Framing basement windows is ______?
Easy. Easy is the answer
Easy… Once you know what to do.
I, being your basement finishing friend, will show you what to do. Other's may disagree and say "Jason, that's the dumbest way ever". But I know three things. It was easy. It passed inspection. The drywall guys liked it.
If you like things that are easy and pass inspection then my technique for framing basement windows is for you.
Don't Drywall Over Your Basement Windows
Before we get into framing around your basement windows I want to just double check that you're not thinking of just dry-walling over them.
That would be.... a bad idea. On several fronts.
You need light my friends. Not just light bulb light. You need natural light, and I'm not talking about the beer.
You also need to open these windows from time to time to let in some fresh air.
Granted, most of the time they're closed and locked (for safety purposes) but on occasion you will want to open them.
For example; let's just imagine, an I'm just spit-balling here, you're crazy cat decides to poop all over the basement floor and you want to clean that up with a harsh cleaning agent.
In that hypothetical case... you want the windows to open. Just sayin'.
Framing Basement Windows
This photo, of one of my basement walls, lays it out pretty well.
#1 and #2 You want to start by installing the studs of the wall as you normally would. When you get to one that would go over the area of the window skip it until you get past the window.
Here in the photo studs 1 and 2 need to go up before you stop to frame the window.
#3 #4 With studs one and two in place you can now install the top and bottom horizontal 2 x 4s for the window frame. It's crucial at this point to measure exactly where you want the frame to be. If you're finishing the window with just drywall then be sure to account for the extra width.
When you or your drywall crew go to "finish" the window, you don't want those panels at an angle, they should be 90 degrees from the wall. Don't worry if it's slightly off, you can use some shims to get it right.
Keep in mind you can't fix it with shims if the framing is to tight around the
window (to close in) so it's better to error on to far away.
#5 #6 With the top and bottom in place you can install the left and right supports. Remember, the entire reason for framing is to hold up the drywall. This isn't like you supporting a new window. The window itself is already securely framed in by the concrete blocks.
Try to visualize yourself finishing the window, this will help you understand how to frame it.
It's very important to get pieces 3 and 4 as straight and as level as possible. Don't use a warped board.
Finally, with the window boxed in, you can install studs 5 and 6. Be sure to stay on your pattern of 16 inches on center, the drywall crew will still be expecting studs every sixteen inches, even under a window.
That's about it. I'm going to do a separate post on how to finish the window using wood and trim instead of drywall and I'll telling you right now it looks much, much better trimmed out.
Be sure to subscribe to my email list to get notified about that article and some other cool tips that I'm pulling from my basement finishing notes.
Oh, one more thing. If you decide to hire a contractor for framing your basement be sure to check out my tips on getting the right one. You can thank me later.
Cheers - Jason
More Resources:
- Check out more basement framing articles.
- Do you need books about how to finish your basement?
- This drywalling trick will let in more light from those tiny basement windows.
- Home Depot's Misleading Air Filters and how I saveed $239.36
An alternative to boxing the basement windows is to put them at an angle, despite clear instruction not to do so! It lets a lot more light in, and I thought it came out really nice.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_6pXd7qh4fdb2NiSmxFZTE1TEE/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_6pXd7qh4fdbzd5QU00QWNsS0E/edit?usp=sharing
Tony - What a great idea! Looks fantastic. I've never seen that anywhere, thank you for posting the pictures. I love it! - Jason
I'm definitely doing mine like this!
Those windows look great! I have no experience and am learning as I go, but would live to try this in my basement. Is it possible with metal studs? Do I need to angle the the bottom stud and if so what angle? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Dave - Metal studs are fine and you don't have to angle them. Just the regular framing. - Jason
Thanks Jason!! GREAT Website buddy!!
Thanks Dave!
how did you secure the sheetrock near the window? I only see one screw.. does it rest against the foundation? If so, wouldnt there be moisture issues?
Hi Monik - I didn't secure it along the back near the window. It's screwed in where it made contact with the framing, otherwise I just caulked along the edge to seal it tight. Good luck finishing your basement! - Jason
tony, hope you get this notification and reply. How did you attach the drywall on an angle like that? I don't see any blocking in the framing on the bottom.
After I framed my basement windows do I put sheetrock on the wood studs around the inside of the window or do I put 1/2 finished wood on the studs inside the window? or is it a matter of my choice? Thanks.
Totally up to you John. I preferred a wood finish and it reduce the cost of the drywall - a little. But you can go with drywall as well. - Jason
Thanks Jason. Appreciate you feedback and help. Great videos by the way. Very helpful.
Great site, Jason - you're a goldmine of helpful information!
One thing I'm still unsure of is how to handle framing around a basement window that has its' metal frame set into the concrete wall (1972 construction)? The windows have to remain removable, so there doesn't seem to be room to finish the inside of the existing metal window frame with either drywall or wood. If I did that, I would be permanently locking the window into the frame. I don't like the looks of leaving the metal frame exposed though, so I'm really at a loss. How do I handle this transition!
I have windows in my basement that we’re dry walled over (I know - not smart, but I bought the house this way).... how can I cut the drywall out and ‘reopen’ the windows for natural light down there?