Make the simplest window frames with your own hands. How to make carved platbands for windows. Dividing a sketch into parts in Photoshop

Platbands are special strips for hiding mounting joints between the window frame and the wall. In addition to their direct purpose, platbands can be used to decorate the window and the facade of the house. To choose the right platbands and make their correct installation, read our article.

The main rule when choosing platbands is that their material matches the material of the window. If you have a wooden window, then the casing should be wooden, if plastic, then plastic. Although there are exceptions, in the form of a successful combination of platbands and windows made of different materials.

Wooden architraves

Wooden platbands - made from planks with a thickness of at least 30 centimeters. The width of wooden architraves can be different, depending on the profile pattern and design. The profile pattern of simple wooden architraves is made using a milling machine.
Advantages: affordable price, easy installation.
Disadvantages: poor design, poor resistance to moisture and temperature changes, the need for regular painting or varnishing.
Release form: rounded or beveled planks with a convex pattern, or smooth, 1.5-2 meters long.
Application area: hiding mounting seams on wooden windows. Additional protection of seams from environmental factors.

Carved architraves

Carved wooden architraves are made by hand or using a jigsaw. There are many options for the pattern of platbands: from a simple ornament to sacred symbols that protect the house from evil spirits. Independent production of carved platbands is a job that requires skills in carpentry. If you want to make platbands with your own hands, but do not have experience, choose a pattern without complex elements.
Advantages: very beautiful appearance, the ability to ennoble the facade of the house without significant financial investments.
Disadvantages: high price, manufacturing complexity, fragility, the need for regular painting.
Release form: depending on the individual order or the design developed by the manufacturer.
Application area: decoration of windows and the facade of the house, hiding assembly seams.

Plastic architraves

Plastic architraves is a common name for slats made of plastic, polyvinyl chloride and foam. Platbands made of plastic are often included with the installed plastic window. Due to the specifics of the production of this type of platbands, they cannot be made at home. Plastic platbands can have a regular and carved pattern. Installation of planks is carried out on special fasteners, liquid nails, glue or double-sided tape.
Advantages: resistance to moisture, long-term operation, easy installation.
Disadvantages: the fragility of some products, a small choice of design when imitating carved platbands.
Release form: smooth, carved or profiled strips, 1.5-2.5 meters long.
Application area: hiding mounting seams on plastic, sometimes wooden windows. Additional protection of mounting joints from environmental factors.

Platbands from MDF

Due to poor resistance to moisture, medium density fibreboard trims are only recommended for interior window trim. MDF planks are great for wooden windows, especially if they match the color and texture of the wood. Platbands are fastened with nails, screws or glue.
Advantages: low price, good appearance.
Disadvantages: poor resistance to moisture, inability to use for exterior decoration.
Release form: smooth, rounded or profiled strips, 1-3 meters long.
Application area: interior decoration of wooden or plastic windows.

Aluminum architraves

Aluminum platbands are mainly designed to hide assembly joints when installing windows and stained-glass windows made of the same material. In appearance and design, aluminum architraves strongly resemble plastic trims. Fastening of aluminum platbands is carried out on a special profile or latches.
Advantages: strength, durability.
Disadvantages: poor combination with windows made of other materials.
Release form: aluminum slats with different types of patterns except carved, 1.5-2.5 meters long.
Application area: external and internal finishing of windows and stained-glass windows from aluminum.

Making platbands with your own hands

You can make platbands yourself only from wood. To do this, you will need a special tool and wooden planks.

simple architraves

To make simple wooden platbands, you will need:

• Electric jigsaw.
• Planer (simple or electric).
• Sander.
• Mill (manual or machine).
• Fine-grained sandpaper.
• Wooden planks with a section of 30x100 mm.

Manufacturing technology of simple platbands:

1. Treat all sides of the wooden planks with a planer.
2. Install the profile drawing attachment on a manual or stationary machine.
3. Process the front side of the casing with a cutter.
4. Make the final polishing of the platbands with sandpaper or a grinder.

In the absence of a milling machine, platbands with a smooth surface can be made. To do this, using a planer, bevel the front side of the plank at an angle of 20-30 degrees and sand it with sandpaper.

