Wooden platbands: step-by-step instructions for the selection and installation of your own hands (90 photos and videos). Carved platbands for windows - stencils and patterns for carving with a jigsaw What are platbands made on a wooden house

In most cases, carved platbands are used to decorate the windows of wooden houses. But in view of the fact that it is rather problematic today to buy a ready-made platband, it is easier to do it yourself.

Important! All platbands, albeit the highest quality, have one significant drawback - they need protection from precipitation. Making platbands on windows traditionally begins with the preparation of everything you need.

Stage 1. Equipment

In the process, you will need the following tools:

Stage 2. Material selection

For ordinary architraves, it is better to use pine, while for carvings it is recommended to take soft rocks, for example, linden (the latter, moreover, is much easier to process by hand).

Important! The only disadvantage of linden - hygroscopicity - is easily eliminated by applying several layers of paintwork.

Hardwoods should be chosen in three cases:

• with high humidity of the climate;
• with too dry air;
• in the presence of significant temperature fluctuations.

Hardwoods include birch and oak. They are quite difficult to process with hand tools, so a milling machine is required, but such a tree will last several times longer than a linden.

Stage 3. Important points in the manufacture

Finished wooden platbands should not prevent the opening of the wings by at least 90ᵒ. As for other parameters, they are selected individually in accordance with the size of the opening. For fasteners, you can use spikes or connect the elements in half a tree.

Important! In the future, for applying large images to the surface, the upper part of the casing can be extended. Spikes are used for fastening, and the decoration itself is popularly called "kokoshnik".

The lower part of the product is made in the same carved way and must include a bevel necessary for the drain. It is characteristic that the thickness of the lower part should exceed the thickness of the upper one by at least 1 cm.

On both sides of the opening, small slats are nailed - they will hide the differences in the walls (if any). The thickness of the rails should match the width of the gap, at least approximately. Final fasteners are carried out only after careful fitting of the joints.

Important! If the sashes open to the street, then the platbands must be installed 3 cm above the window itself.

Stage 4. Pattern selection

Since ancient times, platbands have been decorated with the most bizarre patterns, which, it was believed, protect the house from evil spirits and the evil eye. Today, carved architraves are mainly made by skilled craftsmen.

Important! To dodo-it-yourself window trims, you first need to choose a good stencil that will allow you to create a pattern of any complexity even without special woodcarving skills.

Often, professionals themselves use stencils; without them, only one-time individual orders are carried out.

Stencils today are freely sold in a fairly wide range. They consist of the following components:

• bottom bar;
• top bar;
• vertical rails.

In addition, there may be additional decorative details - hangers, and so on.

Stage 5. Making the frame

First, a frame is formed from pre-cut elements. Fastening is carried out with the help of spikes, which are fixed in the hole with nails. To create spikes, an electric jigsaw is usually used, although a regular hacksaw with fine teeth will do. A small knife is used to remove sawdust.

The width of the finished frame, as well as the platbands described above, should not interfere with the free opening of the wings by 90ᵒ. The frame itself should be at least 2 cm larger than the window frame.

Stage 6. Making platbands

Step 1. First, the drawing from the stencil is transferred to the tree by means of carbon paper.

Step 2. Then a jigsaw with a thin blade is taken and small figured elements are cut out.

Step 3. From the outside, the contours of the pattern are cut out so that the canvas runs along the edge of the workpiece.

Step 4 In any case, you will have to turn the saw in the workpiece. To do this is quite simple, you just need to use one of the two existing methods:

• upon reaching the turn, several mutually parallel cuts are made (the saw must be able to turn to any angle inside the hole);
• you can go the other way - make a small loop that will allow you to go from the back.

Important! Modern jigsaws allow you to make cuts at an angle of 45-90ᵒ, thanks to which you can not only make the smallest cuts, but also give the decorative element a richer and more voluminous shape.

Step 5. If it is necessary to cut a closed figure in the center of the product, then a hole is drilled in the middle of the part to be removed. After that, the jigsaw blade will be easier to move in one direction or another.

If the workpiece is thin enough, then when processing it, you can do without an electric drill. To do this, take a jigsaw and rests on the workpiece at a right angle. Next, the tool turns on and the hole is scratched as it were when the canvas is deepened into the tree.

These are all key aspects of the manufacture of window platbands. Actually, the whole procedure comes down to repeated repetition of the actions described above, but their specific combination depends only on the skills and complexity of the pattern.

It is worth noting that there are other manufacturing methods that differ from those described above. For clarity, we recommend watching a thematic video.

