Sill & Apron vs. Picture Window Trim
A. Barnhard
whether we want traditional window trim with sill and apron or picture
frame window trim. He is encouraging us to go with picture frame
trim, possibly because it's easier for him. Somehow he thinks that
it's better since we have 2x6 exterior walls, but I don't see the
connection. We're thinking that sills and aprons would be better for
holding things like Christmas lights, plants, etc. Are there good
reasons to go one way or the other, or is it a toss-up?
Your thoughts and advice appreciated.
Al B.
Rico dJour
It's cosmetic, but it really speaks to the quality of the house, as any
step-above-builder-grade trim does. It's more work, especially if it's done
correctly, where the window stool and apron have both ends mitered and returned
so there's no exposed end grain.
The depth of the wall has nothing to do with the choice...except that a deeper
stool costs more. Have him price it both ways. The numbers may make the
decision for you.
R
Lyle B. Harwood
<tru...@yahoo.com> wrote:
€ The trim subcontractor has just asked us to decide (immediately)
I would use sills and aprons.
Best of luck, and let us know how it comes out!
--
Lyle B. Harwood, President
Phoenix Homes, Inc.
(206) 523-9500 www.phoenixhomesinc.com
Paul Fritz
"Rico dJour" <rico...@aol.computer> wrote in message
news:20031009153549...@mb-m05.aol.com...
> >From: A. Barnhard tru...@yahoo.com
> >
> >The trim subcontractor has just asked us to decide (immediately)
> >whether we want traditional window trim with sill and apron or picture
> >frame window trim. He is encouraging us to go with picture frame
> >trim, possibly because it's easier for him. Somehow he thinks that
> >it's better since we have 2x6 exterior walls, but I don't see the
> >connection. We're thinking that sills and aprons would be better for
> >holding things like Christmas lights, plants, etc. Are there good
> >reasons to go one way or the other, or is it a toss-up?
> >
> >Your thoughts and advice appreciated.
>
> It's cosmetic, but it really speaks to the quality of the house, as any
> step-above-builder-grade trim does. It's more work, especially if it's
done
> correctly, where the window stool and apron have both ends mitered and
returned
> so there's no exposed end grain.
It depends on the style of the house. A contemporary would look more
appropriate with picture framing, while a traditional would be more
appropriate with the stools.
>
> The depth of the wall has nothing to do with the choice...except that a
deeper
> stool costs more.
The 6" inch depth would give him a ledge for decorations/pots if that is his
only concern.
Daniel Vance
-Daniel
"A. Barnhard" <tru...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:aucbov4qjkvgm6jdb...@4ax.com...
Matthew S. Whiting
Having had both, I'd go with sills. Looks better to me (purely
subjective obviously), but it does give you a place for plants,
knick-knacks or whatever.
Matt
Rico dJour
>Date: 10/09/2003 5:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
>Message-id: <vobjdf8...@corp.supernews.com>
>
>In Oregon, wood framed windows are considered an upgrade over sills.
I'm not sure we're using the same words the same way. Please explain what you
mean.
R
Rico dJour
>"Rico dJour" <rico...@aol.computer> wrote in message
>
>> >
>> >The trim subcontractor has just asked us to decide (immediately)
>> >whether we want traditional window trim with sill and apron or picture
>> >frame window trim. He is encouraging us to go with picture frame
>> >trim, possibly because it's easier for him. Somehow he thinks that
>> >it's better since we have 2x6 exterior walls, but I don't see the
>> >connection. We're thinking that sills and aprons would be better for
>> >holding things like Christmas lights, plants, etc. Are there good
>> >reasons to go one way or the other, or is it a toss-up?
>> >
>> >Your thoughts and advice appreciated.
>>
>> It's cosmetic, but it really speaks to the quality of the house, as any
>> step-above-builder-grade trim does. It's more work, especially if it's
>done
>> correctly, where the window stool and apron have both ends mitered and
>returned
>> so there's no exposed end grain.
>
>It depends on the style of the house. A contemporary would look more
>appropriate with picture framing, while a traditional would be more
>appropriate with the stools.
I was going to add that, then I thought about it again. A traditional house
must have the traditional trimwork, but a contemporary isn't necessarily a
"modern" house. I've seen plenty of contemporary houses that have used a
simplified trim with stools.
But your point is taken.
R
Keybored
the shutter frame matching on all four sides. When I had shutters
installed, I sawed off the portion of the sill that overhangs the wall, and
removed the apron. This is fairly easy to do without removing the sill.
Also, if you install wide window casing trim in the future, the ends of the
sill should be extended in order to give a balanced appearance where the
casing meets the sill. Or, you can remove a portion of the sill and use the
"picture frame" approach.
In other words, request that sills be installed. This will give you more
options for future changes. It is easier to change a sill design to a
picture frame design, rather than the other way around. It's not easy to
install a new sill, especially if the window frame sits on top of it.
Our fat cats appreciate the conventional projecting sills. They would have
a hard time jumping up to a picture-frame sill.
Good luck,
Keybored.
"A. Barnhard" <tru...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:aucbov4qjkvgm6jdb...@4ax.com...
JD
If this is a remodel or addition, I'd match the detailing that the rest of
the house has. Otherwise, it's a matter of style and personal preference. In
my experience, wood sills are much easier to keep clean than gypsum board.