How to Make Window Sills & Apron | Woodworking Finish Carpentry
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Window sills can add character to the look and feel of a space. Follow Scott through the steps of building custom interior window sills to see how a window sill is designed and installed.
Update: since publishing this video, I learned about a router bit for profiling the edge of window sills, which is easier. Here's a link to the router bit - amzn.to/2DhNl51
🇨🇦 Canadian link - amzn.to/3nlDcKL
In this project, you will see how to build a custom window sill and apron (the trim below the windowsill) from standard lumber and trim. The steps include:
• checking for spacing
• buying material (5/4 or 1 1/4 inch thick boards)
• cutting the new windowsill to it's rough dimensions
• fitting the window sill to the wall
• determining the length of the horns on the window sill
• adding edge details to create a pleasing profile
• building an apron to install under the window sill
• gluing up the returns of the apron trim for detail on the ends
• trimming the apron
• installing the apron
Once the window sills (technically called window stools) and aprons were installed, the nail holes were patched and the parts were painted with no-VOC semi gloss paint.
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#windowsill #carpentry #trim
Wow I wish I had watched this yesterday. I built my first 2 stools with aprons and then trimmed out the rest of the windows. Some of these tips would have saved me so much time!
That's too bad, but you'll know for next time. Thanks for sharing that. Scott
It’s 4/23/220 - 12 am and I’m here watching this beautiful work of art . 9:23 beautifully done . 😍
Well thank you, that's very kind. Scott
I have never sen a true woodworker work like this
I hope you enjoyed it. Scott
FINALLY I have found someone that knows how to install these the right way. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Grom i
Don't get me wrong, he did a nice job, but he made this waaaaay too complicated. Never rip a mitered return on a table saw; 75% of the time it will break and go flying in your face unless your blade is razor sharp...even then, just measure the return depth and pre-cut it be for gluing it to the apron. It saves so much unnecessary stress by having to use a table saw, which is not meant for what he is attempting.....that's why we have Mitre saws. This is a DIY video for adventurers who don't mind spending 8 hours to install one stool and apron. Oye...!
I've done it both ways and have found it much quicker to do it Scott's way. Trying to get the distance just right when mitering is a bit tricky and the set-up time can eat up more than a few minutes - especially if you botch it up on the first try - whereas ripping it to its final thickness is very simple to do. If you're having that high of a failure rate as you described your mitre cuts weren't providing decent enough contact for the glue to grab, or you hadn't waited enough time for it to set properly before attempting the rip.
The one thing that ate up waayyy too much time was the edge shaping of the sill extension. There are router bits made to cut the profile he settled on without having to resort to cove cutting on the tablesaw followed by hand shaping with sandpaper. Even if he'd needed to do some hand shaping, he should have used a block plane or perhaps a spokeshave to get things close, followed by a very small amount of hand sanding.
The window sills look so much better. Great eye for detail.
Thank you Dana. Cheers. Scott
Dude bravo! I need to do window trim, sills, and the stools to my upstairs windows. I started working with wood just a little bit for a whole 8 months lol. I’m as green as they come. I started acquiring tools, so I’m just with entry level Home Depot tools. I got the Dewalt 8 1:4” table saw that I love so far. And I have a buddy helping me
Sounds like your making a great start. I hope your project is going well. Scott
Thank you for your time, talent, and choice of music.
You're welcome. Thanks for posting your comment. Scott
Amazing!! An age old craft that is sadly dying due to the mass production of engineered wood. I appreciate you for showing us that hand made, real wood craftsmanship is still alive.
Thanks for sharing your comment Ursula!
That trick with the table saw was amazing. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Love me some window sills. The after looks great!
Glad you like them! Thank you! Scott
Awesome video man! Ive been a woodworker for close to10 years, but just finally bought a house and am learning how to translate my furniture skills to finish caprentry and your work is defintely a good source.
Thank you for the complement Brian. If there are any topics you'd like a video on, I'm open to suggestions. I started with making furniture too (in an apartment), but once I bought my first home, I found I really enjoyed investing some sweat equity into improvements. Cheers. Scott
Nice work, and a very informative video. I particularly like the attention and respect you give, when answering questions.
Thanks Mike. I appreciate that! Scott
Thank you for that no nonsense video. It was very helpful and clear.👍🏼
Nice! Very well presented and nice jazzy distraction. Kudos!