Video - Production of window frames

Find out which ones are better to choose, as well as consider the types and methods of installation, from our new article.

Prices for platbands and extensions for windows and doors

Trim and trim for windows and doors

Basic Rules. What Not to Do

Below is a list of rules that will help you avoid the most common problems.

1. As a starting material, it is recommended to use a board 3-4 cm thick.
2. Do not immediately grab on to complex patterns. At first, it is better to practice on ordinary round parts, which are easy to do with a drill.
3. The width of the workpiece should be such that it is enough to cover the ends of the walls and protect against moisture.
4. Carved elements should be placed along the fibers of the tree - this will prevent cracking.
5. When choosing a stencil, it is better to pay attention to patterns with large elements, as small ones will look crumpled, as a result of which the finish will not have the desired decorative effect.

Important! Before starting work, you should calculate the future costs of time and money, as well as the feasibility of the venture itself. In the absence of high skills in working with wood and interest in the process itself, it is easier to buy ready-made platbands.

Moreover, it is advisable to first familiarize yourself with the photographs of different products. So you can find a suitable option or draw inspiration for your own creation of something.

Stage 7. Installing the product on the window

Now it remains only to install the finished carved platbands on the windows, for which special glue is used. It is important that it is not organic, otherwise, due to susceptibility to biological influences, it will harm the products themselves.

You can also use plumbing glue - there should be no problems with it.

Important! If fastening will be carried out with the help of nails, then the spikes and joints should be coated with an adhesive solution in advance.

Another option that can further simplify the installation procedure is to use self-tapping screws instead of nails. It will be easier, if only because there is no risk of damaging the casing or the surrounding surfaces with a hammer.

Important! Self-tapping screws are very easy to disguise. It is necessary to mix sawdust with glue and spread the hats with the resulting mixture. It is advisable to do this even before painting the windows, so that the hidden fasteners also acquire the desired color.

The final painting procedure is also quite simple. Some kind of protective material is applied over the finish (not only paint, but also, for example, varnish, impregnation). It is advisable to do this in any case, since such a coating significantly extends the operational life of the products.

The paint, as you know, peels off, so it is advisable to take it instead. It is much easier to periodically renew the impregnation than to repair cracked paint. And the latter, as you know, will definitely crack.

As a conclusion

It is commendable that people strive to follow the traditions of their ancestors, because this is especially true in the current conditions of active urbanization. For independent production of window platbands, it will take a little time and the appropriate equipment. The procedure is complicated, but the result will more than pay for all the costs. Moreover, this way you can save a considerable amount of money, since the manufacture of platbands for one window to order will cost an average of 2.5-15 thousand rubles.

Video - Trim Options

The platbands on the windows perform not only an aesthetic function, they protect the house from dust and serve as insulation, so their installation is recommended in a wooden house. We will tell you how you can make cashiers and carvings with your own hands.

A bit of history

Charming symbols were used on the platbands

So, the decoration of the platbands is amazing. They depicted symbols with wired properties. Our ancestors attached great importance to them. But, unfortunately, for a long time the art of creating platbands was forgotten. And a lot of useful information is lost. Today, many craftsmen restore this craft with great difficulty.

Manufacturing technologies

As mentioned above, the Russians attached great importance to the magical properties of wood. Moreover, these properties were different for different tree species. Even the place and conditions in which the tree grew were taken into account.

The traditional old way

Therefore, in the old days there were a great many signs. If, for example, a tree grew at a crossroads, then the objects that were made from it will not bring any benefit.

From the drawings of the ornament, one can determine from which province this or that master came. At the same time, the principles of working with wood were different everywhere. Views on wood too, for example, deaf, sculptural, invoice, slotted.

Traditional wood carving methods

Over time there was a mixture of styles. This gave the buildings a special originality and originality. Many examples of ancient carpentry art can be found in museums, and in some places buildings have been preserved that have delighted with the beauty of their architraves for many centuries.

Modern methods

Today, modern craftsmen work not only with wood, but also with synthetic materials. For example, PVC, metal, plywood.

You can't argue with that. Modern technology can work wonders. Many companies offer a wide variety of trim options from a variety of materials.

You can buy budget or expensive. This is a matter of taste and financial possibilities.

But not everyone is happy with this option. Therefore, there are firms working on an individual project with each customer. At the same time, you will be offered a lot of catalogs, sketches, so that you can choose a casing to your taste, color and pattern you like.

When ordering, both the size of the window and the color of the facade of the house will be taken into account, and after that you will only have to admire the beautiful frame of your window.