Carved architraves

If you are going to make wooden architraves with a carved pattern, keep in mind that this is not a quick job and requires “iron” patience. To create carved platbands, in addition to the basic tools, you will need a set of special chisels with different blade shapes and a manual jigsaw. To make it easier to navigate in a large selection of patterns, below are a few templates for cutting:






There are two ways to make carved platbands - conventional and overhead. In the usual way, the pattern is cut directly on the casing itself. In the overhead method, the pattern is made in the form of overlays, at least 10 millimeters thick, in which case the overlay is attached to the main casing. For beginners, it is recommended to use the overhead method, because in the case of an unsuccessful pattern, the overlay can be replaced with a new element.

The right choice of wood species for carved platband is very important. It is easier to carve softwoods because they are soft. Platbands made of hard larch species will last longer.

If you have not done wood carving, for the first time choose a very simple pattern and as your skill increases, move on to more complex ornaments.


Stages of manufacturing a carved platband in an overhead way:

1. Prepare the basis for the platband, for this, process the planks with a thickness of 30 millimeters.
2. Make overhead strips with a thickness of at least 10 centimeters.
3. Draw on thick paper or cardboard the elements of the future pattern.
4. Cut out the pattern elements with scissors.
5. Install the cut out stencil on the overlay bar and transfer the pattern to it.
6. Using a drill and a jigsaw, make notches according to the markup.
7. Finish the edges of the recesses with chisels, round the edges and finish the contours.
8. Grind the finished lining element.
9. Install the overlay on the main casing, securing it with glue or nails.
10. Having collected all the overhead elements in one composition, proceed to install the platbands on the window.

Platband installation

Installation of wooden platbands

You can install wooden platbands on the window using nails, screws or glue. Planks are attached to the sides and top of the frame. In some cases, the platband is also installed on the lower part of the window, if this is provided for by the design.
For a beautiful docking of simple platbands, their edges are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. This can be done with a hacksaw and a miter box.
In the case of a deep location of the window in the opening, the platbands can be placed on the wall using extensions.

The fastening of the platband to the wall depends on the material from which it is made. For a wooden wall, it will be enough to use nails or screws, for a concrete or brick wall - dowel screws.

Installation of carved platbands mainly depends on their design and composition. Docking carved platbands produced in such a way as not to disturb the overall pattern.

After installation, the platbands are treated with impregnation for wood, then painted or varnished.

Installation of plastic and aluminum platbands

Proper installation of plastic and aluminum platbands requires the presence of a special mounting profile that is attached to the frame. The platbands are installed in a groove located on the profile. In the absence of a profile, platbands are installed on fasteners-latches attached to the frame or wall. In rare cases, plastic architraves can be fixed with glue, but this type of fastening is unreliable.

When using telescopic architraves, fastening is carried out by inserting the edge of the bar into the groove, which is located on the frame.

Foam platbands, fastened only with glue.

For many centuries, the windows of the house were framed with wooden carved platbands. Their use is relevant today, given modern technology. But why do we need platbands for windows in a wooden house and is it necessary to mount 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 look on a wooden building.

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. With proper processing, such platbands perfectly resist the harmful effects of the 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 in the traditional way of installation - over the facade and window frame.

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.

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

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 independent production of platbands with fanciful 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 without a pattern. A striking example would be Finnish - smooth and without an intricate pattern.

Carved platbands on the windows in a wooden house will greatly embellish the overall look and create an 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. A simpler option is the 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.

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 bevelled 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 adhesive itself during installation work will not provide sufficient fastening.

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

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 caps, 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. The advantage is that there are no fastening 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 mismatch will not allow you to make a good mount.

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 wood species.

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.

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.

Do-it-yourself window trims are a wonderful decoration for the facade of the house (ready-made stencils and templates will be given in the article below). They make the house look like no other, visually change its proportions.

Today, having certain skills, you can independently create elegant platbands for windows in a wooden structure. Moreover, they can be made not only from wood, but also from other materials.

Specificity

When the owner decides to mount the platbands, he seeks to arrange traditional decor in his possessions.

