tight fit of the carved frame from the inside, the wood is selected to a shallow depth (1-2 mm).
- The pattern applied using the template is cut out. Drills are used to form holes various diameters, a jigsaw will be needed to make the cuts. To create a beautiful cut, the jigsaw insertion point is marked with a drilled hole.
- All carved elements of the window casing are cleaned with sanding paper. Wood dust is removed from non-through holes using a vacuum cleaner.
The applied thread provides for fastening ready-made elements to a wide frame on nails with heads removed. The strength of the connection will be strengthened by applying glue to the underside of the casing. It is not recommended to use self-tapping screws due to the risk of damaging the carved section of the connection.
Carved platbands are installed on wooden windows using blind or through tenons. The first option is distinguished by a reliable connection and a complex installation process. The second method is simpler, but less reliable. Installation of carved elements on a plastic window is carried out using liquid nails.
Preliminary protective treatment carved platbands and regular preventive care will ensure long-term preservation of attractive appearance window.
Carved window frames
Carved window frames: templates, photos Old Russian architecture is invariably associated with carved window frames. This form of house design is distinguished by its diversity of species. More
Stencils for window trim. How to make carved platbands?
Window trims, despite their simplicity, have great importance in the decorative design of the facade of the house. They not only create a neat look and add an element of individuality to the structure, but also perform the more prosaic task of eliminating the gap between the wall and the window frame. In addition, the platbands must withstand the influence of weather factors without losing their qualities.
The function of window trim and a little history
The architrave was first mentioned as an element of the house back in the 15th century. Nowadays, platbands have somewhat lost their relevance, but their function is still unchanged, regardless of the material of the building and its decoration. Due to design features windows of high-rise buildings and in cases where glazing is used, their presence is inappropriate.
Platbands appeared many years ago
Simplified, the casing is wooden frame, having a width of 30-40 mm, which frames the window.
The aesthetic function of this part is important, but the main task is to bridge the gap between the window frame and the wall, which increases thermal insulation and protects against the penetration of dust and moisture from the external atmosphere, and also reduces noise levels. In some cases, if there are shutters, they act as a frame.
Types and types of platbands for windows
Their form can be:
Flat-shaped platbands are characterized by ease of production and low cost. Convex platbands are made using special machines and, in connection with this, the price of products increases significantly. Carved platbands have great aesthetic value and significant cost.
Platbands are classified according to the installation method:
- telescopic. They have special projections that fit into the corresponding cavities of the box;
- invoices.
An important factor when choosing the profile of this window element is the slope, which is performed at the top of the casing. Its purpose is to remove sediment.
Modern materials and requirements for house elements have determined the trends in homeowners' requests. The leaders in popularity are carved platbands made of plastic.
Requirements for platband material
In addition to high aesthetic qualities, the platband must meet practical requirements. Its important qualities are its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and high humidity. In addition, the material must withstand wind loads.
It is important that the material has sufficient strength and is not subject to chipping and cracking. The use of MDF or plywood is out of the question. The properties of these materials are such that they are able to absorb moisture, are prone to cracking, and the paint on them peels off over time. All this is a sign of the fragility of products made from these materials.
In this regard, MDF as a platband material can only be used inside a home. The manufacturability of the material determines its simplicity and relatively low cost. In addition, it does not take much time to receive ready-made platbands. Such platbands on the facade will require constant care and additional processing.
Our ancestors have been making frames from wood for many centuries. Oak and beech are the most common types of wood used for this. Pine and birch have found less use for the production of platbands. Wood tends to absorb moisture, so to increase the service life of the product and its appearance, it is necessary to use protective coatings. In addition, over time, wood tends to darken, so restoration of the original shade of the material is required.
When using gypsum as a decorative facade element, they also face the problem of interaction of the material with moisture. When water that penetrates inside the plaster freezes and thaws during temperature fluctuations, such architectural details are destroyed.
There are certain requirements for materials
The use of glass fiber reinforced concrete and polymer concrete makes it possible to avoid the negative effects of temperature and moisture. Their use is limited by the significant mass of products. In some cases, when installing such platbands, the increased load on the wall is taken into account and made more powerful.
Polyurethane compares favorably with other platband materials. This is due to the fact that its use does not allow the problems described above, and its characteristics make it possible to create additional thermal insulation. In addition, its weight is comparable to the weight of wood, which facilitates the installation of these facade parts.
How to make stencils for window trim?
Wood selection
Wood for the production of platbands can be used in various options. This may be certain types of it, a combination of rocks by gluing or other connection.
Simple and shaped stencils for window frames are best made from pine.
The production of carved platbands requires that the material be soft. Linden has this quality. The requirements for the material are determined by manual processing of wood.
The choice of wood must be done carefully
Climatic conditions associated with high humidity or significant dryness, as well as significant temperature fluctuations during the day, determine the use of wood with a dense and hard structure. These include oak and birch. Manual processing is difficult, so the use of milling machines is necessary. Such products have a long service life.
Required Tools
Before solving the problem of how to make carved platbands, you need to decide on the tool used for this work. The main tools for this are knives and chisels, various in shape and size.
Tools for work
For independent production of platbands, manual milling devices, jigsaws, and drills are used. A jigsaw is practically indispensable when performing such work, since with its help you can create almost any pattern. In some cases it can be used homemade device, which includes a step-down transformer and nichrome wire.