But the fact is that no machine will transfer the warmth of the human soul to its product. And many people now understand this. Therefore, those who appreciate real carpentry art are happy to turn to carpentry workshops. Of course, the cost of the carpenter's work is quite expensive. Prices for these types of services start at 5000 rubles, but it's worth it.

Thread types

Carved platbands - rich window decoration

From ancient times, four main types of carvings on platbands have come down to us.

1. Flat thread. When performing this type of thread, lines are cut along the contour of the pattern. As a rule, such a carving is combined with other types, the ornament is diluted with wedge-shaped cuts. There are two options for this type:
   • Geometric. As the name implies, its elements have a characteristic geometric shape. It is performed as follows: with a knife - a jamb at a certain angle to the surface with pressure, an incision is made. The cut is made on the other side. Despite the seeming simplicity, and only a couple of tools are needed to perform such a job, it will not be possible to acquire such a skill right away. This will take two months. Moreover, such work is very responsible, it is very difficult to correct mistakes. contour. To perform this view, the outline is drawn with a notch line. The thickness of the groove may vary depending on the ornament. In order to make this type of carving, you will need the following set of tools: chisels, cutters, the main requirement for them is that sharpening must be done strictly at different angles.
   • Flat carving. This is a somewhat more complex type of carving. The edges of the pattern are processed in a special way, giving the ornament a relief look. In this case, the depth of the pattern becomes the same as the depth of the background. The main elements are plant motifs, animals. Such an ornament is considered one of the most complex. It requires more different tools. Let us dwell on three varieties of this type of thread:
     • With curved lines. When performing this type of work, the contours of the pattern are rounded. On the side of the groove, there is a weaker collapse, it is stronger on the side of the background.
     • With cushion background. When performing this technique, the edge of the notch, which is closest to the pattern, is made rounded, while the background is chosen sloping. The bulge becomes like a pillow, hence the name. You can perform a slight lowering of the surface to be treated.
     • With selected background. The main secret of this technique is the fully selected background, at equal depth around the pattern. The master strives to create the impression that all the details of the pattern are pasted.
2. Slotted thread. A very openwork is created on the surface of the tree. This is achieved due to the fact that the background is almost completely removed. Such a platband resembles a beautiful, lightest napkin. The workpiece is attached to a wooden or fabric base. In this case, contrasting colors are selected. This type of pattern is considered overhead. We can say that this type of carving is the most difficult, and only a professional can do it. Saw carving can have a very rich set of themes. It can be both simple geometric shapes and elements depicting people or animals.

For this type of equipment, a slitting brace, a mini-hacksaw, a jigsaw are useful. Perhaps a drill with a feather nozzle will come in handy. The finishing of the slots should be the thinnest, so it is done only by hand. To do this, use chisels, cutters, jambs.

The combination of different types of carving allows you to create a real work of art. Due to the high level of skill required, it is rarely tried on in practice. Although individual elements can be used to decorate facades.

Photo gallery: window trims - do-it-yourself templates (stencils)

How to make wooden carved platbands for windows with your own hands

In order to learn how to make platbands, you have to study for a long time. If you have at least basic skills with a hacksaw and a drill, then you may have a chance to do this job.

Platbands can be made independently

It may not be possible to make a trim with a slotted thread right away, but a simpler one is possible.

Necessary materials

Wood is needed to make a platband. Choose one that is famous for its long service life. However, it should not be too hard. Tree species such as oak or beech are unlikely to be useful. You will have to prepare a small supply and be patient, as the work will be long and painstaking.

The best material for a beginner joiner would be birch or pine. How good are they. The wood itself, of course, is harsh, but the cuts are beautiful and neat. If you plan to add overhead elements to your pattern, then an apple or bird cherry tree is well suited for this.

After you have finished your work, you should impregnate the casing with a special composition. To do this, you can purchase varnishes or impregnations. Stain will help emphasize the beauty of the wood texture. If you make small mistakes, it is not scary that they can be masked with paint, white or sky blue. Ordinary, usually white or sky blue.

Tools

It depends on what kind of thread you are going to make. Depending on the complexity of the pattern, you will need either only the most necessary, or a complete set of tools.

Choose the degree of difficulty based on your skills and experience in similar work. For example, in order to make the simplest openwork ornament, you do not need the skills of a professional carpenter. And if you connect fantasy, then you can turn any minor flaws into a pattern element.

If you are inexperienced, do not choose patterns that have a lot of small elements and a lot of details. The idea of ​​​​the drawing should be clear to the viewer, but it will take you a lot of time to create a complex pattern, and you just need angelic patience.

