Do-it-yourself selection, manufacture and installation of platbands on windows. Window trims: beautiful design options for your home Straight window trims in a wooden house

Old Russian architecture is invariably associated with carved platbands on the windows. This form of design of houses is distinguished by species diversity. A few decades ago, craftsmen with their own style of creating decorative elements lived in each region. Today's return to the roots is accompanied by a revival of interest in window decoration using carved platbands.

Framing purpose

The very word "platband" 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 the windows with carved frames. In addition to the decorative role, window trims primarily 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 bar protects from the evil eye and serves as a kind of amulet. Therefore, various figures and plants bearing a specific semantic load were seen in bizarre patterns.

In modern architecture, the functional purpose of platbands for windows is as follows:

• A well-chosen carved design allows you to visually stretch a low building or expand a narrow wall.
• The opportunity to show individuality and decorate the building in accordance with the trend of a particular era.
• Allows you to achieve a single architectural ensemble between all the buildings on the site.
• Protection of cracks from the penetration of external negative factors (precipitation, noise, dust).
• It is one of the elements of thermal protection of the house.

Remark ! Sometimes platbands are the only option for framing a window. This mainly concerns wooden log cabins, when the use of other materials is unacceptable due to the loss of harmonious appearance.

Carved finishes, especially those made of wood, have a number of features that should be taken into account during the period of operation:

• Dependence on the influence of atmospheric factors. Moisture and temperature changes invariably damage the decorative design.
• When choosing a frame, you should take into account the properties of the rock from which the platbands are made, and take care of high-quality processing. Timely preventive measures extend the life of the product for the window.
• Difficulties often arise when combining wooden carved elements with modern plastic frames. With this combination, it is preferable to install windows that imitate a wooden texture.

The value of carved elements

The desire to comply with ancient traditions requires knowledge of the meaning of various elements of carved architraves:

• The sun, as a rule, is placed on the kokoshnik. It symbolizes life and energy.
• The personification of wisdom and fertility lies in the image of a snake.
• The symbol of harmony between spiritual and material aspirations is a cross in a carved platband.
• The feeling of unity with nature is emphasized through vegetation.
• 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

For the production of platbands on windows, natural and artificial materials. Traditionally carved elements were made of weather-resistant wood. Characteristics of the properties of individual breeds will help determine the most suitable type:

• Larch is minimally susceptible to decay 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 malleable and soft wood of carved architraves needs special treatment due to its ability to absorb moisture well.
• Oak, ash or beech window frames are resistant to negative weather conditions, 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 perform a neat carved decor. At the same time, the platbands have sufficient strength for external use.
• Small carved window decorations, which are fixed on the main elements, can be made from cherry or apple.

Advice ! Regular updating of the coating of wooden architraves with waterproof paint or varnish will ensure their long service life.

What other materials are used in the production of linings for windows and what are their features, we will consider below:

• Laminated MDF allows you to accurately simulate 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 decay, has a wide color palette that is resistant to solar radiation. The color of the platbands is selected taking into account the finishing of the house to match or contrast with the facade.
• For round windows, polyurethane products are ideal, characterized by lightness and unpretentious care.
• Metal strips are fixed in order to protect the mounting seam, connecting them into a single whole with a profile box.

There are two main ways to install platbands:

• Invoice - the most common method in the design of windows. For fixing, special glue or nails are used.
• The telescopic method involves the L-shaped form of manufacturing the casing, which allows you to fix the product by entering the grooves of the box. Mostly used for finishing doorways. Its characteristic difference is the absence of traces of fasteners.

Patterns and types of thread

The carved forms of the architraves give the window individuality, but in order to make them, you will definitely need templates. The presence of woodcarving 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 exploring:

• variants of single element templates and their general form;
• top, bottom and side decoration details.

You can copy them completely or add your own details to the pattern. The picture of the carved platband you like or its fragment must be scaled up taking into account the size of your window. For the manufacture of carved templates, fiberboard, thick cardboard or paper is used. It is desirable to decorate windows with platbands with the same thread. Please note that it is much more difficult to make small carved elements, and they become unusable faster than others. In this case, a partial replacement of the frame will be required.

Warning ! Be sure to take into account the slope at the top of the carved casing. This will prevent the accumulation of snow 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 contours of plants, images of animals and geometric figures were most widely used in the ornamentation of carved architraves.

The key details of the drawing for any window trim are:

• lower bar or window sill;
• vertical rail;
• top bar.

The scheme can also contain all kinds of hangers, flowerpots or a diadem. Detailed description the names of carved decor elements are shown in the diagram below:

If your windows are of 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 repeat alternately. An example of such a scheme is shown in the photo below:

There are several ways to make a wooden carved frame on the windows:

• Slotted 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 overhead threading, separately cut parts are fixed to a solid board by gluing or nailing. This technique allows you to arrange a window with a simple casing. Protruding elements are often covered with contrasting paint.

Sometimes both types of thread are combined.

Manufacturing process

Having decided on the pattern, material, type of thread and method of fastening the platbands, you can directly proceed to the manufacture of carved framing for windows.