Thanks! Scott
Good techniques clearly demonstrated. Audience just use an ogre router bit!!!
Looks gorgeous
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks for this video and thanks for the link to the Router Bit! Both are going to make my project a lot easier.
Glad I could help!
Wow! What an absolutely professional demonstration. Please tell me who gives a thumbs down to such a video.
You have a beautiful talent..thank you for sharing. Enjoyed this.
Beautiful work.
Thank you very much!
Thank you for your video. I need to replace the sill and apron at my house. After watching your video I think I have a good chance at success!
This is really nice work. Good eye too. Love the result.
Thank you very much!
Very detailed instructions! Thanks
You're welcome. Thanks for the feedback! Scott
Your the man I like the way you made the end caps on the apron thanks I'm going to try this when I put in my new windows
Yes sir I understand where you are coming from keep up the good work and keep the videos coming thank you
Your a true master of your craft thank you for the video
Excellent video, well explained, edited and top craftmanship
Thank you very much! Scott
I listen to your videos when I go to sleep and I have nice dreams.
That's funny. I've heard a few people day my voice calms them down. Thanks for sharing that. Scott
Great job. Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for sharing that. Scott
Really good work. Thank you.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing that. Scott
Nice work looks real good
Thank you! Cheers!
Absolutely beautiful! I want! ❤
Wow! Obviously a jedi master of woodworking. Bravo!
Lol, thanks for your comment! That made me smile!
Excellent paint job to finish the project.
Great video and great job
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Scott
Wow!! That was super impressive!! Thanks for the box tip!!
You're welcome Scott. Happy to share for others to learn.
Very nice details..
Thank you Peter
Thanks for that no nonsense info! 👍🏼
Just brilliant
Thank you for your comment
Pretty genius. Love your attention to detail.
Thank you Stacy!
J. Watson here, (subscribed) Great video Sir. My wife wants me to this very same kind of window treatment and now I think I can do it.Thanks again.
That's great to hear. Thanks for sharing your comment and good luck with your project! Scott
I had a carpenter show me years ago how to cut trim returns. He "back-cut" the pieces, which was hit or miss on those very small end caps. Then he glued/tacked them onto the ends of the trim. I like your method much better for accuracy and precision - takes a little longer, but I think it gives a much cleaner look.
Glad it was helpful. If you want a faster way to do it, you can buy Mitrebond glue which has an instant hold. Cheers. Scott 🇨🇦
So calm, and so helpful! New sub here. I read in one of the comments that you were having a tough time when you made this video. I hope things have gotten better for you. You're certainly making things better for those of us who find your videos. Thank you!!
Thank you, that's very kind. I appreciate it. Scott
Stellar job- Enjoyed the jazz music and also I would recommend using a custom router bit with a 1/2 inch shaft instead of the cross cutting table saw technique as you said very dangerous.
Also just go with the profile that YOU prefer-- why question the generic opinions: if steered that way we'd never have electric cars!
Thank u for sharing your excellent finishing skills I’m very impressed 🌟
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice job! Thought the windows looked fine before but I like how you redesigned the apron and sill. Finished look is really nice and blends well with the fireplace. 👍🏼
Thank you for your comment! Scott
Man I have been looking for a video just Like this!!!! Thank you so much!! I installed my replacement windows months ago and almost gave up finding a video just like this! Awesome job!
Thanks Randy. If you're having a hard time finding another woodworking topic, I'm happy to entertain requests.
Woodshop Therapy one thing my wife was nice enough to ask is how to trim out existing cabinets. We have the factory bought, contractor grade, oak cabinets that are plain. She is wanting me to add trim to the top and sides. What is the right way to trim out kitchen/pantry cabinets to add value to a home?
Great video tutorial!!
this is absolutely amazing. thank you for making this video
Perfect job ! U are amazing !
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it. Scott
The term sill is for exterior trim interior is called window stool.
You're correct Rick. Unfortunately most people don't know that so when they're searching for how to do this, they use the term window sill. The proper term for it is a window stool. Scott
Nice Work!
Thank you Tony. Scott
I did this and ended up with gap between stool’s horn and wall edges (of course the tools I used were tape measure and multitool only), but caulked the gaps and said “good enough” lol although not perfect it still looked pretty good considering the lack of better tools. Great video and very clever way to make the profile!