One of the necessary tools for making platbands is a drill

main stage

To work, you will need a drill, drills, preferably several sizes, a jigsaw, manual or electric, sandpaper, drying oil and wood.

1. At the initial stage, you need to clean the surface with sandpaper, preferably to absolute smoothness. Now blanks are being made for the side connection. This can be done in two ways. If the cut of the end part is made at an angle of 45 º, then this is called "tongue and groove" or "half-tree".
2. If you do not have much experience, then take a pattern with large elements to begin with. You can apply the contour directly to the tree.
3. If drawing an ornament is difficult for you, prepare a stencil with which you can transfer the elements of the ornament to the working board.

Video: we make a carved simple cashier made of wood

Work with your soul, the tree is alive, and if it feels your love, then the work will turn out amazing. And if you like this work, then you can perform real miracles of carpentry. Gained experience is always valuable.

Who knows, maybe our wise ancestors were right in protecting their homes by installing carved architraves on the windows.

Carved architraves on the windows in a wooden house have been a traditional option for decorating houses for several centuries; earlier, one could even judge the wealth of the owners by them. Nowadays, many modern materials have appeared, but wood products have not lost their relevance and are still popular.

And if you have a wooden house, then the facade should definitely be decorated with a beautiful frame, I will tell you what types it is, and you need to choose the option that suits best.

Types of platbands

I will only talk about wooden products, since it is not serious to put plastic platbands on a house made of wood, it's like clinging cheap stickers to an expensive car: although they are beautiful, they will spoil the impression anyway.

There are several product options, I will not say that one of them is worse or better, each type fits a certain style of the structure and it is important to choose the best solution in each case.

Option 1 - finished products

The industry produces standard platbands, the surface of which can be of different configurations:

As for the workflow, it is simple, because you buy finished products and can immediately put them to work. The advantage of this option is that the platband can be used both as an external and as an internal one, while the rest are intended only for use on facades.

The instruction for the work looks like this:

• First of all, you need to take measurements to determine how many elements and how long you need. It is better to write down all the data, especially if there are a lot of windows, since you can confuse something and in the end it turns out that you do not have enough material, or, conversely, there is too much of it;
• When buying, keep in mind that the products come in a standard length (usually 2.2 meters), so you need to calculate how many elements you need, because waste is inevitably generated during work and sometimes there can be a lot of them. Most often, pine products are sold, but if finances allow, look for a larch trim, it is much more durable;

When choosing, pay attention to the surface: it should not be damaged, blue and other defects. Also, the material must be dry, if it is wet, then the casing will deform subsequently.

• The work begins with the preparation of the elements, the dimensions of each are once again accurately measured, after which, using a special device called a miter box, the casing is cut at an angle of 45 degrees. So you get perfectly matching joints, which will significantly improve the appearance of the frame;

• Further, I recommend applying a protective coating to the casing, it is better to do this before installation, as you will be able to process the elements from all sides. In addition, you will not be afraid to stain the walls and the window, which is also important. You can use both paint and special compounds that will not hide the structure of the wood, as long as they are weatherproof;

• The prepared platband can be fixed at the place of its installation, this is best done with the help of finishing nails, they are almost invisible and can have different colors to match your coloring. Products are simply exposed and nailed to the end to drive a nail and not damage the tree, use a hammer.

Option 2 - the simplest home-made platbands

If you are looking for an inexpensive and authentic frame for your country window or you love simplicity and natural lines, then this type of product will come in handy. Such products are made by hand and can be of the following types:

• The simplest option is an unedged board with one uneven side, the material is cleaned of bark, polished, and unique elements of an unusual shape are obtained. It is possible in this way to make a platband from an edged board, cutting irregularities on one side in random order, as a result you will get a very authentic and original design for the window;

• The second option is even simpler: a board is taken and a frame is made with curly ends, they are simply cut as shown in the photo below, and you get a stylish frame. To enhance the effect, you can artificially age the material with sandpaper or burn it with a burner, so the products will look more impressive;

• Another interesting solution is to create a stencil and cut one side in a certain way. You can create any profile and transfer it to the material, and then cut it out with a jigsaw, everything is very simple, but you will get the original frame for the windows.

