Do-it-yourself platbands for windows made of wood. What are wooden window frames? Through hole selection

Architraves on windows, despite their simplicity, are of great importance in the decorative design of the facade of the house. They not only create a neat look and add an element of personality to the building, but also perform the more prosaic task of eliminating the gap between the wall and the window frame. In addition, platbands must withstand the influence of weather factors without losing their qualities.

Window frame function and a bit of history

The platband was first mentioned as an element of the house as early as the 15th century. Now the architraves have somewhat lost their relevance, but their function is still the same, regardless of the material of the building and its decoration. Due to the design features of the windows of high-rise buildings and in cases where glazing is used, their presence is inappropriate.

Platbands appeared many years ago

Simplified, the platband is a wooden frame with a width of 30-40 mm, which frames the window.

The aesthetic function of this detail is important, but the main task is to bridge the gap formed by the window frame and the wall, which increases thermal insulation and prevents the penetration of dust and moisture from the outside atmosphere, as well as reduces the noise level. In some cases, in the presence of shutters, it performs the function of a frame.

Types and types of platbands for windows

Their form may be:

• curly;
• flat;
• rounded;
• convex.

Flat platbands are characterized by ease of production and low cost. Convex platbands are made using special machines and, in connection with this, the price of products increases significantly. Carved platbands are of great aesthetic value and significant cost.

According to the method of installation, platbands are classified:

• telescopic. They have special protrusions that go into the corresponding cavities of the box;
• overhead.

An important factor in choosing the profile of this window element is the slope that is performed at the top of the casing. Its purpose is to remove sediment.

Modern materials and requirements for the elements of houses have determined the trends in the requests of homeowners. The leaders in popularity are carved platbands made of plastic.

Requirements for the material of platbands

In addition to high aesthetic qualities, the casing must meet practical requirements. Its important qualities are the ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and high humidity. In addition, the material must withstand wind loads.

It is important that the material has sufficient strength and is not subject to chipping and cracking. The use of MDF or plywood is out of the question. The properties of these materials are such that they are able to absorb moisture, are prone to cracking, and the paint on them peels off over time. All this is a sign of the fragility of products made from these materials.

In this regard, MDF as a material for platbands can only be used inside the dwelling. The manufacturability of the material determines the simplicity and relatively low cost. In addition, it does not take much time to get ready-made platbands. Such platbands on the facade will require constant care and additional processing.

Our ancestors have been making platbands from wood for many centuries. Oak and beech are the most common types of wood used for this. Pine and birch have found less use for the production of architraves. Wood tends to absorb moisture, therefore, to increase the service life of the product and its appearance, it is necessary to use protective coatings. In addition, over time, the tree tends to darken, so the restoration of the original shade of the material is required.

When using gypsum as a decorative facade element, the problem of interaction of the material with moisture is also encountered. When the water that has penetrated into the gypsum freezes and thaws in the process of temperature fluctuations, such architectural details are destroyed.

Materials are subject to certain requirements.

The use of glass fiber reinforced concrete and polymer concrete makes it possible to avoid the negative effects of temperature and moisture. Their use is limited by a significant mass of products. In some cases, when installing such platbands, the increased loads on the wall are taken into account and make it more powerful.

Polyurethane compares favorably with other trim materials. This is due to the fact that its use does not allow the problems described above, and also its characteristics make it possible to create additional thermal insulation. In addition, its mass is comparable to the weight of wood, which facilitates the installation of these facade parts.

How to make stencils for platbands on windows?

Choice of wood

Wood for the production of platbands can be used in various ways. It can be certain types of it, a combination of rocks by gluing or otherwise connecting.

Simple and shaped stencils for window frames are best made from pine.

The production of carved architraves requires that the material be soft. Linden has this quality. Material requirements are due to the manual processing of wood.

The choice of wood must be made carefully

Climatic conditions associated with high humidity or significant dryness, as well as significant temperature fluctuations during the day, determine the use of wood with a dense and solid structure. These include oak and birch. Their manual processing is difficult, so the use of milling machines is necessary. Such products have a long service life.

Required Tools

Before solving the problem of how to make carved platbands, it is necessary to decide on the tool used for these works. The main tools for this are knives and chisels, various in shape and size.