In addition, you may need to make a tool for filing corners. To make such a device, it is necessary to fasten two wooden slats between three hacksaw blades with a small tooth. When using this device, the spikes are filed with one blade, and the eyes of the product with the other.
How to choose patterns for the platband?
Using the slotted carving technique suggests that aspen, alder, linden or coniferous species. The thickness of the board should be in the range from 5 to 50 mm. It is necessary that the selected pattern for the platband be clearly distinguished from a distance, and act as a single whole of the architectural ensemble. Therefore, it is not advisable to create an image with a large number of small elements.
Platband options
For a long time, at the top of the casing there has been a kokoshnik with the image of the Sun. If desired, the top of the casing can be extended using tenons as a connection. Towels - this is the name given to the bottom of the platband. The design must include a drainage slope. The bottom strip should be 10 mm thick larger size plank located at the top of the plank. It is important to maintain the unity of style of both parts.
To avoid cracks in the threads, parts should be placed along the grain of the wood. As a rule, ends and openwork bends, which are thin, have significant fragility.
Structural diagrams
The simplest cut can be made by drilling a round hole using a drill. That is why it is advisable to choose a pattern with a predominance of round holes. In most cases, the ornament is made up of repeating elements, each of which is made up of holes and cutouts that have a more complex configuration.
Window trim drawings contain the following elements:
- bottom bar or profiled belt;
- vertical slats or frame;
- top bar.
Part names
To obtain a stencil, you need to stretch the pattern along its length. For this purpose, a life-size image is applied to paper. Places that suggest the presence of slits should be highlighted in color. Then, the resulting drawing is pasted onto the workpiece. Using a drill, drill holes of the appropriate diameter. If it is necessary to work with a jigsaw, make small holes where necessary.
Manufacturing window trims
The direction of opening the window must be taken into account. In the case when it opens outward, the platband should be installed at a distance of 30 mm from the window sashes. In addition, the platbands should not become an obstacle to plowing window frame. Other parameters depend on the geometric dimensions of the windows.
On initial stage for the production of platbands, it is necessary to plan a dry board, the dimensions of which are within the range: thickness up to 30 mm and width 75-150 mm. In this case, the width of the platbands should exceed the corresponding size of the window frame by 25-50 mm. For a better fit of the platbands to the wall surface, select a groove or make a gap of no more than 2 mm so that it is at a distance of 10-15 mm from the edge.
When working with a power tool, you should not make excessive efforts, as if helping it. This may lead to its failure. If you encounter difficulties cutting wood, you should pay attention to sharpening the blade. It is recommended to make long cuts using a wide blade.
How to make fastening of carved platbands
Fastening of platband parts is carried out using blind or through tenons. Moreover, it is believed that the use of the first of them is preferable, since there is no need to decorate the places where the connection occurs.
The grooves for the tenons are made by drilling several holes, the depth of which is slightly greater than the tenon. Removing the partitions between the holes is done with a drill designed for metal. The entry of the spike should be tight, however, without the use of force.
The spikes are secured with dowels made of hard wood. It is not advisable to use glue. This is due to the fact that adhesives are not able to work for a long time under the influence of an aggressive atmospheric environment.
Installation of platbands: features
Installation of platbands is carried out without the use of glue using nails. They are driven in at intervals of 400-500 mm so that the head is recessed into the wood. Most often, the platbands are attached tightly to the box. In some cases, an indentation of 5-20 mm is made on the side, which depends on the direction of opening of the valves.
Platband drawing
The window sill board at the window opening and the platband are installed closely. This design allows you to install bedside tables that protect the lower part of the platbands.
Upon completion of installation work, it is imperative to carry out protective treatment of the platbands. You should also apply paint or varnish, which needs to be renewed from time to time.
Stencils for window frames
Stencils for window trim. How to make carved platbands? Window trims, despite their simplicity, are of great importance in the decorative design of the facade of a house. They not only create
Do-it-yourself wooden carved window frames
For log buildings, carved platbands simply beg for decoration window openings. Their self-production- not at all a whim or an attempt to save money, because really good craftsmen There are very few wood carvings nowadays.
Minimum required tools
The manufacture of platbands, in contrast to artistic wood carving, involves repeated execution of the same type of operations, resulting in a rather primitive repeating pattern. Therefore, most of the work is done electric tool: this not only increases the processing speed, but also achieves uniform quality in different areas.
1 - jigsaw; 2 - drill; 3 - belt sander; 4 - vibration grinder; 5 - manual router
The main work is done with a jigsaw and drill. The tool must be reliable and of high quality, capable of being in continuous use for a long time. To clean and polish products, it is better to use an electric grinder, at least a simple belt grinder. Quick finishing of the relief is possible using vibration-type machines.
If you intend to add additional small details to the edges of your product, you cannot do without a router. Slopes, chamfers and figured borders can also be done manually, but only if you have a variety of chisels, cutters and specific skills in working with wood.
Set of wood cutters
How to choose wood
Hardwood species are best suited for platbands: oak, birch, ash, maple, alder. Because the thickness finished product relatively small (30–45 mm), hard rocks will be less susceptible to rotting and drying out, and therefore will retain their appearance longer.