As for the workflow, it consists of the following steps:

• First you need to find a board of a suitable size and configuration for you, the thickness of the elements can be small, there will be no load on them. Of course, it is best to have processed elements on hand, but a simple board will do, you will have to grind it yourself;
• Manufacturing will not take much effort, you either need to decorate one side, or even cut curly ends. Then the surface is carefully processed with sandpaper, as a result, perfectly smooth elements should be obtained;
• As for the decorative coating, it can be paints and varnishes, the surface can be pre-aged with a plastic or wire brush, which is placed on a drill, it removes soft layers, leaving a textured surface. It is better to apply the protective composition in two layers to ensure maximum reliability;

• Fastening is done using finishing nails, their length and number depend on the thickness and weight of the elements. The main thing is to choose the right color so that the fixation points are not visible at all after the work is completed.

Option 3 - slotted platbands

This solution is very different from the two above both in appearance and in the complexity of manufacturing. This option looks many times more interesting and original, this is a traditional solution in a folk style, which is not suitable for any window.

As for such a casing, I cannot help but note the huge variety of options that you can implement, because you can use ready-made templates, or you can draw your own, your imagination is limited only by the complexity of the work. Too fanciful ornaments are much more difficult to bring to life, remember this.

Let's figure out how to make such skillful products with your own hands. Do not be afraid, for all the seeming pretentiousness, you will cope with the work without much difficulty. The main thing is to have everything you need at hand and be patient, the manufacturing process may not be complicated, but it takes a lot of time.

We need the following:

• A board of the required length and width, it is better to take already processed options to simplify your work;
• Electric jigsaw - this will be our main working tool, in addition to it, stock up on fine-toothed cutting blades so that the quality of the thread is as high as possible;

• We need a drill with a drill in order to drill holes into which a jigsaw will be inserted and figured cutting is carried out. There are no special requirements, the main thing is that the drill should be wider than the jigsaw blade;
• To make patterns, we need either ready-made patterns or home-made options, they must be of the required scale so that you simply transfer them to the material without unnecessary troubles.

The workflow looks like this:

• First of all, you need to prepare the workplace, the board should be stably located at a convenient height so that you do not have to work with a jigsaw with one hand and hold the workpiece with the other. You can use clamps or just press the element with something heavy, decide for yourself which is better, based on the working conditions;
• Then you need to pick up a pattern, you can find ready-made options on the Internet, you can draw them on a computer, enlarge them to the desired scale and print them. They can be drawn on paper, or they can be cut out of cardboard - if you will be making a lot of elements, then this option is preferable;

• An important point of the work is transferring the pattern to the tree, if you have a cut pattern, then there is nothing complicated, but if on paper, then you need to decide how it is more convenient to markup. You can put ordinary carbon paper under the sheet and simply circle the drawing - you will get an accurate markup, and if you don’t have carbon paper at hand, you can pierce the paper so that you can then draw a pattern on the tree point by point;
• When the markup is over, you can get to work, all the elements that are located along the edge can be cut out like this, but the patterns inside require a different approach. In the place where it is more convenient for you to start cutting, holes are drilled, after which a jigsaw blade is inserted there and the pattern is cut out, the main thing is to be careful, monitor the accuracy of the lines and, if necessary, correct them;

• When the element is completely cut out, it is the turn of bringing the casing to perfection. Sandpaper is taken, and all cutouts are polished, the edges are rounded and the surface is leveled. As a result, you should get a finished element on which there are no protruding wood fibers;

• Then I recommend applying a protective coating to the casing, it is better to do this before installing it, and not after. Coloring can be either monophonic or multi-colored in order to highlight individual parts of the pattern more clearly;
• Fastening can be carried out both with the help of finishing nails and on dowels. This option is done like this: chopsticks are taken, a hole is drilled under them in the casing and in the window frame. After that, the dowel is well lubricated with PVA glue, inserted into the frame, and then placed on the window frame, as a result, the structure is securely fixed and there are no fasteners on the outside at all.

Option 4 - platbands with laid on thread

Another traditional solution that has been very popular for more than one century. This type of product has a number of differences from the previous one:

• The product consists of two parts: a base in the form of a flat or figured board and carved elements that can be located both on the base and on the side of it. This design looks more expressive and voluminous, which is important for those who want to achieve the maximum decorative effect;

• In the manufacture, many small elements can be used, which simplifies the manufacture. You do not need to cut out the entire casing, you can make a composition from several small parts, and in the end you will get just an excellent result;
• You can use different types of wood, if pine or a more reliable option is taken for the base, then it is recommended to use apple or cherry for overhead elements. They are easy to process and with normal processing last a long time. The modern solution is to use plywood for the overlays, this option is good because you can save money, and at the same time cutting will be much easier;
• Another solution is the arrangement of various carved elements in one product, resulting in luxurious openwork frames. The only negative is the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Window carvings of this type are made in much the same way as the above option, so I will only touch on the differences in the workflow:

• First you need to choose the option that you will do, if the base is even, then just cut the board, if it is carved, do it as usual. The top decor can be cut from a board or plywood of small thickness, this will greatly simplify the workflow and speed it up;

If you decide to use plywood, then be sure to choose a moisture-resistant option. Ordinary sheets, even with a good coating, will begin to swell and warp after a couple of years.