Important ! Drawing on the workpiece needs correct placement. To prevent cracking of the thread will allow the location of the elements along the fibers of wooden blanks.

Places of the pattern where it is necessary to make cuts, it is better to mark with color. The work on the manufacture of 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 done with dry lumber.
• Blanks are cut out.
• For a snug fit of the carved casing from the inside, the wood is selected to an insignificant depth (1-2 mm).
• The pattern applied using the template is cut out. To form holes, drills of various diameters are used, a jigsaw is needed to make cuts. To make a beautiful cut, the entry point of the jigsaw is marked with a drilled hole.
• All carved elements of the platband for the window are cleaned with sanding paper. Wood dust is removed from blind holes with a vacuum cleaner.

Laid on thread provides for fastening finished elements to a wide casing on nails with removed caps. Strengthen the strength of the connection will allow glue applied from the wrong side of the casing. The use of self-tapping screws is not recommended due to the risk of damage to the carved section of the connection.

Carved platbands are installed on wooden windows with the use of blind or through spikes. The first option is distinguished by a reliable connection and a complex installation process. The second method is simpler, but less reliable. The installation of carved elements on a plastic window is carried out using liquid nails.

Preliminary protective treatment of carved architraves and regular preventive care will ensure long-term preservation of the attractive appearance of the window.

For many centuries, the windows of the house were framed with wooden carved platbands. Their use is still relevant today, given modern technologies. But why do we need platbands on the windows in wooden house And is it necessary to install them? What is needed for the manufacture of protection and what kind of wood is better to use? Is it possible to make wooden platbands for windows with your own hands?

Why do we need platbands on the windows

The construction of houses throughout human history has always been improved, and a wooden house has hundreds of small, but at the same time necessary elements. What are the functions of the platbands on the windows of the house?

First, it is protection. They close the gap between the window and the opening to prevent drafts, dust and moisture, and also as additional thermal insulation. Today, when installing modern window systems the gaps are filled with foam, which is already a good insulator and sealant. The only drawback of this material is the rapid destruction under the influence of temperature and moisture. The platband in this case will act as a good protection and decoration of plastic windows from the outside in a wooden house from the action of these harmful factors.

The design protects the plastic from the effects of temperature and precipitation

Secondly, the aesthetic function. Only in second place is the decoration of the gaps between the window and the opening. Smooth and straight or artsy carved, they will embellish the house design.

What are the types of platbands

Structurally, all types of platbands are similar to each other. They can be classified according to the material used:

• Plastic.
• Wooden.

Plastic platbands have a lot of positive aspects: they are durable, and the effect of temperature and moisture on them is reduced to zero.. Also, these products can repeat the texture of wood. The only negative is the unnatural view of wooden building.

Plastic products are not affected by temperature changes and moisture

MDF is a wooden board made from sawdust and glue. As a rule, such platbands are laminated, which is an excellent protection against external influences, and their service life is very long.

Wooden - natural and environmentally friendly. At proper processing such platbands perfectly resist harmful effects environment . The use of wood allows you to make any shape and pattern, which will be a huge plus in the external decor of the building.

According to the method of installation, the platbands are overhead or telescopic.

Overhead mounted traditional way installations - over the facade and window frame.

Surface mounted type mounted in the traditional way

Telescopic architraves have the shape of the letter "G" and are installed in the grooves of the window. Their great advantage is that they do not require the use of additional fastening materials.

Telescopic type mounted without the use of additional fasteners

Separately, one can single out such a view as Finnish platbands on windows in wooden and other houses. Their main hallmark is a visor at the top and a simple concise shape.

Which type of architraves to use depends on personal preference and the design plan, but wood overlays are the most commonly used. They are easy to install and aesthetically blend with the material of the walls of the house.

What kind of wood to choose

If it was decided to make wooden architraves, then what breeds are better to use?

Usually the window trim is made from the same wood from which your house was built. You also need to consider ease of processing, texture or strength.

For self-manufacturing architraves with elaborate forms, it is easier to choose soft breeds: alder, linden, aspen. They are easy to cut and finish. However, such wood must be carefully treated with protection from moisture.

Such types of wood as pine or birch have excellent properties. Processing them is somewhat more difficult, but they are more durable and resistant to weather changes.

Oak or beech has the strongest and most durable indicators, but it is quite difficult to make carved platbands of complex shape without special equipment.

Also, for the manufacture of additional decorative cashing elements that can be applied on top, fruit trees are used - cherries or cherries.

The main rule when using any of the listed types of material is the need for mandatory additional protection against moisture. An elementary paint and varnish coating will greatly extend the life of wooden platbands.

Templates for carved architraves

Of course, you can not bother and make a simple cash out without a pattern. A striking example would be Finnish - smooth and without an intricate pattern.

simple finnish window frame trim

Carved platbands on the windows in a wooden house will greatly embellish the overall look and create individual design. For their manufacture, it is easiest to use templates. How to make platbands of non-standard shapes?

Initially, a pattern is chosen, while being guided by some rules:

• Drawings are geometric and floral. They do not need to be mixed in one design.
• You need to find the right proportion. The geometry of the pattern should not be too wide or narrow.
• Use the optimal combination of colors in the design.