If you plan to decorate carved frames with flat-relief elements with many small details, you should give preference to softer species with a fine texture pattern. Linden, poplar, aspen, walnut and spruce are suitable.
The wood for platbands must be selected and, preferably, chamber dried, with a moisture content not exceeding 12%. The presence of traces of warping or other pronounced defects or large branches is not allowed. Ideally, you should immediately order calibrated boards with a width of 100–150 mm and a thickness of 30–40 mm.
The length of the blanks should be sufficient to completely cover the window opening horizontally and vertically with an overlap in each direction of 1.5 times the width of the board. It is important that you initially calculate the number of required blanks and, in addition to them, purchase several more boards of the cheapest species for training and practicing carving skills.
Making templates and stencils
Almost any wood carving begins with applying a design to the workpiece according to a pre-made template or stencil. There are plenty of thread diagrams on the Internet; the main difficulty comes down to transferring the lines onto the part exactly and without distortion. Let us warn you right away: do not chase the high complexity of the drawing. A set of even the most primitive elements in correct sequence and with well-chosen indents it impresses with its modesty and quality of processing.
Templates for the upper and lower trim strips for the window
Example of a platband ornament template
The first option for applying markings is to make a small pattern from plastic or hard sheet material, on which a single element of a repeating pattern is applied. Such a template is sequentially applied to the workpiece and outlined with a pencil.
It is also possible to produce a one-piece template. You need to take a strip of paper of the appropriate width, fold it like an accordion several times, and then cut out the pattern according to the principle of a Christmas tree garland. The resulting tape must be glued onto cardboard or LMDF, and then cut out the desired shapes. This method is welcome for a significant amount of work.
The resulting stencil is subsequently simply applied to the board and outlined with a soft pencil. Ideally, rich but precise cutting lines and boundaries for further processing should remain. When marking out the details, you need to take into account the layout of the pattern so that the platbands form a solid and complete outline, and the repeating pattern is not interrupted inappropriately.
Sampling through holes
The first step is to trim the edges of the workpiece and make holes in the center. Everything is simple with the edges: we cut out the excess with a jigsaw, retreating 1–1.5 mm outward from the marking line for subsequent processing. To cut out shapes in the center of the plane, drill the part at the very line of each cutout, then select the inner contour with a jigsaw.
For the manufacture of large holes It is wise to use core drills. In this case, it is necessary to mark on the template not the contours, but the centers of the circles into which the centering drill bit of the crown will be installed. A similar technique can also be used when making oval holes or elements with small rounding radii: a complex bend is drilled with the appropriate radius, and everything else is cut out with a jigsaw.
When the excess parts of the workpiece are cut out, the cut edges must be carefully processed with a rasp, and then sandpaper. It is recommended to use bars of square, round and rounded profiles, which are filled with sandpaper. This way you'll be less likely to fray the edges and will be able to get straight corners on each edge.
Rectangular ribs look rather rough, so they are smoothed with chamfers and slopes of different profiles. The easiest way to diversify the product is to go along the external and internal contours of the casing with a figured cutter. But manual processing options are also possible:
- to remove a chamfer, walk along straight edges with chips, keeping the angle of inclination of the handle to the part constant;
- a semicircular convex bevel can also be made with chips, changing the inclination of the blade, or use a concave cutter for this;
- a concave semicircular joint is made with a chisel or cutter with a rounded edge. Such elements must be cut out in stages, removing small chips layer by layer and carefully controlling the depth of the tool and the tilt of the handle;
- if the descent has a profile of a complex shape with several convex, concave and straight elements, this profile is divided into several stages and cut in a strict sequence, starting from the widest outer part and ending with the deepest and shallowest tier.
Blind carving: applying relief
Once you're done with the shaping, it's a good idea to vary the remaining flat elements with simple designs or floral patterns. Here are the simplest working methods:
- A groove (branch, groove) is made with a narrow chisel or cutter with a square, triangular or concave blade shape. The carving is carried out strictly along the line, the relief is selected with small shavings and then polished.
- The leaf has several small grooves imitating veins, trimmed with a disc knife. From the center between the veins to each of them, small notches are made with a semicircular chisel, imitating the body of the leaf, then the outer contour is drawn with a thin cutter.
- The flat areas adjacent to the descent can be diversified with blind carvings of small ornaments. For example, cut two furrows from the edge, forming a triangle with it, and punch an asterisk in the center.
Wood processing and installation of platbands
Due to the carved elements, the wooden product has big shape surface, due to which it is more susceptible to aging. Therefore, the wood should be specially treated.
First of all, carvings To place it on the facade, it should be soaked in an antiseptic composition for 5–8 hours, for which you can dig a small trench in the ground and put a plastic film there for temporary arrangement of the bath. After soaking, the parts are dried for several days, stacked with pads every 30–40 cm.
When the wood has dried, it must be thoroughly sanded, achieving smoothness and finally eliminating all traces of sawing and carving. The protective composition is selected in accordance with the type of facade finishing, it can be either alkyd enamel, and polyurethane varnish, tinted or transparent.
Finally, for correct installation platbands, the window opening should be framed with a flat lath 10–15 mm thick and such a width that its outer edge is not visible through the carved pattern along the contour of the platband. The purpose of this strip is to eliminate the remaining unevenness of the wall and provide a reliable base for securing the carved element. Often this strip is painted in a color that contrasts with the coating of the casing itself to make the pattern more expressive.
