How to install a WINDOW SILL you won't REGRET!!!

Window sills are WAY TRICKIER THAN PEOPLE THINK!!! They take a lot of planning to get all those reveals JUST RIGHT! In this video I show some tips and tricks to help you get a perfect window sill install.
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=109961...

[@carpnotes4607]

Gotta say, I learn so much from your drywall vids - but you offer such tight tips on finish carpentry that I wish you'd post more of them. Great vid, thanks for sharing so much content throughout the year; please know your efforts are appreciated. Your tips have helped me up my game in the repair arena - can't than you enough

[@trevor5290]

I like your realistic approach making these videos.. Showing your mistakes is much more helpful than editing them out like other "Perfect" videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PerkBuilders]

Yo Ben! Love that you’ve “worked alone” all these years. I prefer the same. Sure, some things come a bit slower, but it reduces the nightmare quite a bit. 🤙 from Portland, OR.

[@truththroughchrist91]

Amen bro, same here!

[@ivanmartinez5696]

This has been the most complicated way of doing window sills I have ever seen in my life.... Step 1 get your inside horizontal dimension measurements & add your outside reveal over hang measurement to your inside measurement ( for example if your inside is 36 and your outside reveal overhang is an 1inch then you add 2 inches to 36 and you get 38". Step 2 measure your inside jamb perpendicular on each side and add your apron stock measurements (for example if your left side is 3inches and your stock is 3/4 then one side is going to be 3 3/4 repeat same method on opposite side. Step 3 transfer all measurements to your stock you want rip first then establish your over hang reveal once doing that mark the insude corner of the overhang Step 4 with an angel finder you butt your angel finder to the corners of your window sill and you get your corner angel and line it up to your stocks corner points or the over hang you transferred. Step 5 once you have transferred your previous dimension to the the stock you cut and rip as needed per your measurements then transfer your corner angel to line up to your inside point of the overhang reveal. Cut with a jigsaw and wallah easy window sill

[@subjectmatteramateur16]

Any way you could do a video to show what you are talking about and share the link with me?

[@als1023]

Great post !! I have an addition to make things simpler for some. My jambs are made as a 3 piece unit and pinned together with some glue, and dropped in place over the stool. I make them 1/8" outside the plastic inside edge of the window, to reduce the amount of window frame showing. The windows are made exactly, so it's easy to add 1/4" to the width and 1/8" to the top dimension. You get a 1/8" reveal around and use left over plywood etc for shims between the jamb and the rough framing. No need to wory about framing that is out of line, not plumbe etc, you just work to the window. I rod and spray foam between the jamb and rough framing to give a super tight insulation and no drafts etc. I hope this makes sense. Thank you to everyone who posts here with great ideas etc.

[@SpaceDump]

Awesome videos, currently building our own house (almost from scratch, got help with the footing and the raising of the external walls and roof, rest is up to us), these videos will help me so much in all the different stuff that needs to be done. Thanks. :D (metric ftw though...)

[@danhunik7949]

Nice to see you back to your one topic videos. They are a great teaching aide.

[@nroman1977]

The slide markey thing is a combination square. Love your Videos, just trying to help if someone is trying to find one. Also the little nurled round bit on the frame is actually a metal scribe hidden in a convienient spot since it's sharp point won't dull and is more accurate than a pencil. To fine tune the back gap why not run a carpenters pencil down the back wall and where ever it marks tune it with an orbital sander or belt sander. Easy way to get a contour match. It's an old countertop makers trick when not installing a backsplash.

[@rinzler9775]

I'm calling it a "slide markey" from now on.

[@Cindy25Cox]

So cool to see you as the Carpenter today. Looking forward to the next one and before I sign off, I want to say "thank you" for making these videos possible.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks!

[@noexcuses6727]

Love your videos. So, what I have learned is: It's hard to be good and you are good.

[@guybowers9094]

This video is right on time. I am building a shop addition and will need to trim out the windows but will wait for the next one before I start

[@debandmike3380]

Finally, its the Vancouver CARPENTER!

[@TheGreatFury]

This is amazing! since our 1915 windows sills are in the definite need of replacement. Thanks so much!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

You're welcome!