• All elements are carefully processed with sandpaper, after which they need to be painted. To achieve the greatest decorative effect, it is recommended to paint the base in a contrasting color to make the pattern even more expressive. Paint the parts before assembling, so as not to burn out later and not to paste over the surfaces, in such elaborate designs it is very difficult;

• Installing platbands in a wooden house on the windows is done in any way convenient for you. You can use traditional dowels, you can use finishing nails, or you can go the easy way and use modern adhesive materials. At one time, I had to glue the casing in the summer cottage due to the lack of other fasteners, about 10 years have passed, everything is holding up just fine.

Option 5 - carved platbands

Without a doubt, this is the most difficult to implement, but also the most luxurious type of window frames. Currently, there are two main types of products:

• Made by hand with cutters, these options are the most expensive, because they are made by hand from start to finish. You can make such a casing on your own only if you have some practice, you will have to master wood carving to cope with the work;

• Platbands made on special milling machines look just great. After all, you can create any pattern or composition on a product, you just need to enter the drawing into a computer program, and it will bring the idea to life. Naturally, units have such equipment at home, but you can order a casing and get it in a matter of days.

As for the workflow, there is no point in talking about manufacturing, carving is the topic of a separate review or even a whole book. Therefore, we will deal with the installation, as this is an important part of the work and any mistakes will lead to damage to the expensive decor:

• Most often, you get finished items without any coating. Often, the wood structure is not closed, and high-strength protective compounds are used. The so-called yacht varnish is well suited, it is resistant to weathering and retains strength and reliability for a long time. It is better to carry out the processing in two layers in order to accurately cover all areas of the surface, pay special attention to the recesses and bends, the composition should get everywhere;
• When the elements dry, you need to try them on and determine the position of each part. If the structure is assembled, then you can immediately drill holes and insert dowels into them, then grease the ends of the fasteners with chalk or something else and gently attach to the surface, there will be points on it where you need to drill holes. This markup option eliminates miscalculations and errors;
• Lastly, the dowels and holes are smeared with carpentry glue, after which the platband is installed in its place and pressed well. This is the end of the job.

Conclusion

The video in this article will help you understand some of the important nuances of the topic even better, because it is worth seeing once than reading a sheet of text. Choose the best solution and implement it, of course, few people can do wood carving, but other options can be implemented without special skills. If you have any questions, write them in the comments below the review.

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

Making your home memorable and beautiful is the dream of any owner. If the house is no longer new, it is not so easy. One of the possibilities is carved platbands. They even turn an ordinary “box” into a masterpiece.

Trim material

Carved platbands are made mainly from coniferous wood. The best option is pine, it is normally cut, inexpensive, and durable due to the high resin content. In principle, you can use any other coniferous board, but it is better not to try with a spruce board: it is too fibrous, it cannot be cut even with the sharpest tool.

You can also make carved architraves from hardwoods - linden (the softest), poplar, maple, oak, cherry, etc. But with each breed you need to be able to work, fill your hand and there is no guarantee that something digestible will turn out, and hardwood is expensive. Therefore, platbands are made on windows more often all the same from pine. You just need to pay attention to the quality characteristics.

Carved platbands on the windows - a way to make your home unique

If there is wood or a board that has lain for 3 years or more, you can use it: it is already dry for sure, only processing and calibration will be required. If there is no woodworking equipment at home (thickness gauge and circular saw), a cutting board will be needed. Under carved platbands, wood of the first or highest grade is suitable. This means that there should be no knots, chips, resin pockets on the board. Take wood chamber drying, with a moisture content of not more than 8-12%. This is not for sale in the markets; you need to look for it at sawmills and hardware stores.

Why chamber drying? Because it is dried in a special chamber, quickly removing moisture. At the same time, part of the boards cracks, bends - these go to rejection, the rest are sold. If you make carved architraves from chamber-dried wood, they will definitely not be warped and they will not crack.

Tools

To make carved platbands with your own hands, you will need the following minimum set:

• drill with a set of drills;
• electric jigsaw with a soft start and a bunch of different saws for wood;
• chisels;
• sandpaper with grains of different sizes;
• petal disk from sandpaper for wood on a drill.

To reduce the time it takes to create carved patterns and polishing, it is better to have a router and grinder.