Platbands can be attached with straight or oblique cutting, which depends on the type and density of the pattern. Oblique trimming is performed with a cut on each side at 45°, while the cutting line should pass through identical sections of the pattern and not intersect the figures cut out inside.
With direct trimming, a horizontal element is located between two vertical ones. Their top edge should be 1–2 cm above the crossbar if the cut end is straight. It is also possible to produce on the edge of the thread according to general scheme, if during the manufacturing process you carry out fitting and precise adjustment of the platbands. The fastening of the platbands itself is elementary - ordinary rough nails without a head are used for it. It is only important that the nail pierces the platband and the strip, protruding at least 5 mm from the inside.
Do-it-yourself wooden carved window frames
For log buildings, carved platbands simply beg to be used to decorate window openings. Making them yourself is not at all a whim or an attempt to save money, because they are really good
Old Russian architecture is invariably associated with carved window frames. This form of house design is distinguished by its diversity of species. Just a few decades ago, each region had craftsmen with their own style of creating decorative elements. Today's return to origins is accompanied by a revival of interest in window decoration using carved frames.
Framing purpose
The word “platband” itself speaks of its location - “on the face”, that is, one of its functions is to decorate the facade of the building. Therefore, people tried to express their individuality through it and decorate their windows with carved frames. In addition to their decorative role, window casings, first of all, perform a constructive function, closing the gap between the frame and the opening. This prevents dust from entering the house, protects against precipitation, drafts and extraneous sounds.
In the old days, magical properties were also attributed to carved frames. It was believed that framing a window with a certain shape of a strip protects against the evil eye and serves as a kind of amulet. Therefore, in the bizarre patterns one could see various figures and plants carrying a specific meaning.
In modern architecture, the functional purpose of window frames is as follows:
- Properly selected carved design allows you to visually elongate a low building or expand a narrow wall.
- The opportunity to show individuality and decorate the building in accordance with the spirit of a certain era.
- Allows you to achieve a unified architectural ensemble between all buildings on the site.
- Protection of cracks from penetration of external negative factors (precipitation, noise, dust).
- It is one of the elements of thermal protection of the house.
Note! Sometimes platbands are the only option for framing a window. This mainly applies to wooden log houses, when the use of other materials is unacceptable due to the loss of a harmonious appearance.
Carved finishes, especially those made of wood, have a number of features that should be taken into account during operation:
- Dependence on the influence of atmospheric factors. Moisture and temperature changes invariably cause damage to decoration.
- When selecting a frame, you should take into account the properties of the rock from which the frames are made and take care of high-quality processing. Timely preventive measures extend the service life of window products.
- Difficulties often arise when combining wooden carved elements with modern plastic frames. With this combination, it is preferable to install windows that imitate wood texture.
The meaning of carved elements
The desire to comply with ancient traditions requires knowledge about the meaning of the various elements of carved frames:
- The sun is usually placed on a kokoshnik. It symbolizes life and energy.
- The personification of wisdom and fertility is contained in the image of a snake.
- A symbol of harmony between spiritual and material aspirations is a cross in a carved frame.
- The feeling of unity with nature is emphasized through vegetation.
- The earrings testify to the hospitality of the owners of the house.
- The connecting element of all times is the silhouette of a bird on the window.
Characteristics of materials and forms
Natural and artificial materials are used to produce window frames. Traditionally, carved elements were made from weather-resistant wood. Characteristics of the properties of individual rocks will help determine the most suitable type:
- Larch is minimally susceptible to rotting processes, but is not suitable for the production of carved frames due to its fragility.
- Aspen, alder and linden are the most convenient species for creating openwork decor on windows. However, the pliable and soft wood of carved frames requires special treatment due to its ability to absorb moisture well.
- Window frames made of oak, ash or beech are characterized by resistance to negative atmospheric influences, but the processing of carved elements is burdened with difficulties, overcoming which you will get a durable decor.
- A good choice would be birch or pine wood, which allows you to create neat carved decor. At the same time, the platbands are strong enough for external use.
- Small carved window decorations that are fixed to the main elements can be made from cherry or apple trees.
Advice ! Regularly updating the coating of wooden frames with waterproof paint or varnish will ensure their long service life.
What other materials are used in the production of window trims and what their features are, we will consider below:
- Laminated MDF allows you to accurately imitate the color of any type of wood, but is intended exclusively for indoor use.
- Plastic windows are harmoniously combined with platbands made of a similar material (PVC), which is not subject to rotting and has a wide color palette that is resistant to solar radiation. The color of the trim is selected taking into account the finishing of the house to match or contrast with the facade.
- For round windows, polyurethane products are ideal, as they are lightweight and easy to maintain.
- Metal strips are attached to protect the assembly seam, connecting them into a single unit with the profile box.
There are two main ways to install platbands:
- The invoice is the most common method when decorating windows. For fixation, special glue or nails are used.
- The telescopic method involves an L-shaped form of manufacturing the platband, which allows you to secure the product by entering into the grooves of the box. Most often used for finishing doorways. Its characteristic difference is the absence of traces of fasteners.