Tools for the job

For independent production of platbands, devices for manual milling, an electric jigsaw, and a drill are used. A jigsaw is almost indispensable when performing such work, since with its help you can create almost any pattern. In some cases, a home-made device can be used, which includes a step-down transformer and nichrome wire.

In addition, it may be necessary to make a tool for filing corners. To make such a device, it is necessary to fix two hacksaw blades with a fine tooth between three wooden rails. When working with this device, spikes are sawn with one canvas, and the eyelets of the product are filed with the other.

How to choose patterns for platband?

Using the slotted carving technique suggests that aspen, alder, linden or softwood are best suited. The thickness of the board should be in the range from 5 to 50 mm. It is necessary that the chosen design of the pattern for the casing should be well distinguished at a distance, and act as a single whole of the architectural ensemble. Therefore, it is not desirable to create an image with a large number of small elements.

Trim options

For a long time at the top of the casing there is a kokoshnik with the image of the Sun. If desired, the top of the casing can be built up using spikes as a connection. Towels - this is the name given to the bottom of the casing. The design must necessarily include the presence of a water-cutting bevel. The bottom plank should be 10mm thicker than the plank at the top of the plank. It is important to observe the unity of the style of both parts.

To avoid the occurrence of cracks in the thread, the parts should be placed along the grain of the wood. As a rule, the endings and openwork bends, which have a small thickness, have significant fragility.

Structural diagrams

The simplest cut can be obtained by drilling a round hole with a drill. That is why it is desirable to make a choice on a pattern with a predominance of round holes. In most cases, the ornament is made up of repeating elements, each of which is made up of holes and cutouts that have a more complex configuration.

Drawings of platbands on windows contain the following elements:

• bottom bar or profiled belt;
• vertical slats or frame;
• top bar.

Part Names

To get a stencil, you need to stretch the pattern along the length. For this purpose, a life-size image is applied to paper. Places suggesting the presence of slots should be highlighted in color. Then, the resulting pattern is glued to the workpiece. Using a drill, drill holes of the appropriate diameter. If it is necessary to work with a jigsaw, small holes are made where necessary.

Production of platbands for windows

platband

The opening direction of the window must be taken into account. In the case when it opens outward, the casing should be installed at a distance of 30 mm from the window sashes. In addition, platbands should not become an obstacle to opening the window frame. Other parameters depend on the geometric dimensions of the windows.

At the initial stage of the production of platbands, it is necessary to plan a dry board, the dimensions of which are within: thickness up to 30 mm and width 75-150 mm. In this case, the width of the platbands should exceed the corresponding size of the window frame by 25-50 mm. For a better fit of the platbands to the wall surface, a groove is selected or a gap of no more than 2 mm is made so that it is at a distance of 10-15 mm from the edge.

When working with a power tool, you should not make excessive efforts, as if helping him. This may lead to its failure. If there are difficulties with cutting wood, you should pay attention to sharpening the blade. Long cuts are recommended to be made with a wide blade.

How to mount carved platbands

The fastening of the details of the platbands is carried out by means of deaf or through spikes. Moreover, it is believed that the use of the first of them is preferable, since there is no need to decorate the places where the connection takes place.

The grooves for the spikes are made by drilling several holes, the depth of which is slightly greater than the spike. The removal of partitions between the holes is done with a drill designed for metal. The entry of the spike should be tight, however, without the use of force.

The spikes are fixed with pins made of solid wood. The use of glue is not recommended. This is due to the fact that adhesives are not able to work for a long time under the influence of an aggressive atmosphere.

Platband installation: features

Installation of platbands is carried out without the use of glue using nails. They are driven in in increments of 400-500 mm so that the hat is recessed into the wood. Most often, platbands are attached tightly to the box. In some cases, an indent of 5-20 mm is made to the side, which depends on the direction of opening of the valves.

Architraves drawing

The window sill at the window opening and the platband are installed closely. This design allows you to install bedside tables that protect the lower part of the platbands.

Upon completion of the installation work, it is imperative to carry out a protective treatment of the platbands. You should also apply paint or varnish, which needs to be updated from time to time.

Photo of platbands of an interesting design

Beautiful rose trims
platbands
Platbands are an important part of the architecture of the house
Beautiful platbands
original platbands

If inside the house you can allow a variety of interior design options, then outside the possibilities are significantly limited. In addition to the original color of the wall painting or the material with which it can be finished, it is difficult to come up with something else. In the old days, this issue was solved with the help of platbands on the windows, which served as a real decoration of any house, showed the mastery of the owner or master creator. This tradition has survived to this day, although it has partially changed.