Platbands have the following advantages:

1. Excellent decorative function. So the building visually increases.
2. Complementing the overall style of architectural design.
3. The space between the window opening and the wall plane is protected from moisture and dust.
4. Reduced heat loss and noise levels.
5. The individual features of the house and the style of the chosen era are highlighted.

There are platbands and shortcomings:

1. Wood needs a certain treatment from high humidity and deformation.
2. Products need regular care and processing.
3. They do not harmonize with metal-plastic windows. In this case, the platbands are made in the same color scheme.

Self-creation of templates

Today there are many platbands. Their types are determined by the way they are mounted to the window. According to this criterion, there are two varieties:

1. Telescopic. Their specifics: L-shaped protrusions, coinciding with the grooves of the window frame.
2. Overhead. Installation takes place on the window frame. Fasteners - construction glue or nails with screws.

Note: finished samples are created in full size. They are printed according to the required parameters.

An elegant solution is the installation of carved products. Such plans can be realized independently only with special equipment.

Popular materials

1. The most common material for platbands is wood. Products from it have an elegant and harmonious appearance.
2. Plastic versions are often used as well. They are characterized by powerful resistance to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. Plastic options are sold already finished.
3. Another popular material is MDF. It is made from wood waste. It is more environmentally friendly than plastic. In addition, products made from it are characterized by a look reminiscent of natural wood.
4. Polyurethane. Variations from it are highly practical. Facade stucco molding is often made from this material.

The nuances of choosing the right wood

As already noted, wood is the most popular material for platbands. And the performance of wooden platbands depends on the type of wood used.

Here, attention is usually paid to such options.

1. Hard deciduous. These varieties include oak and beech. They are very durable. But it is quite problematic to create patterns on them.
2. Soft leafy. These are: linden, aspen and alder. They are easier to process. On their surface patterns are created even by hand. And such surfaces are thoroughly processed by special means.
3. Cherry and apple tree. They are optimal for creating small components that can be attached to the base.
4. Pine and birch. They are also easy to handle. And they have excellent working qualities.
5. Various combinations of wood types. The use of special protective compounds for powerful impregnation is mandatory here.

With the help of high quality wood, a beautiful original design of the window opening is obtained.

The nuances of creating templates with your own efforts

The basis of the work is to create stencils and design.

Self-printing stencils is quite feasible for everyone. It is important to achieve a combination of the selected ornament with the whole style. Mixing geometric and floral patterns is not allowed.

When working on platbands, the following subtleties are taken into account:

1. There should be harmony in the color palette of the walls and decorative elements.
2. Be sure to select the correct parameter. The platbands should not be very wide or small.
3. A high-quality version of the coating is selected. Special paints are used.
4. A template is needed for the manufacture of external carved components.
5. The drawing is correctly positioned on the workpiece. Details follow along the wood fibers.

When it is possible to achieve a color combination of platbands and the plane of the walls, a holistic and harmonious facade is obtained.

Manufacturing stages

Before creating window decor, carved platbands are selected from photographs. You need to make a template first. It should turn out the same for the design work of all openings.

Typically, the following methods of creating patterns are used:

1. Applied thread. It has isolated elements of the pattern. They join the same base.

Installation of overhead components should be on the base in compliance with the template pattern.

1. slotted thread. Here they make a through ornament. It looks like wood lace.

With all methods of work, the presence of stencils is mandatory. This is how they look:

Advice: for simple patterns, it is not necessary to make a large-scale stencil. Enough of the notebook paper.

You also need to have the following tools:

1. Jigsaw.
2. Hacksaw (oriented for wood).
3. Knives and chisels.
4. Drill.
5. Milling technology

Platbands must be created from prepared materials. The working stages are:

1. Rigorous measurements are taken.
2. The selected tree must be dry. If it is wet or damp, it must be brought to dry conditions. The width of the boards is determined by the parameters of the window opening. The thickness of the material reaches a minimum of 3 cm if a slotted thread is made, and at least 1 cm when an overhead thread is made.

All blanks are pre-treated with a protective compound. Their cutting is done using templates. And the cutting of ornaments takes place using a jigsaw. This tool is better to use different types of files.