Patterns and types of threads
The carved shapes of the platbands give the window individuality, but to make them, you will definitely need templates. Having wood carving skills allows you to choose a complex ornament. If the ability to work with wood is not enough, it is better to find a light pattern for window trim. We suggest studying:
- variants of single element templates and their general appearance;
- top, bottom and side decoration details.
You can copy them completely or add your own details to the pattern. The carved frame design you like or a fragment of it needs to be enlarged to a scale taking into account the size of your window. To make carved templates, fiberboard, thick cardboard or paper are used. It is advisable to decorate windows with platbands with the same carvings. Please note that making small carved elements is much more difficult, and they deteriorate faster than others. In this case, partial replacement of the frame will be required.
Warning ! Be sure to take into account the slope at the top of the carved platband. This will prevent snow accumulation and ensure timely drainage of water.
The upper part of the window casing is called a kokoshnik, the lower part is called a towel. The most widespread ornaments of carved frames are the contours of plants, images of animals and geometric shapes.
The key details of the drawing for any window casing are:
- bottom strip or window sill;
- vertical rail;
- top bar.
The pattern can also contain all kinds of hangers, flowerpots or a tiara. A detailed description of the names of carved decorative elements is presented in the diagram below:
If your windows have different sizes, experts advise making a drawing with an intermediate repeat repeating the required number of times. For rapport, you can choose one or two elements that are repeated alternately. An example of such a scheme is shown in the photo below:
There are several ways to make carved wooden frames for windows:
- Carved platbands are characterized by the greatest decorativeness and delicacy. The product is made of light-colored wood or is subsequently coated with white paint. This window design on a darker wall looks sophisticated and elegant, vaguely reminiscent of Vologda lace.
- With overlay carving, separately cut parts are fixed to a continuous board by gluing or nailing. This technique allows you to design a window with a simple platband. Protruding elements are often coated with contrasting paint.
Sometimes both types of carving are combined.
Manufacturing process
Having decided on the pattern, material, type of carving and method of fastening the trim, you can proceed directly to the manufacture of carved frames for the windows.
Important ! The design on the workpiece needs to be placed correctly. The placement of elements along the fibers of wooden blanks will prevent cracking of the thread.
It is better to mark the places in the pattern where slits need to be made with color. The work on making platbands consists of the following stages:
- Taking measurements from the window.
- For slotted carving, boards with a minimum thickness of 30 mm are selected; the overhead method allows the use of wood with a thickness of 10 mm. All work is carried out with dry lumber.
- Blanks are cut out.
- To ensure a tight fit of the carved frame from the inside, the wood is selected to a shallow depth (1-2 mm).
- The pattern applied using the template is cut out. Drills of various diameters are used to form holes; a jigsaw will be needed to make the slots. To create a beautiful cut, the jigsaw insertion point is marked with a drilled hole.
- All carved elements of the window casing are cleaned with sanding paper. Wood dust is removed from non-through holes using a vacuum cleaner.
Overlay thread involves fastening finished elements to a wide casing using nails with their heads removed. The strength of the connection will be strengthened by applying glue to the underside of the casing. It is not recommended to use self-tapping screws due to the risk of damaging the carved section of the connection.
Carved platbands are installed on wooden windows using blind or through tenons. The first option is distinguished by a reliable connection and a complex installation process. The second method is simpler, but less reliable. Installation of carved elements on a plastic window is carried out using liquid nails.
Preliminary protective treatment of carved frames and regular preventive maintenance will ensure long-term preservation of the attractive appearance of the window.
Beautiful things are the weakness of every person, and if they are made with your own hands, pride in yourself overwhelms your feelings. Wood carving can be classified as such creativity. How original and unique your house looks with carved platbands, where the owner put a piece of his soul into the work.
What is a platband? It has the appearance of a decorative overlay and is mounted on the outside of the window and is a decoration where a decorative technique is used.
It can be:
- Plants that demonstrate unity with nature.
- The sun located on the kokoshnik, personifying energy and life.
- Earrings indicating the hospitality of the owner of the house.
- A cross symbolizing harmony between the spiritual and material world.
- A bird that speaks of the union of all times.
- A snake representing fertility and wisdom.
- Wings confirming strength and power.
Platbands vary in style, material, and shape. They are the completion of construction, where the individuality and style of the home are emphasized. And at the same time, they perfectly mask all the imperfections of the opening (cracks).
Application area
Widespread use of framing around various openings has found itself in doors and windows. The location of the planks can be either on the outside of the street or inside the room.
Basically, the same type of platbands are installed, but the threads may differ. And at the same time maintaining the general theme. For example, in a children's room, the bar will have a bunny. Flowers are carved around it. Then the teddy bear in the kitchen should also be framed with the same flowers.
Now the brand is considered to be plastic double-glazed windows. Some people manage to put a wooden plank on them. In this case, you need to paint it in White color or choose a double-glazed window made of wood.
The strips around the window opening perform several functions:
- They unite all the buildings in the yard into a single style.
- Reduce heat loss.
- Protect from dust and litter, moisture, draft.
- Increases sound insulation.
- I emphasize the uniqueness of the residential building.
- An opportunity to express the traditions of a region, family, country.
- The ability to visually stretch and expand the house.
- They add completeness to the construction.
- Cover the assembly seams.
In the days of our ancestors, house owners firmly believed that window trims were not only beautiful and original look, but also provided protection from the evil eye and evil spirits. Therefore, we paid close attention to their production and tried to make them only in a unique form.