Thanks. Glad you were able to touch up your work to make it look good. Cheers. Scott
Great work! And that was for PAINT GRADE! Can’t imagine your stain grade work.
Thank you Max! Scott
Totally awesome! I guess this video is more for the professional rather than the DIY type guy since he clarifies "do not perform this procedure as it is extremely dangerous and you must be trained on it". Still fun to watch a pro at work!
After I made this video, I found out that Freud makes a router bit for the edge profile of window sills. If you have a router table, that might be an option for you.
Good idea.Lot easier than fiddling with small pieces
Thanks for the feedback John!
Beautiful competition!!! 👍👍👍
Thats beautiful greets from the netherlands
Thank you. I'm half Dutch so dank je! Scott
clean work, thanks for the guidance
You're welcome
That looks amazing! I'm so impressed. Please keep up the good work!
A true craftsman
THANK YOU, AMAZING!
Glad you like it!
That's amazing man. You've given me and I'm sure many others tons of ideas with your video here. I am newish to woodworking and can't thank you enough for this one video. Keep up the good work my man. Liked and subbed
Thank you for subscribing Aaron. It's motivating to hear this is helpful for you and I find it encouraging to create more videos. Thanks. Scott
Really nice work, love watching a guy with skill.
Thanks. I appreciate that. Scott
Nice work. I’m stealing your hack for making the apron returns.
Great workmanship...!!!
Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated
Very nice job. A true craftsman!
Ronnie Kotler thank you Ronnie
amazing work I really liked your video
That's awesome
Thank you Scott!
Nice job, I like the level to detail. Thank you for sharing! Please continue to share more of your work.
Thank you. I appreciate your support!
Thanks for the video!
Good job . The plints were nice but the new look 100% better . I like how you took your inspiration from your fire place . Nice work👍
What do you call the 4x4” square decorative pieces on each side at the top of the window casings?
They're called rosettes. Cheers. Scott
Very nice.
very nice video ... I just wish that perhaps there was another angle I could've seen another angle of how you used the table saw with the clamps at 4:45.
I used a parallel clamp on the front of the saw and a trigger clamp on the back. I hope that helps. Scott
Great video
Love your video! Helps inspire me to get back at it in my projects.
That's nice to hear it helped you. Thanks for reaching out.
Thank you for this tutorial. I will be making a faux beam fireplace mantel to cover the builder grade drywall mantel in my home, but the top of the drywall mantel recesses into an arched, 5 inch deep alcove so I need to have the top part of the beam mantel built with a horn just like your window sill.
The house we bought has how pine boards used on the window stools, they are low to the floor so the dogs can easily scratch them, would we change them out to a maple or poplar? this pine is so soft i can dent it with my finger nail.
Hi Ryan. You could switch them out for maple (harder than poplar), but it won't prevent scratches from pet claws. For a durable surface, you may want to consider quartz or put a protective acrylic cover on the window stools. I hope that helps. Scott
@@HomeImprovementWoodworking I think we are getting all our windows seals done in quartz when we replace the island counter top
@@ryan74701 Sounds like a good idea!
Awesome
Thank you! Scott
Nice...great instructions!!
Great tips & tricks. Thanks.
Would love to see a router utilized!
After I made these window sills, I found out there's a window sill router but by #Freud. Maybe I should get one and make another video
Do you have to cut away existing window sills to install apron? Or can you place wood molding over current drywall and window sill?
Great tips! Thank you
Dang not 1 comment on the table saw jig setups, or running diagonal across the that table saw?! I do mine with the same finished look but I run routers and jigs, that diagonal table saw move though, smooth for in shop work, I dont know bout in the field. I use cut base for aprons etc.
Well done sir.👍 only question is, why doesnt the base match in the finish shot? Had to be homeowner request?!
You have a keen eye Daniel! After 400,000 views, you're the first person to comment on the apron. After looking at the apron with my wife, she decided she wanted a more simple design. I didn't reshoot the video when I cut that moulding.
Also, after I created this video, I found out that there's a router bit meant for window sills (technically called window stools). I put a link to that in the video description. This would be much faster to do on a job site.