[@matthewh8573]

Man, you make the best videos. Thank you!

[@club_hula]

Your all over youtube:) And you explain both bulding and skateboard very good. Impressed!

[@simpleton8148]

I think a five degree taper on the apron gives a nice look and just a touch shorter like a thirty second helps the eye.

[@toogreedy2020]

Wow my brain hurts! Lol This old house explains/showed me easier, however your drywall is spot on!😇🤣

[@jibmaster]

Appreciate the detail. Thanks for sharing buddy!

[@b.powell3480]

There's these wood thingies that are tapered called shims! You can use them to level/plumb the window trim/casing and sill !!

[@SteveLouzon]

It's called a "combination square".

[@MSeroga]

Thanks man, on my way to order one from amazon, you helped :)

[@harryl7946]

My wife asked me if anyone had the proper nomenclature for the tool. I said someone should have already. 🤣

[@SteveLouzon]

@@MSeroga Be careful quality of the combination squares can vary widely.

[@jimg_hookem4435]

Starret

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

@@jimg_hookem4435 Though overkill for carpentry they are nice in the shop for machine set up and fine woodworking layout!

[@ssl3546]

Best video you've done in months. A+ 💯

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Wow, thanks!

[@jeffdyrland2795]

Keep using the slidey marky thing! 😀

[@boomzion4926]

Great Vids. Learned a lot

[@northcackalacky4694]

Combination Square! Old tool, fantastic idea of yours to make a perfect reveal !!!

[@davidguy6408]

Great video Ben you got to use your CA glue for those little returns pieces though, it takes hold so fast. I started to use CA glue for my mitred casing to preassemble it on the floor before nailing it on after you did the video on it and I swear by the stuff now that’s how I case all my openings. Like to see you actually throw the belt on and not just have the mud tools 😂

[@PhillyFixed]

CA glue is one of my favorite recent discoveries 👍

[@sean9462]

Thanks for all your work

[@metalface8515]

I love your smug look in the thumbnail, it's well deserved :P

[@herculydia]

Ha ha! That is a combo or combination square. Great video! Great attitude and detail

[@AnonYmous-yi4zy]

super helpful. Thank you!

[@jonwikan3986]

Always great videos from you. The inside "sill" is the Stool and the outside often angled one is the Window Sill. I know, I know, we always call it the window sill in North America but the window sits on the sill(often wood or stone) and the trim inside part is the stool. In modern building the sill would be just framing with some peel and stick. Maybe the term because it is used as a stool for asses, plants and whatever else we can fit on it? Maybe the word is evolving like the word Venison, which used to mean hunted wild game, now it kind of means hunted wild deer meat.

[@tomalophicon]

Cool story nerd

[@kevinrogers4747]

i always learn something from your videos , thank you

[@MAGAMAN]

I learned he sucks at carpentry from this video.

[@poepflater]

I suggest you get a long metal or wooden ruler... tape measures normally have a bit of movement in the grippy bit at the end, so they are only accurate under tention, not when you lay it on the side and press a pencil against it. I know it is only an mm or so, but you said be accurate.

[@Grizzleback07]

10:33 I am lucky to own a Lufkin tape measure that gives you the halfway measurements (in red) across for the actual measurement (in black) you are making. Has made my life so much easier doing these types of tasks.

[@CybekCusal]

Looks good. I don't like picture frame trim. I do mine completely different than you but similar result. 👍

[@TheStupidBrothers2x]

This is awesome! I feel like I am your apprentice

[@MysticalMe131]

I really like when you did the Miter cut for the window seal

[@leasetoown1]

The slide marking thing is called a combination square. Thanks for another great video

[@vancouvercarpenter]

It's been renamed. Slidey Marky Thing😉

[@tarekmesheit9635]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@dnwheeler]

The return pieces could have been made from the cut-offs from each end. They were already mitered (you have to swap them, though), and just needed to be cut to length.

[@dpmccutcheon]

Thanks for the video.

[@daleleibfried8648]

I get what your doing but you officially confused the entire diy you tube community. Also I love your drywall vids. Signed, 25yr carpenter

[@patrickcowan8701]

When you do paint grade you always call your friend fill.