Kinds
![](https://i0.wp.com/househill.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/vidi-nalichnikov.jpg)
If we consider the platbands by material, they can be from:
- wood;
- metal;
- plastic;
- foam and polyurethane;
By form:
- teardrop-shaped;
- curly;
- semicircular;
- flat;
Before you start work, you should stock up on templates or stencils for carved platbands; without their help it is impossible to achieve excellent result. And only a master who has been working on wood carving for many years can perform his work without them.
Today you can get stencils freely - in stores, magazines, and the Internet.
You can apply any design on them that the customer or craftsman desires. Plant outlines, animal figures, and patterns of geometric lines and shapes are very popular.
The style of the product can be different, and here the most unusual fantasies of the performer are realized.
How to do it?
![](https://i1.wp.com/househill.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/dom-s-nalichnikami-na-oknah-300x170.jpg)
Stencils are made in different ways:
- Using a graphic editor. The desired image is found and processed in Photoshop. Every computer has the Paint application, it is used for editing, coloring and drawing. By visiting this page, you can develop personal images, starting with the simplest and ending complex projects. It is possible to add text and various elements to existing picture files.
- Photocopies. A drawing that you really like is selected and, when copied, it is immediately enlarged to the desired size. The second option is to scan and print the sample on a printer.
- Manually. The technology used here is scaling (copying) and by cells (linear scaling).
Making threads
We make a template from cardboard, the size should be natural. A personal template is made for all elements of the design.
Now, you need to lay it on the board and trace the outline with a pencil.
We mark the locations for the holes. Let's say you need to cut out a piece of paper. First, a hole is drilled, then a leaf is drawn out with a jigsaw. Following the holes, we make all the internal patterns, then move on to the external ornament.
There is a copying method for drawing. Here we use carbon paper. We trace the drawing through it onto the board and get a pattern on the wood.
Required tools:
- sandpaper of various numbers;
- jigsaw;
- drill with a set of drills;
- set of chisels;
Instructions:
- We make the pattern the same on all windows. To do this, we use a stencil or sketch.
- We place the pattern on the workpiece correctly, where we place all the elements not across the fibers, but along them. This will prevent the thread from cracking.
- We paint over the slotted areas with a pencil.
Wood carving is done in two ways:
- Invoice. In this option we use a thinner workpiece, then the work is simplified. Here we make individual elements, which we will then put together on a single board.
- Proreznaya. In this case, we make a slit through it, resulting in the appearance of lace that elegantly and beautifully frames the window.
Installation of platbands
Creating a beautiful product is one thing. But attaching it to the window correctly is another matter.
Aesthetic appearance and long service life closely depend on the quality of installation of the platbands.
There are two methods of mounting on wooden windows:
- Through tenon. The method is simple and not very reliable. Spikes should be installed in places where they will not be visible. This provides additional protection from moisture.
- Dull thorn. The tenon goes into the casing. Whereas a hole for it is drilled in the frame. You need to lubricate the tenon with glue and insert it into the groove. Fastening is considered complex, but it is more reliable than with the first method.
Fastening to a plastic window is done with liquid nails to avoid compromising the integrity of the structure.
Step by step guide:
- We take measurements from the window.
- We choose a type of wood and dry it well. The choice of width and height does not play a big role for carved platbands, the main thing is that the thickness is 3 cm. This is the case if the carving will be slotted, for an invoice - 1 cm.
- We sand the wood with sandpaper, starting with coarse-grain sandpaper, and finally with scratch paper.
- Cut out the stencils.
- Take a simple pencil and apply a drawing or pattern to the front side of the wooden surface. We paint over the through slots.
- Let's start cutting out the pattern. Let's start right away with the through holes. Where the jigsaw will enter, it is advisable to use a drill for a more accurate cut.
- We carefully sand the holes with sandpaper.
- To remove dust from blind holes, use a vacuum cleaner.
- When using elements of applied threads, we attach them to nails without heads. Moreover, to be on the safe side, let’s apply glue along the back side.
- Now take a damp rag and wipe the pattern until the area is completely dust free.
- We will consider the finishing operation to be stain, with which we will tint the casing or immediately coat it with varnish.
- If you are just starting to work on a stencil on a platband design, you should choose a simpler design with large shapes. The smaller the drawing, the more complex it is. It is good to try elements of the design from through holes.
- Open elements are cut out with a jigsaw.
- Beech, larch and oak are expensive and difficult to process, but they have a long service life.
- The easiest material to process is linden.
- The material most often used is pine.
The appearance of the house largely depends on how the windows are decorated. It is they who emphasize, and sometimes even shape, the style of the building. And the main way to give them character is window trim. These are what we will talk about next.
Purpose and classification
Platbands are long narrow strips that frame windows or doors. Based on this principle, a distinction is made between windows and doors. They usually differ in width, but in order to maintain a unified style, they must be made of the same material. In addition, they are made in a similar manner, using repeating elements and painting in the same color.
Door and window frames serve not only to give the building/room a finished look, although this is also important. They also close the technological gap that forms between the door or window frame and the wall. After installing windows and doors, this gap is filled with insulation, but this does not improve the view, and water, dust and sound continue to penetrate into the room, albeit in smaller quantities. So they once came up with the idea of closing that gap with slats, and even decorating them.