Ready-made ornaments for the template can be found on the Internet and printed. Then make stencils using them, with the help of which you can transfer the pattern to the surface of the material.

When marking wood for a template, the pattern is applied along the fibers.

How to make wooden platbands

As a rule, two technologies are used to frame window openings. More simple option considered a Finnish design. If the owner of the house prefers a more sophisticated window design, then the carved manufacturing technique is chosen. Let's consider each of the methods in more detail.

Making a simple Finnish window trim

You can make platbands on windows using Finnish technology using coniferous wood, pine or larch is great. Less commonly, birch, beech or oak are chosen for this.

The design is simple and concise, consists of the following elements:

• Four strapping boards around the perimeter of the window.
• Visor.
• Two supports for the casting board (visor).

The width of the strapping is from 90 to 145 millimeters, the casting board is 175 mm, the thickness is 20-30 millimeters.

Finnish cashing machine

The manufacturing algorithm is as follows:

• Saw out props for low tide. For their manufacture, complex geometric shapes are not used. Cutting is done using a jigsaw.
• The harness is made like this. Side boards should be slightly longer than the window opening (approximately two of its widths). Their lower part is bevelled. The top board is made along the length of the tide and also has curly edges (usually simple bevels).
• The visor is made beveled along the edges, and a chamfer is cut in front (to drain water).
• Installation of Finnish platbands is carried out on the casing (with plastic windows) or on the window frame. In this case, self-tapping screws are not used, but only wooden spikes in combination with an adhesive composition.

The glue itself installation work does not provide sufficient support.

Making carved architraves

First, a stencil with a pattern is made. For a beginner carver, it is best to use a pattern with large elements - they are easier to bring to life. The main thing is to stick to the same type of pattern, which will create a single design for the entire facade..

The carving of platbands can be of two types:

• slotted. It has a very original look, the pattern gives the impression of wood lace. It is made by cutting through the board and further fastening along the perimeter of the opening.
• Invoice. In this case, all elements of the drawings are made separately and then fixed on a single board as a basis.

When making, you will need a set of tools for wood. Elementary carved platbands can be made using a manual and electric jigsaw, hacksaw, drill.

More complex patterns are made using milling machines and sets of wood cutters. Sanding requires sandpaper.

The thickness of the board of the selected material is at least 30 millimeters for the welt pattern and 10 mm for the production of the invoice. The tree must be perfectly dried, otherwise in the future such platbands will crack and change shape..

1. The window opening of the house is measured and blanks are prepared on it.
2. The required pattern is applied to the surface of the board under the stencil. Be sure to take into account the mirror opposite of the left and right architraves, as well as the upper and lower ones (that is, there must be at least four stencils).
3. Internal cuts begin with drilling holes for the jigsaw blade.
4. All the necessary drawings are cut along the lines.
5. All irregularities after cutting are carefully leveled and polished using sandpaper, rasps and even needle files.
6. When the product is ready, it is finally finished using 600 grit sandpaper.
7. Overhead elements are fixed to the base. Fasteners can be made with glue and nails without caps. Self-tapping screws can cause cracks.

Installation of platbands on openings

Patterned window frame

Assembly

When all the elements are ready, they are assembled into a single structure. To do this, use joints on a spike (nagel) or nails without hats, carpentry glue plays an additional role.

If an overhead thread is used, then the base is first assembled. With this method, the ends of the base are connected with dowels on spikes.

The installation of platbands on windows in a wooden house is also carried out on a studded mount.

Mounting

Installation of platbands on a spike can be of two types: deaf and through.

• Deaf. The spikes are inserted into the holes on the platbands or the frame, in accordance with them, the same sockets are made. Plus, there are no fastener points visible.
• Through. To do this, the cashing is applied to the opening and through holes are drilled into which the dowels on the glue are hammered.

Installation of window cashing on a deaf spiked mount is done according to the following principle.

• On the surface of the frame and platbands mark the location of the spikes.
• Holes are made under them.
• The spikes are made from a harder wood species and are 0.5 mm larger than the required diameter.
• The dowels are inserted into the holes on the frame and the platbands are placed on them.

Previously, before installing the element, you need to lubricate the joints with wood glue.

The installation itself is quite simple, but it requires great accuracy, the slightest distortions and violation of compliance will not allow good fastening.

Installation of the structure must be carried out with maximum accuracy

Finishing trims

In order for the products to serve for a long time, they must be treated from the destructive effects of the environment: temperature changes and moisture.

Finishing and protective material can be varnish, paint or stain.

There are also various special impregnations or good old drying oil. They must be applied before finishing painting.

Stains perfectly emphasize the texture of wood, but their use is desirable in combination with colorless wood varnishes. This finish can perfectly imitate valuable breeds wood.

Varnishes have excellent protective properties and, like stains, can create a rich color, for example, oak or pine.

Paints are best used waterproof. They are selected according to the general color scheme of the house and windows.

Roof color selection

To extend the service life, it is necessary to revise the appearance of the platbands and renew the coating.