One by one or in bulk?

Carved platbands usually consist of repeating elements. At least two vertical slats on each window are made the same. And since several windows are usually designed, a lot of identical elements are required. If you are going to make platbands slotted, naturally there is a desire to cut several pieces at the same time, folding the boards in a pile and somehow fixing them.

The desire is understandable, but difficult to implement, and the benefits over time are not as great as it seems. The first difficulty is that home craftsmen usually have jigsaws of not too much power. To cut through several boards, you have to move the file more slowly along the intended pattern. On straight lines, the speed is still tolerable, on curves - low. And, the smaller the bending radius, the slower you have to move the file. If you work with one board, there are no such problems. So in terms of time, the gain, if any, is quite small.

One more moment. Even thick, good, expensive files are rejected with a large thickness of the workpiece. So, when cutting several boards at the same time, the quality of the cut on the bottom (or two) remains a big question.

The procedure for manufacturing a platband with a slotted thread

We transfer the desired drawing using a template to the board (where to get it, how to enlarge it, how to make a template, read below). If necessary, we correct, draw the details well. Next, we describe the procedure step by step.

We remove wood in the slots of the pattern

Since the carving will be looked at from afar, some inaccuracies are not fatal, but it is still worth striving for the ideal.

Making a curved edge

Some platbands have a smooth edge. Then we skip this step. If the edge is curly, you will still have to work with a jigsaw.

If the cut is difficult, not very attractive places may remain. It's not scary, then we will process them where necessary - with chisels, the same jigsaw, emery. When you are satisfied with the result, you can move on.

Finalization

Owners of wooden houses probably know everything about how to process wood. But, just in case, we repeat once again the general rules.

The choice of paints and varnishes is very wide. Suitable for any outdoor use. But keep in mind that opaque paints will have to be updated periodically - once a year for sure. And that means - to remove the old paint, primer, paint again. The situation is simpler with oils for wood - they do not leave a film on the surface of the wood, but are absorbed into the fibers. It is also necessary to update the coating, but just clean it of dust and cover with a new layer. And the processing frequency is less. Cons of oil for wood - higher price, fewer colors.

How to enlarge a template

Simple carved platbands can be made without templates. A few examples will be in the video - it shows how to draw, how to cut. But not everyone can draw more or less complex patterns on their own. It takes skill and talent. The easiest way is to find a diagram, print it in the right size, transfer it to cardboard and cut it out. You will get a template that you can circle.

The second way: draw from a photograph. Not all schemes can be found. Some, especially antique window frames, you will not find anywhere else. If there is at least some drawing ability, they can be copied.

Even such an ornament can be copied ... if you have the skill

You may have questions about how to increase the size of the found scheme or template. There are three options:

• With the help of any graphic editor. The simplest - Paint - is on any computer running Windows (the "Image" tab, the "Resize image" line, select "centimeters" and put the desired length (height) in the box. The resulting file can be printed. If the printer is small, it may be necessary to split into several pages.They should then be glued together and, according to the resulting drawing, make a template.
• With a photocopy. Copiers have a zoom function.
• Taking graph paper, transfer the drawing to the desired scale. To do this, we divide the original image into squares with a side of 0.5 or 1 cm (you can print it on a piece of paper in a cage). Then we transfer the lines to graph paper, increasing them in the desired proportion.

The first two methods are faster. But when scaling, the picture may turn out to be fuzzy and blurry. It can be corrected by hand, it can be drawn in some editor, for example, CorelDRAW. See the video for how to do this. Just an example of drawing a diagram for a thread.

Related videos

Schemes, patterns, patterns

The style is completely different...

Platbands are called overhead strips framing the window. They have an important function - they hide the gap between the window frame and the wall of the house, thereby protecting the home from drafts, heat loss and moisture ingress. They often serve as an unusual decoration of the house, and in ancient times they were even a talisman against unclean forces.

Carved platbands for windows were popular in our country before the arrival of the Bolsheviks, who considered home decorations to be superfluous. Now the popularity of decorated platbands on the windows has begun to increase again.

Types of platbands

There are many types of platbands, which differ in design, material and installation method. By type of installation, they are divided into overhead and telescopic platbands.

Overheads are fastened directly to the window frame with synthetic glue, special spikes, using nails, and telescopic ones are fixed in the space between the window frame and the wall.

materials

For the manufacture of platbands, materials such as wood, plastic and MDF are used.

Wooden platbands on the windows are very practical and will easily fit into any interior. Natural wood lends itself well to processing and a carved pattern will look great on it.

