The sash window design was invented by English scientist Robert Hooke. The oldest sash windows date back to the seventeenth century. This window style is classic and is normally found on Georgian and Victorian style homes. However, many contractors still apply this design on modern buildings and homes in the twenty first century. Precise instructions catered more toward personal preference can be located, but here is a quick look at modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows.

Wooden sash windows designed with two movable glass panes, better known as sashes. In the original design of this type of window, the panes had grids on them that created three glass panels across and two glass panels deep. When both sashes are closed, the window looks like one large unit with twelve even sections created by the gridded glass. Typically, one window pane moves horizontally or vertically. There are instances where both panes move equally. When a sash is moved, the opening allows a room to have air circulate throughout.

Some essential tools are needed in order to construct a wooden sash window. Obviously, wood is the main ingredient. To cut the wood, make sure you have a table saw complete with a dado blade and a finishing blade. These blades will ensure the wood is cut precisely to your measurements. Additional items are wood glue, a rabbeting bit, sandpaper and wood glue. You should use safety goggles to protect your eyes from wood shavings. A quarter in chisel will also be needed to square off edges of the wood.

First build a strong frame. Use the dado blade to cut tenons that are three eighths of an inch long and a quarter inch thick. These tenons are protrusions that extend out at the end of the wood and they are meant to fit into holes of the same dimensions on the adjoining pieces of wood. The tenons protrude from the top and bottom pieces, and the holes will be chiseled into the side pieces of the wooden frame. Once the tenons and holes are cut, join the pieces together like a puzzle. Use wood glue to stick them together. It should take at least an hour for the glue to harden before you put nails in the side panels to reinforce the joints.

Once the frame is intact, you will need to create an even slit throughout the inside of the frame. This slit is technically called a rabbet. Use a rabbeting bit to make this slit and a quarter inch chisel to make sure the edges and corners are straight and square. A good tactic to place glass glaze along the inside of the rabbet is to rub the glaze on a string small enough to fit and lay it on the inside of the slit. Remove the string and put in the window glass. Apply even pressure to reinforce the glass setting in. Put more glaze on the glass and window frame edge. Once this fixture dries overnight, it will be ready to paint or stain.

Wooden windows are high maintenance. Because of the nature of wood, these windows are sensitive to wearing down due to weather. Hot and cold weather will constantly cause the wood to expand and shrink. Rainwater can cause mold and rot to grow in and around the wood. Also with sash windows, constant opening and closing of the panels will wear out the wood over time. The best way to restore a sash window is to build a new frame, following the same steps mentioned above.

A large benefit to making a wooden sash window yourself is that you do not have to pay somebody else to do it for you. All you need to pay for are the tools and materials. Labor costs can be expensive. However, this project is no easy task to do on your own. It can take a lot of time and be quite challenging. If you wish to have a professional build one to your personal liking, you may research carpenters and contractors in phone books and on Internet.

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