[@aaron74]

lol

[@danervin2530]

Ben, would love some content on modern-style trim/jambs/returns/reveals. Is that something you do?

[@MysticalMe131]

I like how you did the Miter Returns.

[@genekilpela]

Less than pleasant! That's going to be a well used slogan for me! Thanks Ben!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Enjoy!

[@firstcommunitychurchofgod-1202]

Going crazy with he nail gun at the end... just made thee painters job harder.

[@MG-ep5mm]

TFW you are a skateboarder and also building a house and Ben has you covered in all facets of your life.

[@MadsWorld34]

i just wanted to say THANKS for your videos. my house looks so much better since i found your videos. i watched video after video until i found yours after that yours is the only one i followed spots i messed up and could not figure out how to fix you had a video somewhere to show me how to do it. i just found a spot in my bed room after i got my bed in and was laying down and saw it that will drive me nuts. so i will be looking back through your videos to see how i fix something that is already finished. again thanks your the reason my house looks so great.

[@johnschutt9187]

Thank you!

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

When I remodeled my house one thing I decided I definitely didn't need was the oval shaped bathtub in the master bathroom. In the 20 years we lived there nobody every bathed in it. It was too tiny to be comfortable to sit in. So I cut it up with a saw and threw it out the window. But when I was breaking it apart I damaged the window sill. So since I was going with a dark oak finish for the mirrors and the bar, yes I was putting a bar in place of the bathtub, with a mini fridge, ice machine, racks to hold wine bottles, a shelf for wine glasses, and a place for putting towels (what man cave doesn't have a bar in the bathroom am I right?) So I removed the damaged sill and replaced it with oak trim, the same used for oak staircases, and I cut holes in it so I could place recessed lights in the sill. Then I ran wires under the sill to behind the mini fridge in the oak shelf for the recessed light timer. Now when I walk into the bathroom at night there are colored wine bottles in various shapes sitting on the recessed lights and each bottle gives off a different colored light. For the floor I used a dark bamboo hardwood, very nice. I also installed wall sconces with dimmers, new ceiling and wall lights with dark metal finish, and some bar type decorations, like an old Guinness sign and a wine related painting, and of course a stereo sound system. Who doesn't like to listen to music while they soak in the shower? :)

[@ivanmartinez5696]

Who asked you

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

@@ivanmartinez5696 apparently you did

[@tsetendorjee9040]

Thank you very much for share us How to install a WINDOW SILL you won't REGRET!!!

[@twitchtwitch9006]

thank you for the specifics

[@chrisv4640]

Oh my. Picture frame build this window trim to the size of the vinyl window itself and nail it up in one piece. Use trim screws to adjust the sill pieces if needed. Use spray foam in the gap right before you nail it up, it will expand to fill and act as a glue. No need to shim and fuss and make all these marks and measurements. Build it straight and square on the bench and be done.

[@Newokie59]

The Slidy Marky Thing! You got a Amazon link for that, Ben? You are so much fun to watch.

[@AG-lr5vy]

This guy is awesome 👍

[@slartybartfast57]

Very good vid as always, VC! but those autofocus issues early on were a bit disconcerting.

[@ReinierKaper]

This seems like a lot of measuring, while you could've just measured your reveal from the window itself and that gives you all the dimensions for the jambs and sill as a "box". Then it's a matter of just adding whatever extra width you want for the sill (inner width + 2*jamb thickness + 2*reveal + 2*trim width + 2*outer reveal) :)

[@timmaddams9576]

Measure twice, cut once.

[@Karma-fp7ho]

Thank you

[@hexhex7220]

"Darn those fractions!" ha ha ha

[@Pattington22]

Should try CA glue for the mitred returns. Makes life way easier.

[@tay13666]

That's what I was expecting him to do. He did it on another video when making door casings. I'll bet he just forgot to bring any, and just used what he had on hand. I mean, he already had the wood glue there for adding to his mud.

[@ReinierKaper]

CA glue on pine doesn't hold very well, just glue and brad nail it, then fill the hole. You don't want it to fall off at any point in time.