Thanks for your comment Daniel. Cheers. Scott
That was great, thank you
Thanks again
Nice video What type of wood is that and what is the thickness please thanks
Hi John. The window sill is made from 1 1/4 inch poplar. At a lumber yard in North America, it's typically called as 5/4. I hope that helps. Scott
@@HomeImprovementWoodworking thanks scott but what kind of router blade did you use the first time to round it also what router blade did you use for the apron
Can someone explain how the horn length was determined? I'm having a hard time understanding it with the way it was explained in the video. For example, why did he move 3.75 inches out from the outer edge of the jamb extension to obtain the length of the horn?
The trim was 3" so I marked that and looked at what I wanted to extend beyond the trim. I hope that helps. Scott
@@HomeImprovementWoodworking that's very helpful! Thank you. Is the horn length somewhat of a personal preference? I believe I've seen between 0.75" and 1" extension.
@@KennethDailey I don't know of a standard. From my perspective on design, it depends on the size of the trim being used to determine what looks best.
very good..
can I kindly request you do a video tutorial on an exterior window trim i.e. fancy Windows with an elegant looking crown molding piece at the top. thx much
Thanks for the idea! If I have an opportunity to do work like that in the future, I will keep that in mind. Scott
I need some ideas on a flush mount window similar to the cover photo. I have 3 tall windows together that I would like to frame so I wont need a valance. My problem is that there is nowhere to hide the hardware for blinds.
I realized I got hypnotized by watching you brush glue on wood!
Lol, maybe that's why some people describe me as the Bob Ross of woodworking 😉 Scott
Nice!
How did you strip the popcorn ceiling? Our entire house has it. Our house was flooded by Hurricane Harvey, and now nothing matches the ugly popcorn ceiling. Thank you in advance for your response. Outstanding video!!!
Stripping the popcorn ceiling is easy but messy. First, cover the entire room in plastic (walls and floors). Then spray a small patch of the ceiling (about 3' x 3') with water. I used a clean weed sprayer that you can pressurize. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes and then scrape it off at a sharp angle with a putty knife - it comes off in an oatmeal-like consistency. It works great, but it's really messy. I hope that helps. Scott
What kind of would did you use? It seems almost impossible to find a piece that high quality around here.
I used Poplar. I bought it at a lumber yard, not a hardware store. I hope that helps. Scott
The David Blaine voice of carpentry!!
Good work, I never would have cut the returns long? Micro pin and cut to fit? My $.02
kinda makes me want to take a nap, after a short glass of warm milk while my mom combs my hair.
Scott, I appreciate you taking the time to make this video but I have some questions as I am trying to do this for 7 windows in my home. At 3:25, you say "I've got from this edge here 3-3/4" -- where did the 3-3/4" come from? I'm guessing that might be the casing width, but if so, why do you measure from the outside edge of the extension jamb since the casing will cover the extension jamb's front facing edge (except for the reveal)? How do you decide how long to make the horns of the stool - are you using a formula based on casing width and stool thickness, etc? How do you decide how far the stool should extend from the wall into the room? It's not clear to me how these things are being calculated or determined. Any clarification will be much appreciated.
Hi James. Thanks for your question. I reviewed the segment in the video you mentioned, and I see how this is confusing. The space from the outside of the trim to the edge of the windowsill is 1 1/4 inches. The distance from the front edge of the trim to the front edge of the windowsill is also 1 1/4 inches. I did this so when you look at the window sill from the top, it looks pleasing to the eye with even dimensions at the corner. Does that help? Scott
@@HomeImprovementWoodworking Yes, that helps! Thanks so much, Scott.
Looks great. This gentleman is skilled no doubt. I just would rather keep things simple and still make it look great and professional. Cutting the returns and then gluing them on works best for me. Also, using the table saw to cut a profile on a piece of trim is risky business. Keep it simple and use a router, I say. But if you have a few extra fingers to spare, go for it :) You still got your toes.
Thanks for your comment Joe. After I created this video, I found out there's a window sill router bit. I've put a link to it in the video description. Cheers. Scott
How do you clean the small glue brush? Do you rinse it out immediately after or is there another solution?
I rinse out the glue brush after using it and use a bit of soap as well. It takes about 30 seconds. If I forgot about my glue brush, the glue I use is water soluble so with. a bit of work in warm water, it loosens up and I wash it out with soap (I use Lee Valley Cabinetmaker's glue). Scott