To work with an electric jigsaw, certain skills and special care are needed. The created holes must be overwritten. An excellent tool for this is sandpaper. After powerful grinding, the part is treated with a special impregnation.

Next comes the installation of all prepared parts to the base. Here you need to use glue or special nails. In such work, it is better to refuse the use of self-tapping screws. They will cause cracking of products.

Installation specifics

The created platband can be attached to the desired position using the following methods:

1. On a dull thorn. Installation of such parts is on the inside. Especially for them, holes should be made in the frame. Glue is applied to the spike and distributed evenly. The spike is inserted into the groove. This fastening protects the platbands from dust and moisture.
2. With the use of a through spike. The butt section here is thoroughly treated with varnish.

These techniques are justified when working with a wooden window. To attach to the metal-plastic, a special powerful liquid glue is used.

Care Required

Installed platbands need constant attention and care. For processing, special preparations are used - powerful impregnations. They create high-quality protection against:

• tree pests;
• the appearance of cracks;
• sudden fire.

Carved options are necessarily covered with a primer, then varnish or paint. The intensity of such treatments is 1 time in 3-5 years. So the operational life of the products will be seriously developed, and at the same time their attractive appearance will be preserved.

When installing plastic or metal products, some kind of thorough maintenance is not needed. For products, it is necessary to arrange high-quality protection against corrosion. Periodic updating of the paint is also required.

Thus, it is very possible to make platbands of extraordinary beauty with elegant patterns on your own. Certain carpentry, carpentry and tool skills are required. So you decorate window openings in a very original way and bring an elegant zest to the chosen architectural style.

How carved platbands are made using the slotted carving technique, see the following video:

The tradition of decorating windows with carved platbands has come from ancient times. It was believed that window decoration with fancy patterns not only protects the room from drafts and cold, but also serves as a kind of protective amulet from evil spirits or the evil eye.

A selection of templates for carved window frames

How to make a stencil for a platband

A stencil is a device for applying the same patterns and symbols to the desired surface. Before starting work on the manufacture of platbands, you will need to get stencils and templates. Finding a sketch for a carved platband is not difficult - they can be downloaded for free and in a wide variety on the Internet, purchased in specialized stores or found in magazines.

In finished form, stencils and templates can be made on paper, cardboard or wood fiber. They only need to be attached to the surface of the future casing and circled. There are several ways to make a stencil yourself:

Stencils and templates are the main assistants in creating carved platbands. In the drawing, you need to take into account which pattern will be chosen for the various components of the casing.

Carved platbands include the following main details:

• top trim;
• vertical slats of the casing or frame;
• bottom bar or profiled window sill.

These are just the main elements, carved platbands can include many more decorative details: a diadem, coat hangers, flowerpots, and so on.

Transferring the contour of the drawing to the workpiece

After the sketch is created, you need to make a stencil directly, onto which all the elements of the pattern for carved platbands are transferred. You can transfer a contour to a workpiece in the following ways:

1. The most common way is when the pattern is cut out of thick paper or cardboard. The resulting templates are applied to the board and traced along the contour with a pen, felt-tip pen or pencil.
2. The stencil can not be cut out, but transferred to future platbands through carbon paper.
3. You can push the outline of the sketch through the paper onto the tree with a pen (leaving an inconspicuous trace). You can make the outline clearer without carbon paper by applying a layer of graphite on the back of the sheet with a soft, simple pencil.

You need to place stencils on the workpiece along the fibers of the tree: in the future, the thread of such a casing will not crack. For convenience, the places where the cuts will be made can be made colored.

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 a 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 the windows, natural and artificial materials are used. 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 window linings 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 similar material (PVC), which is not subject to decay, has a wide color palette, 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. It is most often 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 templates of single elements and their general appearance;
• 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. A detailed description of the names of carved decor elements is presented in the diagram below:

If your windows are of different sizes, experts advise making a drawing with an intermediate repeat repeating the required number of times. 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 frames for windows.

Important ! The drawing on the workpiece needs proper 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 you need 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 slots. 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. From blind holes, wood dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Laid on thread provides for fastening finished elements to a wide casing on nails with removed hats. 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 using deaf 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.