If there are places with mold or decay, they are carefully scraped off or cut off. Damaged areas are restored using wood putty with further paintwork.

When installing plastic windows, many do not even suspect that there are special, simple and concise in appearance, platbands for them. And it’s completely in vain - when placing an order for the installation of such window systems, it is quite possible to immediately coordinate the installation of these elements.

However, this is by no means the only Possible Solution question. Platbands for plastic windows can also be made of wood and decorated with artistic carvings. If you use this option to decorate the facade of the house, then the window openings will be framed in the same way as Russian masters have done for centuries. wooden architecture.

No need to think that the platbands perform an exclusively decorative role. In fact, they are very functional, and are designed to close the gaps between window frame and a wall, which in our time are most often sealed mounting foam. The platbands protect this filling from negative external influences, such as ultraviolet rays that destroy the polyurethane foam, direct moisture, etc.

Platbands and their functions

Briefly, the process of installing a plastic window is as follows:

• If old windows are installed in the openings, they are dismantled, and the vacant opening is cleaned of insulating materials and dirt.
• Then, a plastic frame is inserted into the opening, which is aligned with the building level and fixed on the walls in several places with special metal elements - anchors or plates (underframes). Double-glazed windows are installed and fixed with special glazing beads.
• Further, all the gaps left between the frame and the wall are sealed - filled with mounting foam, closed with special sealing and hydrophobic tapes, etc.
• After the foam hardens, its excess is cut off. Then puttying and installation of slopes is carried out from above.
• And, finally, platbands are installed, which close the gaps filled with foam from the outside or from the inside.

Self-installation of a plastic window is not an easy task.

When installing such a system, it is necessary to provide for many nuances. The process is described in detail in a special publication of our portal.

Standard equipment plastic window with double-glazed windows, as a rule, does not include platbands, especially since these finishing elements are not suitable in all cases. For example, if the windows are very recessed into the wall, then you need to choose very narrow platbands, or install them around the window opening. Moreover, in the second version, they will serve exclusively as a decorative element, therefore, they are installed only at will.

However, it should be noted that platbands have their own advantages, which attract many owners of private houses:

• Accuracy and aesthetic appearance of windows.
• In its own way - a certain exclusivity of the design of plastic standard windows, since, nevertheless, most owners do not use these elements of facade decoration.
• And the functionality already mentioned is the protection of the sealed gap from the influence of the external environment.

It should be noted that there are platbands designed for finishing windows and from the inside. Such products are usually intended only for decorative design, therefore, it is acquired mainly in cases where the interior of the room needs to be kept in a certain style. For example, such a design is suitable for a "rustic Russian" style or "country" - both of these trends have been actively coming into fashion lately.

Varieties of platbands in shape and material of manufacture

Platbands for plastic windows can be various types and profiles, manufactured using a variety of materials:

• Flat slats made of plastic, aluminium, polyurethane and wood.

The simplest - platbands in the form of flat plastic strips

Most often, platbands that are flat in shape are used to frame plastic windows, since they are simply mounted, create a neat look, are easy to maintain and have the most affordable price from all existing configurations.

• Carved platbands, which are made of plastic or natural wood.

This version of the parts are manufactured mainly according to custom order made of wood, so they are very expensive. Plastic options for carved window frames are not easy to find in hardware stores, since their mass production is far from being organized everywhere and not on a large enough scale.

• Shaped platbands can have a smooth semicircular shape or almost flat, but with a relief pattern in the form of stripes of different depths. This type is produced from almost all of the listed materials.

• Profile architraves are made of plastic, wood, polyurethane or aluminium. They have a certain shape in cross section, sometimes made in a rather intricate configuration.

The peculiarity of profile architraves is a complex shape in cross section

The choice of platband according to the material of manufacture

It is important to choose the right platband, which would fit in its appearance not only to the window frame, but also to the material of the walls of the facade or its external decoration.

• Plastic options have the most affordable price and a very aesthetic appearance, however, they do not differ in too long service life.

Usually, all manufacturers have in their product range and platbands of the same color as the profile for the frames. Therefore, when placing an order, you can immediately ask what types of decorative platbands can be offered.

As a rule, plastic platbands are made in different color scheme, but the most popular option is White color. After it, “on the ladder of popularity” is brown-chocolate, and other colors follow, which are used much less frequently. Therefore, not all window manufacturers can find a profile of the desired rare shade.

The color of the frames is usually matched to the shades of the walls or the roof of the house, and sometimes the design of the facade is carried out on contrasting principles.

Plastic framing options are produced in sets that are assembled into a single casing on site, or in a finished, solid form, in the likeness of a frame, which remains only to be fixed around the perimeter of the window opening.

There are special plastic profiles for platbands that are mounted on the wall and snapped into place with a special locking connection on the slopes installed around the window. This option allows not only to create a neat frame, but also to securely connect the slopes with the decorative frame of the opening, without any gaps.

• Platbands made of polyurethane also deserve attention, as they are often used to decorate windows.

Profiles made of this material can have a different relief shape, they are light in weight and quite simply adjusted in size and mounted on a window opening or even directly on a window.