Depending on the installation site, the platbands can be external or internal. The protective role is played mainly by platbands for external installation. Therefore, they are made from materials resistant to climatic factors (or coated with protective compounds) and the thickness of this material is usually greater. Internal platbands mainly perform a decorative function. They are operated under gentle conditions, therefore the requirements for the properties of the material are different - decorativeness is important, not resistance to climatic influences.
Materials from which window casings are made
Window trims are selected depending on general style home decoration. Houses are built and decorated in different ways, and accordingly, the materials and style of additional decorative elements are chosen differently. TO brick houses, For example, would be better suited plastic or metal, but not wood (this is if there are any trims at all). Windows are also decorated with plastic or metal. For wooden ones, on the contrary, wood is more suitable. But this is not the rule either. The choice of platbands is a personal matter for the owner. He puts in whatever he wants. It is only important to understand all the pros and cons of each material.
Wood
Platbands for wooden house, most often made of wood. But any type of wood requires constant maintenance - painting and/or varnishing. Every two to three years you have to renew the coating. Only in this case, products made from it look normal for many years.
The advantage of wooden window frames is that they can be carved, with curly elements various forms. This gives an almost endless number of options. There are absolutely simple models– regular strips, perhaps with some additional elements. The choice depends on the style of the house.
Are used wooden frames, both from the street and indoors. Simply, during installation they will use different protective impregnations and coloring compounds.
Plastic
If PVC windows are installed in the house, then plastic trim is also installed. They are good because all maintenance requires periodic wiping to remove dust and dirt. No other operations are needed.
Plastic trims are made from climate-resistant plastics, adding a dye that is resistant to fading. Components are added to the mass that protect the material from high and low temperatures.
The advantage of plastic platbands is their low price. The downside is a limited selection of models and styles, not a very wide range of colors. There are usually white and a couple of shades of brown available. The rest can only be available upon order, and even then not always. And one more minus - it’s still artificial material. Not everyone wants to install plastic trim on a wooden house. Even though wooden ones are not cheap at all.
The area of use of plastic platbands is indoors or outdoors. If you need external plastic trim, pay attention to temperature regime operation. The plastic must withstand the harshest frosts in your region.
MDF
MDF trim is an option for indoor use. You can’t put it on the street - it will quickly become unusable. It is compressed crushed wood fibers from which products are formed. Their surface is laminated with a film, which can be smooth, colored, or imitate the surface of stone (marble, for example) or wood.
If you don't like plastic on the windows, the second option is a budget option- MDF platbands. In any case, most often it is them. There are even special models - telescopic. They are good because the special additional board is cut according to the right size, due to which they can change the width and fit into any opening. With their help, the doorway is designed quickly and efficiently.
Caring for MDF platbands is no more difficult than caring for plastic ones - wet wiping. For severe contamination, you can use non-abrasive (liquid) and non-aggressive (without choir, etc.) detergents.
Metal trims
This type of platbands is usually installed on the street with plastic or metal-plastic windows. This is a thin sheet of galvanized metal coated with weather-resistant paint (usually powder paint).
Metal platbands for windows belong to the budget category. They don't cost very much. Suitable for private houses decorated in modern style. Metal trims go well with houses finished with metal and aluminum composite. The second area of application is for industrial and office premises. They are good because they combine practicality, durability, and low price.
Arrangement of platbands
Classic window trims consist of four elements: an upper and lower trim, two side strips. They can be connected using a single spike (as in the figure). They can also be connected end-to-end, as they do not carry any load. In this case, they simply fit the planks tightly one to another, securing each element separately.
If the window has a window sill, there is no need for a bottom trim. When installing, first fix the window sill, then the side strips and lastly the top trim.
The width of the platbands is selected individually each time, but is usually in the range of -100-250 mm. When choosing the width, we proceed from two technical parameters:
- the platband must extend onto the frame by at least 5-10 mm;
- in order not to interfere with opening the windows, they should retreat from the hinges by 10-20 mm (the further, the wider the shutters open).
The final width is selected based on the style of the house. In some places narrow planks are more suitable - 100-130 mm wide, in others wide ones - 200-250 mm are required. To avoid mistakes, you can “try on” the planks by pinning them on a couple of nails and see from afar which option you like best.
The thickness of the planks for the manufacture of platbands is 20-35 mm. In most cases, a board 20-25 mm thick is used, as this optimal size for independent execution - not too difficult to process, but quite voluminous to obtain a decorative pitchfork.
Platbands in a wooden house
The most questions arise when decorating windows in a wooden house. Most are inclined to believe that only wooden frames are suitable for a wooden house. There is a reason for this - wood with wood looks most organic. But choosing the material is not everything in this case. There are a few important points, which you need to pay attention to:
![](https://i1.wp.com/stroychik.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/nalichniki-10.jpg)
So the choice of the appearance of the platbands is far from the last of those that will have to be decided. You also need to choose the method of processing the wood, the installation method, and the type of casing too.
Types of wooden platbands
Wood is extremely ductile and very beautiful material, therefore the number of variations in the design of platbands tends to be infinite... All of them can be divided into several types: simple and carved. Simple ones look great on houses in a modern style, carvings are good for ethnic buildings.