[@samfeldman1508]

That’s my jam!🤪😜

[@ronwurzer5138]

Thanks for the video. It's unclear to me (maybe I missed it) why wouldn't you use a flat piece of lumber for the sill, instead of that piece that you used? Then you wouldn't need to hide the ends with miter cuts.

[@enigmaticx326]

“I know you metric guys are losing your mind right now”. Yup!

[@Loopsrainforest]

I'm curious if you work in Canada? I've never seen metric used in construction, precision metal work or sheet in custom sheet metal even though we are supposed to be a metric country & metric is so much better.

[@enigmaticx326]

@@Loopsrainforest Australia. Metric all the way here.

[@Grizzleback07]

I live in the USA and I wish we used metric instead of SAE. Everything is based on 10 and is so much easier to calculate.

[@Loopsrainforest]

@@enigmaticx326 we had a travelling Aussie work in our stainless shop in Vancouver for a few months & it was quite hilarious watching him freak out about how trying to measure shit in feet, inches fractions & thousandths of inches was absolute bonkers.

[@bertbergers9171]

I knew i wouldn’t have to make this comment 🤣

[@tommytomtomtomestini3894]

I learned that imperial measurements are still weird AF.

[@swashbucklesfortysix5511]

Great Adidas shoes for work...and yes God knows what the name of the groove between table saw teeth is called? cheers Ben

[@number1pappy]

Well, I've only installed one window in the past and it came out less than stellar! Lol! We are renovating our living room and I have two new windows to install and your teachings here are perfect!! Thanks so much! I now have total confidence I know what to do.

[@thezfunk]

The deep part on the blade between the teeth is called a gullet, I believe. You probably want that just above the material so your blade has a chance to clear those gullets as it comes around.

[@Dave-co1cv]

Wrong, that is too much above the workpiece and increases the chance for kick-back. The man in this video is correct keeping it low. The sawdust is ejected below the table on the downward rotation of the blade.

[@jimmymarcussen4976]

Good work. Btw you look a lot like Timothy Olyphant 😊😊

[@kimz6855]

Love your tips&tricks, despite that a European like me can't really relate to "1/4 of an inch" :) Sometime I scroll back to the end to see what the final result's going to be. Would it be an idea to start with: "This is where we're at, and this is how it's going to look like - stay tooned". Just a suggestion :)

[@terryeffinp]

I built the sills for the house I'm working on, pine, two pieces, three different router bits, I hate white finish work. I like stain grade trim, but having the intention to sell the house white is the only way to go. No clue why it is so popular.

[@Grizzleback07]

Same here. I like the classic stained trim. I think white became popular because of the 90's golden oak on everything. Just my two cents.

[@travisandtracyjacobs6198]

My house is this way as well. My wife hates white. She doesn’t mine some type of color trim but loves pine and cedar trim. All of our house is this way. Pain in the butt, but once you are done, it looks nice. It looks like a log cabin.

[@mikhailjoukov3910]

Hitachi sliding miter saw? My faaave

[@joshuaparnoff4479]

I doubt you'll see it but slap a sacrificial fence on for those returns and you won't get the blade bite! + you don't have to go find the launched finish peice lol

[@frogmanpipes9561]

Could you please make a video. On to trim a window. If you have a buck frame

[@MrRafboy]

I did loose my mind when you were adding those measurements. Signed metric guy

[@darwinbodero7872]

Knowing the names of things is of the essence.

[@jasonmailhot759]

🤣🤣..the slidy marker thing..🤣🤣thats something I would say

[@christupper0]

I learn more from you in 10 minutes than I did in my first two years of carpentry. Great content brother.

[@cspbrooks]

Save a lot of time, effort, & expense by using one inch (3/4") poplar ripped to the desired depth to make an interior window stool (sill is an exterior window component). I've found a 10 degree bevel on the outside edge is very attractive (a 3" depth will accommodate holiday window candles). Again, save time and effort by using the same poplar material ripped to a compromise depth to create top and side jamb extensions. Glue/screw together and install as one 3 sided unit with shims into the framing. Install casing to jams with 1/4" inch revel. Install stool apron and you're done.

[@chazIII7III]

It’s easier watching YOU do it.