Plastic architraves are practical, convenient and can repeat the texture of wood. They are very budgetary, do not require such careful maintenance as wooden trim, but they also do not look as impressive. Their advantage is resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, which saves them from deformation and increases their service life. The downside will be the scarcity of the choice of color, shape and texture of the platbands.

MDF (medium density fibreboard) trims combine the environmental friendliness of wood and the strength of plastic thanks to a special water-repellent impregnation. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of MDF is the low strength of the material compared to plastic and wood.

There are also metal platbands for sale, but they have a purely functional value and have no artistic value.

Wooden platbands will look harmoniously on the windows of wooden houses, metal ones go well with plastic and metal-plastic front panels, plastic ones will fit under plastic siding, and MDF products are more often used inside the house.

The advantage of using platbands on the windows in the house is the ability to visually expand the window openings and increase the height of the building. When choosing the same ornament of platbands, you can create a complete architectural ensemble on your site.

Making platbands with your own hands

To get a high-quality result of work, it is necessary to choose the right wood from which the platband will be made. For this purpose, a bar made of pine, oak, birch, linden, walnut or alder is used. The wood of fruit trees is also used.

For the first experience in making a trim with a carved pattern, linden, aspen and alder are best suited - they belong to soft-leaved tree species, so even inexperienced people can easily carve a pattern on them. Proper processing of the casing is important - this wood is very hygroscopic and is subject to rapid decay.

A more suitable choice would be hardwood or softwood. Birch and pine have a sufficient margin of safety, while they lend themselves well to processing.

Architraves made of oak and ash (hardwoods) are very difficult for beginners to process due to their increased hardness. They are very reliable and durable, but it is better to entrust the manufacture of platbands from these types of wood to professionals.

Fruit species are well suited for making small details of the casing.

bar

To choose the right timber, you will be helped by a few tips:

• Do not buy a bar with a blue or black tint - this indicates the presence of a fungus in the wood
• Do not buy a third grade tree, the savings will be insignificant, but the quality will be noticeably lower, which will affect the durability of the final product
• Do not take a curved beam - it is very difficult to straighten it.

Usually the thickness of the casing is 20-35 mm. Try to pick up the timber immediately you need the thickness, so as not to waste a lot of time on cutting and processing

The standard timber length is 220 cm, so buy a tree with a margin - you will have a lot of trimmings that are better not to use - the components of the casing will only spoil its appearance and functionality.

Dimensions

The width of the platbands on the windows ranges from 100 to 250 mm. To cut a workpiece of the desired width, nail a bar of different thickness around the perimeter of the window and see from afar which thickness will look more harmonious.

Please note that the trim should go on the frame by 5-10 mm and its upper part can significantly exceed the width of the side and lower parts.

So that your product does not interfere with opening windows, during installation, an indent from the hinges of about 10-20 cm is required, take this into account when measuring.

Thread

To make a pattern on the workpiece yourself, you will need a set of chisels for woodcarving, saws and many other tools. Their set depends on the complexity and type of pattern you choose. At the moment, the appearance of modern power tools greatly facilitates the work.

The most commonly used threading techniques are:

• Through type of processing. In this case, the pattern is sawn through or cut through the tree. These patterns are made using a file and a jigsaw. This technique helps to create an openwork, lace-like product.
• The flat-bladed type is characterized by the creation of a pattern that will be lower than the main background in its level. When choosing such a technique, you will need a knife, semicircular chisels and cutters.
• Relief type. The elements in it are somewhat raised above the rest of the background. To create it, you need the presence of chisels of various shapes.

patterns

To create an interesting design of platbands, you should look for photos of platbands on windows on the Internet. This will allow you to decide on the color, texture and pattern of the intended product.

Now it is easy to find window trim stencils in the public domain. You should not choose complex patterns for the first woodcarving experience. It is important that the same pattern should be depicted on all products.

After you find the wood and stencil that suits you, print the desired pattern in full size and place it on the workpiece, attaching it with buttons.

When placing the stencil, make sure that the thread will go along the grain of the wood, not across. Transfer the pattern to the workpiece and you can start carving. Do not rush, this can ruin the workpiece.

Be sure to carefully sand the resulting pattern, and then remove wood chips and dust from hard-to-reach places with a vacuum cleaner.

Installation

You can attach decorative trim to a wooden frame with self-tapping screws, nails without hats and special spikes. For plastic frames, only liquid nails are used.

Care

As for plastic, metal and MDF platbands, they are unpretentious in their care. Just occasionally repaint them and protect them from corrosion.

Photo of platbands on windows