Polyurethane framing options are resistant to moisture and sunlight, so they will last a very long time.

This material can be coated with paint, so if you decide to change the facade design, there will be no problems with changing the color of these elements. When painted, polyurethane becomes even more resistant to external influences, acquires an aesthetic appearance and is very easy to clean from dust deposits.

Platbands are also made from expanded polystyrene, which usually have additional internal reinforcement. They are somewhat inferior in quality to polyurethane foam, but they can also be used both for external and for interior decoration window openings with plastic windows.

• Platbands made of natural wood are very durable and beautiful, provided they are well treated with protective compounds. Such parts, with high-quality performance, have a fairly high cost.

Wooden platbands are, of course, a "classic" facade decoration.

Wooden frames for plastic windows are perfect for a house that has wooden walls or trimmed with a material that faithfully imitates wood. As mentioned above, wooden architraves with figured carvings are most often made by hand and ordered individually for each style of the chosen facade design.

Wooden options can be painted in various colors, which are selected depending on the other shades present in the overall ensemble, so as to achieve harmony with the facade decoration and the color background of the roof of the house.

The disadvantage of wooden platbands is that they need to be painted much more often than polyurethane - on wood, the paint is more prone to fading.

Installing trim on windows

Platbands are installed different ways. It depends both on the material of manufacture and on the place of installation, since the window can be recessed into the wall or be in the same external plane with it.

• If the window is deepened into the wall, then they are first mounted around it, which will close the unsightly sections of the wall around the frame that can spoil the overall aesthetic appearance.

To do this, a special plastic starting profile is fixed to the window frame, into which the slope panel will be inserted.

The figure clearly shows the principle of installing a slope in the starting profile, and then a plastic casing.

To join the platbands at the corners, their edges are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. The cuts will be neat and accurate if you follow some recommendations:

- sawing off should be carried out using a special template - a miter box;

Smooth joints of platbands in the corners are ensured by using a special device for cutting them - a miter box

- if the miter box is not used, and the casing is sawn off in a horizontal position, then washed down should be carried out from the outside;

• If the platbands have special grooves for fastening them with slopes, then they are simply installed with spikes in them and snap into place.

Video: an example of installing plastic trim - flashings on a PVC window

• In the case of fixing the platbands to the wall surface separately from the slopes, the prepared parts are tried on the window opening, and their location is marked on the wall plane. After that, “liquid nails” or “Moment” glue is applied to the back of the trim panels, and the frame is glued according to the markings. The joints at the corners are also glued together with glue.

Application of "liquid nails" on the back of the casing

Wooden platbands are fixed to the walls with dowels or self-tapping screws. For this in wooden details first, through holes are drilled, which then expand somewhat on the front side so that the head of the fastener is hidden in the thickness of the wood. According to the markings on the wall, a hole is made where the dowel is installed, and then a self-tapping screw is screwed into it through the casing. The remaining hole in the casing, in which the head of the self-tapping screw "hid", is closed up epoxy resin mixed with fine sawdust. Such a putty will make the installation sites of fasteners almost invisible.

Manufacture of platbands

Some craftsmen prefer to make carved platbands on their own. They are cut according to a pre-made template, through which the pattern is transferred to a perfectly processed high-quality board.

You can also make platbands in the form of even panels, which will be very simple to make, but in this case, the board should be flat and smooth. It is treated, and then with water-repellent compounds. Sometimes the wood is darkened with a stain, and covered with yacht moisture-resistant varnish on top.

The choice of wood for platbands

Properly selected wood will greatly facilitate and speed up the work on platbands, so the choice of material must be taken seriously.

It is best to choose wood that is easy to process. So, linden, alder and aspen are well suited for cutting out complex lacy elements of the casing. Do not choose coniferous trees:

- for example, spruce has a large number of knots, which can significantly spoil the pattern;

- pine is an excessively fragile material on which chips may appear during operation;

- cedar and larch, in principle, are well suited for long-term operation of platbands in outdoor conditions, however, they have a very high structural density, so they are difficult to process.

The wood should be moderately dried so that when it dries, the finished parts, on which a lot of effort will be spent, do not deform or crack.

The thickness of the boards for platbands is selected depending on the height of the relief pattern, and can vary from 10 to 40 mm. Therefore, before buying material, you need to decide on the choice of ornament.

If there are small protruding elements in the relief, then it is recommended to make and process them separately, and then paste them in the place provided for them.

If the platbands are not supposed to be painted, then you need to choose boards with a beautiful textured pattern, without a large number of knots, having an even “healthy” structure of one shade, which will be in perfect harmony with the design of the entire facade.

Casing dimensions

Calculations are made as follows:

• The height and width of the window opening are measured - these will be the parameters of the inner perimeter of the casing.
• Then, from the line of the opening, the width of the platband is measured to determine how much it will cover the wall. This is especially important when window frame is in the same plane as the wall.
• The height of the platband should be equal to the height of the window opening plus two widths of the platband panel. Thus, the calculation is carried out if the horizontal upper and lower bars of the created frame will have the same width as the vertical ones. If the horizontal panels are planned to be made wider, then the vertical ones should have a height equal to the height of the window opening plus the width of the upper and lower sides of the casing.
• The size of the sides of the platband will also depend on which corner joint will be chosen, so before you start cutting the board, you need to carefully consider all the nuances.