[@timpanko]

I was taught that caulking doesnt stay bonded to bare wood over time. I always prime first.

[@think41c]

First off, great video. Secondly, maybe the camera can be mounted so it's not shaking every second and maybe easier to film?

[@b.powell3480]

Combination pocket square (adjustable) !

[@RES_Plumbing-Drain]

This Hitachi is a Jewel, looks like the original made in Japan.

[@osirisptah]

The "deep part" is the gullet of the blade between each tooth.

[@patyak1133]

What brand is your tool belt? I've had many that did not work well-

[@user-qt3mr5js6p]

Hahaha, the slidey markey thing is a combination square. Otherwise known as a doo-hickey, thing a ma jig, whatchamacallit, and I call it a depth gauge.

[@AsHellBored]

For the window stool you just do math. 36" window is 35.5 plus jamb plus casing plus any overhang if wanted. I just shim to the vinyl frame

[@mariomatejka]

That looks like a lot of work to do those miter returns. Is it worth it?

[@mammothscott1455]

Get yourself a block plane to fine tune your fit. Cheers

[@stephenholland6328]

In the old days we used to call the inside parts the stool and the apron. The sill was the outside part.

[@DeuceGenius]

Looks like occidental leather belt nice

[@fayekephart848]

I have same tool bags

[@SOSPainting]

11:14... As a professional painter, I am grossly offended by this 😂😂😂 All the trades be like: "ah crap I messed up. Eh. The painters will fix it." 😐😐😐 Then you know what happens next? The painters come in at the end of the job and it takes them sooooo much longer to do their job because they gotta do everyone elses job too and then the contractor be like: "yo painters, the deadline is tomorrow and you not done yet" and things get all rushy and tense for the painters because they the last trade in and they the one who gotta meet the final deadline but its always a struggle cuz of turdos like you who dont fix their own poop. 😒😒😒 How do you sleep at night, Ben? 😂

[@MrTicker69]

I feel sorry for the painter Sara Van Den Akker 😢 like f##! I do That is why you are a painter It is your job to caulk and paint If you are not happy with bens carpentry who infact is a very good carpenter get out of the trade. Your attitude stinks 😒 I'm a carpenter, and if I ever saw you and your attitude I'd kick your attitude ass off my job. People like your useless ass we do not need in the trade. And if you can't meet deadlines Tough shit!!!

[@doofusmaguilacutee4998]

The part of the saw blade is called the Gullet.

[@dfw_motorrad1329]

Interesting. I've always called it the root. But then I come from a mechanic/machining background so I based it on thread naming conventions.

[@MissMoyston]

Can you do a video on sills for hallway niches? It should be more simple that this right?🥴

[@macoeur1122]

He was makin' up jamb...(strawberry) jamb....If you want the best jamb...you got to make your own... Make that jamb doc...Show 'em how it's done!

[@taumax]

Why did you miter the ends of the sill and then cut pieces to fill it back in. Seems like extra work?

[@OddJobsWorkshop]

Gives the ends a paint grade finish instead of an open end grain which will soak up paint and give you a different finish quality

[@taumax]

@@OddJobsWorkshopyou can't sand and prime the end grain to get a smooth finish?

[@benhatcher2603]

@@taumax You still have to fill in the gap. The sill was L shaped with the inside edge being like 1.25" and the main part .75" from the looks of it. Though, otherwise, I'm with you and I'd rather not have the extra miter cut on a flat piece. I did a countertop edge for my parents and sanded the oak end grain to match the face grain. It looked great and I touched it every time I walked into their house because I was so happy with the result.

[@RJFerret]

Not only matching finish instead of end grain, but if the sill has a half moon rounded facing edge, can carry that back to the wall instead of it being cut flat with sharp edges for improved detail.

[@jameslund221]

Combination square I believe is what you would call that thingy.lol

[@allisterblackwell643]

How do you not know that was a combination square, your meant to be a carpenter. 😂

[@paulr7719]

What is the point of a mitered return? You cut it at a 45 degree angle, then cut a new piece to glue to what you just cut? i don't get it

[@stitrock8595]

I don't think casing a window out of drywall is a good idea. Oh wait, you carpentered ? Brrrrr . Have a like