Simple in shape from moldings
Industry and private traders sell planks of various sections:
![](https://i2.wp.com/stroychik.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/nalichniki-37.jpg)
From this molding you can make simple platbands with your own hands. To do this you need to calculate the amount required material(based on window measurements). It should be taken into account that the length of one plank is 220 cm. Do constituent elements You are unlikely to, so it’s worth considering that there will be a lot of scraps. The most successful case is when you can “cut out” two elements from one plank - usually a side panel and an upper/lower part.
The planks are joined in two ways - at 90° and at the floor 45°. The appearance of the platbands is different. When joined at 45°, a neat frame is obtained; when joined at 90°, a more expressive design is obtained. The protruding edges can be left straight, they can be cut at any angle, rounded, cut into shapes... It’s whatever you like best or whatever you have the skill, desire, or imagination to do.
The simplest homemade platbands
The option differs from the one described above in that we carry out the primary processing ourselves. Edged and unedged boards are suitable. The edged ones produce a modest finish for country house or for a house made of planed/laminated timber. We sand the board first with coarse sandpaper, then with increasingly fine sandpaper. When the surface becomes smooth and even, you can begin cutting.
Nothing complicated at all - just well-processed boards
WITH unedged boards The bark is removed and the surface is also sanded. There are options here. You can achieve smoothness by removing imperfections. You can only remove the top rough layer, leaving all the imperfections of the wood and in the future, only emphasize it during processing.
Carved platbands
Openwork wooden frames for windows are a beautiful, but expensive option. Expensive - if you order their execution, and labor-intensive if you do it yourself. There are, however, simple but effective patterns that, if you have a jigsaw and the desire, you can make yourself.
There are two types of openwork platbands - with slotted and applied elements. Slotted - this is when the holes in the platbands are made through and the wall is visible through them. Overlays are when the window is decorated with ordinary slats, and on top of them are elements of slotted carvings or decorative protruding elements (overlays in the form of rhombuses, rectangles, etc.).
In the case of overlays, contrasting colors are often used. For example, the planks are painted dark, and the openwork is painted light. But this trick is easy only at the installation stage - you can paint both parts separately. Subsequently, you have to carefully apply different paints with a thin brush.
How and why to attach platbands in a wooden house
In a timber or log house, windows and doors are placed on a casing - a special frame of the opening made of wood, which is not rigidly fixed to the walls, but is held in place by friction in a tongue/groove type lock. The casing is made from thick wooden beams. The window or door frame is attached to the casing. When installing platbands, they are also attached to the casing. Since there is no load on them, the planks are usually attached on both sides, retreating 10-15 cm from the edge.
Two types of fasteners can be used:
![](https://i1.wp.com/stroychik.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/nalichniki-14.jpg)
Fastening to dowels is more labor-intensive, but it is absolutely invisible. If this process is too difficult, use finishing nails.
How to attach platbands to a log wall
There are no problems when installing platbands on timber: the surface is flat and easy to attach to. If the log house is made of logs, everything is more complicated. There are two options:
![](https://i2.wp.com/stroychik.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/nalichniki-38.jpg)
Which method to choose is your decision. Both are viable and both are not ideal - it is difficult to ensure a tight seal.
How to prevent moisture from seeping under the trim
Ensuring tightness is the main concern when installing platbands on a wooden house. Most questions arise about how to prevent moisture from flowing under the top bar. Water flowing down the wall inevitably gets into the gap between the platband and the wall. There are several options for solving the problem, mostly traditional, but using new materials.
Platbands with wooden “visor”
Such platbands are also called “Finnish”, since almost all houses in Finland are framed in this way. In addition to the traditional four slats, they also have an additional inclined canopy, which is supported by consoles resting on the side slats. It is advisable to choose the angle of inclination of the plank the same as the angle of inclination of the roof or close to it. Although it is an insignificant detail, this finish looks more organic.
When installing, under the canopy in a log or beam, you can make a cut of a few millimeters, “recess” the edge of the canopy there, and seal the remaining gap at the bottom and top with sealant (silicone, frost-resistant, with adhesion to wood).
Finnish platbands are good for everyone, but they don’t go well with carvings. The style is not the same. They are great for a simpler, more concise design. Although, there are similar options in the Russian style, but making them is not at all easy.
Metal visor
Using the same principle - to drain water from the platbands - this method solves the problem. Only a metal strip in the shape of the letter Z is used - part of the standard flashing. The color is selected to match the walls or the color of the cash.
The installation method is the same: they make a cut in the wall, only its size is much smaller - the thickness of the plank is several millimeters. The installation is the same as described earlier: we insert one part into the groove, seal the cracks silicone sealant. The only difference is that the free edge can be secured to the top strip of the trim (using self-tapping screws).
Installing the bottom trim at an angle
The lower strip of the casing can simultaneously serve as protection from precipitation. To do this, it is installed at an angle. The choice of inclination angle is no different - close to the roof inclination angle.
The installation of this strip is simple. It is supported from below by triangles cut out of wood and fixed to the frame. The water will not flow down the wall, but at some distance from it. Here it is important to do it correctly - so that the water does not wash away the foundation.
Photos of platbands for windows of different types
Simple platbands with only small carving elements - these are often seen on a Scandinavian-style house
Carved overlay trims - delicate carvings on a dark background
Shutters and trim - this can often be found on old houses