Production and processing of wooden platband

The selected pattern is applied to the prepared boards. As already mentioned, it is best to carry out this process using a pre-cut stencil.

If there is no experience in cutting out drawings, then it is better to choose not the most difficult drawing.

When the drawing is completely transferred to the board, you can start cutting it out. For work, an electric jigsaw is used. In each closed section of the drawing, a through hole is drilled with a drill, into which a vertical jigsaw file will be inserted, and from this place this fragment of the board will be carefully, slowly, cut out.

When cutting out a curly pattern, special care and discretion will be required - any awkward movement can ruin all the work.

In addition to a jigsaw, you can use a milling cutter for work. It will help smooth out sharp corners in a through drawing, and it is more convenient to cut out some relief elements with this tool.

In order for the pattern on the casing to look aesthetically pleasing and professional, it must be processed with sandpaper, first with medium grain (140 ÷ 180), and then with fine grain (220 ÷ 400). Processing is carried out manually, and to make it less laborious, you must first work well with a milling cutter.

If individual parts of the relief were made separately, then they are fixed with wood glue after all surfaces have been processed. When the glue dries, the entire casing, including all relief elements, is impregnated with antiseptic compounds and also left to dry.

The final stage of work is the coating of all surfaces with a waterproof protective composition for wood. by the most the best option for external details, yacht varnish will be used. Naturally, if desired or subject to the facade color solution, architraves can be covered with paint of the desired color.

Figured platbands will help to "revive" the look of standard plastic windows

If there is a desire to try your hand at making this facade decorative detail, then it is best to start practicing on pieces of the board, to “fill your hand”. Then, when it starts to work, you can go directly to . Detailed Instructions can be obtained in a special publication of the portal.

In conclusion, we can summarize that no matter what type of platbands is chosen, they will make the appearance of the facade of the house more aesthetic and neat. In addition, these details will create additional protection for the gaps hermetically sealed with insulation between the window frame and the wall.

When it comes to window trims, the first thing that comes to mind is wooden house in the grandmother's village with carved window frames on the facades.

Sweet memories. From time immemorial, Russian wooden architecture has been famous for the variety of decorative wood carvings on the facades of buildings, and later on window casings.

Each region (province, county) had its own masters with their own style, which differed from the masters of the neighboring town.

"platband" - "on the face", decoration and functional part of the window on the facade of the building.

Today, lovers and connoisseurs of Russian architecture, enthusiasts who are not indifferent to the history of Russian architecture, traveling through the regions of Russia, photograph windows with various architraves (preserved or in a dilapidated state) so that descendants can see them. On the Internet you can find the sites of these people.

What are window trims? First of all, it's still structural element windows, closing the gap between the opening and the window frame, preventing dust from entering the room, protecting from precipitation, noise, drafts.

But in the old days it was still a protection from the evil eye, magic spells of the pagans were encrypted in bizarre patterns, amulets in the form of various figures, they were only applied to valances, piers, and later on window trims. Patterns were passed down from generation to generation, repeated in embroideries on towels, clothes, new designs were invented.

Today, the platband has become more of a function of protecting the living space from external atmospheric influences and decorating facades. But the craftsmen still invest love and knowledge into the creation of the architraves, based on the experience of their ancestors.

Looking at some window you like, framed by a casing, you involuntarily compare it with the face of a Russian woman of past centuries. Even the upper decoration of the window is named the same as the female headdress - “kokoshnik”. The peasant woman had a more modest dress, and the noblewoman had a more refined kokoshnik, richly decorated with stones and embroidery.

The same thing happened with windows: various - simple and complex forms, with rich slotted carvings or very modest forms. The lower part of the window was decorated with a "towel", like a towel with bread and salt in women's hands.

Platbands were made from tree species resistant to atmospheric influences and temperature extremes.. Larch is the least susceptible to rotting, but this breed is not suitable for the manufacture of carved openwork overlays, as it is quite fragile. But linden is an excellent material for openwork decor, soft, pliable, but requires special impregnation and processing, as it easily absorbs moisture.

Oak wood is the most resistant to all atmospheric influences and temperature changes, but difficult to process. But having worked hard on this material, you will get a durable product that will be admired not only by your children, but also by your grandchildren.

At present, platbands are being made from wood, composite materials - laminated MDF or plywood, PVC, polyurethane and metal (aluminum, steel).

Wooden architraves the most environmentally friendly, elegant - a wonderful decoration of a log house, but less durable. However, when proper care they will last long enough. Periodically, the platband must be treated with a fresh layer of waterproof varnish or paint.

MDF trims – this is a slab veneered with various types of wood, decorativeness lies in the color of a particular breed.

Plastic architraves made of PVC, not subject to decay, more often installed on plastic windows. Have a wide color spectrum resistant to ultraviolet. The color of the platband can be matched to the color of the plaster or siding that the house is sheathed with, or set to contrast with the facades.

Polyurethane architraves light and easy to use. Rounded windows can be framed with such a product, which is difficult to make from other materials.

Metal platbands or flashings installed to protect the mounting seam on the inside or outside of the window or door, connecting it with a profile box into a single whole.

According to the installation method, platbands are overhead and telescopic. Telescopic casing has an L-shape, is made of wood, veneered MDF, modern look architraves. Its advantages lie in the method of installation - the absence of traces of fasteners (nails, screws), it fits tightly into the grooves of the window frame.

The platband installed on the window will become not only a functional element of decoration, but also a decorative component of your facade. Simple rectangular, carved or curvilinear arched window trims can be purchased from manufacturers or made with your own hands. But handmade products will become the hallmark of your home and increase your self-esteem.

Do-it-yourself window trim manufacturing and installation

You can make templates for platbands and the platbands themselves on your own. Owning any computer program for drawing, you can make and calculate any template, pick up the scale and print it on plain A4 paper. At the same time, it is not necessary to have any artistic skills, it is enough to find and upload a photo of a window with a pattern or a fragment of a picture you like into the program and circle it, changing or copying it with accuracy, and then scale the scheme to fit your window sizes.

If you have several window sizes, then it is recommended to perform a scheme with an intermediate repeat, which can be repeated as many times as necessary. The diagram below shows how to do this.

Rapport can be repeated from the same elements or two fragments arranged alternately.

You can fasten with nails, screws or special synthetic glue. The horizontal and vertical parts are joined together more often at an angle of 45 °, having previously made cuts with a hacksaw using a miter box.

There are several ways to make wooden platbands.

The first way is a slotted platband - perhaps the most decorative and delicate. The platband made of light tones of wood or painted with white paint against a darker background of the facade looks very elegant and sophisticated, like Vologda lace. There is something mysterious and fabulous in such a casing.

The next manufacturing method is laid on thread. Individual cut out elements are superimposed (nailed or glued) onto a solid board. It creates a sense of volumetric pattern. Thus, you can decorate a simple platband.

The protruding part of the pattern is often painted in a contrasting color or shade. You can combine both types of thread in one product.

Existing, but already dilapidated architraves can be repaired by removing old elements that cannot be restored, replacing them with new ones. Peel off the old paint and repaint with a fresh coat of moisture resistant paint to wooden products or varnish.

Useful video

Carved window frames- this is a simple and inexpensive option for decorating your home and giving it personality since the days of old Russia. Several decades ago, each region of our country knew masters with an individual style of decorative execution of architraves.

In this way, you could express your character. For example, in ancient times, a stranger could determine by the architraves whose house it was - an official, a craftsman, or just a hot spot.

These days they are only decorative. Today, even built according to standard project the building can be distinguished and made unique. I am glad that interest in the origins and carved architraves is being revived.

Everyone can make their home individual, and besides, remember the origins of this art direction, which originated in the days of the ancient Celts.

You can design and come up with a composition for framing yourself, and then proceed to implement the idea, armed with the right tools and patience. Platbands have received a second life in our time, and are becoming an increasingly popular decor.

A bit of history

The word "platband" indicates its location, that is, on the face. Among different peoples, platbands were practiced during the time of wooden architecture. They appeared at the same time as windows that were glazed with fish bladder or mica. Initially, platbands were created to cover the insulation and to isolate from wind and precipitation.

Patterned elements were originally seen among the ancient Celts, but their significance came to them in the era of the revival of Russia after the Mongol yoke. Masters in Russia were the best in woodcarving.

When the time of Bolshevism came, the carved platbands were recognized as philistinism and declared war on them. The destruction has begun. Today, carved elements have received a second life.

It is interesting that in the old days they believed that platbands could protect from the evil eye and served as a talisman, so often in the patterns one could see various figures and plants that make sense.

The value of the platband in the building

Platbands, in fact, are elements of decoration and the correct name is cashing, which has many functions:

Design

There are several types of carved platbands.

Overhead

Materials and form

For the manufacture of platbands, natural or artificial materials can be used. Previously, elements were carved from wood, which has resistant qualities to atmospheric factors.

Important! Platbands should be regularly treated with waterproof paint or varnish to prolong their life.

Other materials used include:

• — laminated MDF, thanks to which you can accurately repeat the color of any type of wood. But, such a thread is only suitable for internal use;
• - ideally combined with plastic windows. It does not rot, with a rich color palette, resistant to light;
• — polyurethane- light and unpretentious. Recommended for rounded windows;
• — metal- mainly used to protect the assembly seam.

Wood before falling into the hands of the master must lie down for at least 3 years to a dry state. The board, if possible, should not contain knots, chips, resin pockets. It is almost impossible to buy wood of this quality on the market. It is better to contact hardware stores or sawmills. It is also interesting that today you can buy ready-made platbands.

For self-production, chamber drying is perfect, after processing in a special chamber. It definitely won't warp or crack. Its humidity is only 10-12%.

Thread types

Let's talk about three ways of framing:

Do-it-yourself platbands

Drawing templates

To create beauty for windows, you first need templates for a pattern that is transferred to a wooden surface.

The template is created based on the choice of a pattern that can be found in large numbers on the Internet or just in a photo.

To enlarge a drawing, there are several options:

When the drawing is enlarged, it is transferred to cardboard to be cut out and used as a template. For each pattern, there is a pattern. Then the finished template is applied to the board, outlined in pencil. If the windows are of different sizes, then it is better to make a drawing with a repeating pattern. To do this, one or two elements are selected in turn.

The upper part of the casing is called the kokoshnik, and the lower part is called the towel. It should be taken into account that fine threads are complex and quickly become unusable, which will require replacement of parts in the future. When working with drawings, you can come across the concepts of a lower bar, it is also a window sill, a vertical rail, an upper bar, hangers, flowerpots, a diadem, an ear, a panel, a valance, croutons, a sandrik, an ochelie, etc.

Important! It is necessary to take into account the slope at the top of the carved casing in order to prevent the accumulation of snow and water during operation.

Design

At the heart of any process is a developed project. To do this, you need to make a drawing of the facade of the building with a detailed drawing of the elements. This will help you understand how the exterior of the building will look. If you have a visualization program, you can complete the project in volume.

If we turn to traditions, then in ancient times the elements on the platbands carried the following meanings:

• The sun is carved on the kokoshnik and is a symbol of life and energy.
• The snake - reminds of wisdom and fertility.
• The cross is a symbol of harmony between two worlds - material and spiritual.
• Plants are the embodiment of unity with nature.
• Earrings - means hospitality.
• The bird on the window is the connecting symbol of all times.

Work

The workflow begins with the preparation of materials and tools. It is better to use pine boards without knots.

From the materials you need:

• jigsaw with a smooth descent and files;
• feather drill with a diameter of 12 mm;
• chisels;
• sandpaper;
• Sander.

Measures are taken from the window, stencils are outlined. When the stencils are circled, cutting begins. First of all, work is carried out with internal openwork parts. To do this, you need to drill holes along the contour of the pattern.

Important! The drill should be perpendicular to the board.

Then the jigsaw comes into play. You need to start work with holes and then go along the contour of the picture. When the patterns inside are done, you can proceed to the outside. The tool must work from one end of the casing to the other. To facilitate the work, you can make incisions.

The result is a finished part on one side. For the other side, you need a mirror image of the pattern.

Be sure to use a grinder or paper to give an aesthetic appearance. An emery wheel with a grit of 80 is used. The most fast option- a grinder, it will be slower to do this with a drill with an emery wheel and for a very long time - with sandpaper.

After the work done, the casing can be primed to protect against bugs, fungi, rain, sun and painted.

Painting

It should be understood that wood is a very sensitive material and can rot or be damaged by insect attacks, so the part is often machined. The better the processing, the longer the decoration will last. Parts must be thoroughly dried. Then you can paint the surface. Water emulsion for wood is ideal. The color can be chosen at will, in this case white and cherry are more often used.

You can buy wood oils that soak into it. It is easy to update such a coating - brushed off the dust and painted on top. Among the minuses are the high price and a small selection of colors.

For painting, you need to prepare two brushes - a wide one for the outer surface and a narrow one for the side parts and hard-to-reach places.

Coloring is carried out in two stages. The second layer can be applied after the first has dried.

The final stage is varnishing, it is better to buy a water-based acrylic composition. The varnish is applied in one layer so that there are no smudges. Drying of platbands is carried out in the open air.

How to assemble

Before the installation itself, the parts are assembled on the window to make it more convenient to work in the future. Scaffolding is recommended to make the process safer and more convenient.

The classic option for installing platbands is to mount to a wall or slopes. Today, this is done using self-tapping screws 4.2-6x80x150. In the case when the wall is not wooden, then propylene dowels are used. Typically one attachment point per 5 square decimeters clypeus.

When attaching to slopes, a step of 150-300 mm is used. The figure varies depending on the mass of the casing, which depends primarily on the thread. Heads from fasteners are hidden in the upper level tie, or putty and painting are used.

With overhead threading, finished elements are attached to a wide casing with nails without hats. For strength, the joints are lubricated with glue. Self-tapping screws can damage the carved area.

telescopes

Modern buildings are already insulated and often sheathed with siding. Windows are usually placed flush with the main wall so that it does not sink into it. Fastenings are carried out on the frame without options. Of course, unless telescopic models are provided. However, they can only be held in reinforced frames used in places with a harsh climate. The frame material itself is more durable or modified wood.

Telescopic elements are installed on undercut additional elements related to the rigidity of the frame. Fastening is provided by groove dobors. Such telescopes are not intended for installation outside, even a gust of wind can break not only the casing, but the entire frame.

On the wooden frame or PVC with a keyway, the telescopes can be installed without removing the key. If the base surface of the window is not available, then you will have to pull out the entire window.

The nuances of the carved finish

• compatibility with the house - often when combined with plastic frames, difficulties arise. It is better if the plastic in this case imitates a wooden structure;
• your experience, if the platbands are made for the first time, then you need to choose an easier pattern;
• each region of the country had its own traditions and design