Peculiarities

Platbands were traditionally used in wooden houses. They helped decorate the windows and effectively complement the composition of the facade. With the help of such elements, you can visually enlarge the window opening or reduce it. Initially, great importance was attached to the design of the house, each owner sought to show the individuality of his building.

With the help of platbands, you can achieve a different effect.

• Visual decoration of the house, giving it a special flavor and charm, the ability to distinguish it from a number of standard ones.
• Giving the window a different shape with the help of platbands of different configurations, sizes and patterns. A small window can be made large using openwork designs.
• Creation of a holistic composition of all elements of the facade. Using the same platbands on windows and doors allows you to complete the design of the house.

With the help of platbands, you can protect window openings from the negative influence of environmental factors. The seam between the frame and the house may have small gaps in which moisture enters during rain, and dirt clogs with strong winds. All this contributes to the development of harmful microorganisms that destroy wood. Therefore, the frame begins to let air through, which significantly reduces its thermal insulation qualities.

The platbands cover the very gap and do not allow moisture or dirt to get to it. In addition to the obvious advantages of platbands, there are also negative factors. It is also worth knowing about them when planning the installation of such details on the windows of a wooden house. These include several factors.

• Active reaction of decorative elements to weather conditions, which contributes to the deterioration of the material. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to treat the products with a special substance, which significantly increases the service life of the casing.
• The need for constant care. Platbands need to be painted or varnished annually. If this is not done, then the product begins to crack. As a result, instead of decoration, it will only spoil the appearance of the house.
• When planning the manufacture of platbands, you need to choose the right material for them. If this is not done, then it is unlikely that the desired effect will be achieved. If it is difficult to cope with such a task alone, it is better to enlist the support of a professional.

Now there are products made from modern materials that can have the most diverse appearance. At the same time, caring for them is much easier. They are not affected by the environment, they are not afraid of moisture and even cold. They do not crack over time and reliably serve for many years. For connoisseurs of aesthetics, this is not the best option. But for those who want to decorate their home, diversify the appearance of the facade, this is what you need. It is such a product that will create the necessary appearance, while not requiring increased attention.

Kinds

The species diversity of platbands is enormous. It also lies in the drawings that are applied to the tree, the shape of the product itself. In addition, modern technologies make it possible to create window decorative elements from a wide variety of materials.

If we talk about the appearance and patterns, then there are several types.

• slotted through which you can create elegant and beautiful images.
• openwork, which are distinguished by bizarre shapes that can distinguish the hand of the master from other options. They look like a continuous canvas on which they create a pattern.
• carved, able to create a unique appearance and protect the window opening.
• Overhead, which have a complex shape design, since the carved element is superimposed on the plate. Such products can be created separately or as a decoration for existing platbands. In this way, it is convenient to update existing decorative elements.
• Simple, which have a smooth surface. They don't have any patterns. The shape of such elements can be different (with rounded edges, even, narrow and wide).

When choosing a material for a platband, it is important to understand that it should serve as protection for the window, and therefore you should not rush to buy material without knowing its features.

The most popular decorative platbands are made of wood. They fit beautifully into the design of the facade of a wooden house, so they still do not lose their relevance. In order for such parts to serve as long as possible and correctly perform the tasks assigned to it, they must be properly processed.

If such processing is done, the tree will not rot, moisture will not damage it. In order for wooden architraves to remain beautiful for a long time and decorate the house, it is best to open them with varnish. To date, there is an alternative option that can replace varnish. This is a wax based product. Both options preserve the appearance of the tree, give it a more elegant look, significantly extending the service life of the architraves.

In addition to wood, there are also decorative products for windows made of other materials.

MDF

The MDF panel has a laminated finish. Usually such platbands have the form of a plank with a pattern for natural wood. There can be quite a lot of colors and textures, you can easily choose a frame for the window opening of any wooden house.

Plastic panels

Products made of plastic panels are considered the most modern, because they are easy and convenient to care for. This option can be chosen by those people who do not have time to take care of their own home, but they want to see a beautiful building that they can admire. Most often, plastic platbands are used for metal-plastic windows. However, recent trends have shown that they are well combined with wooden structures, fully fulfilling their task.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane platbands can also be used on windows in wooden homesteads. They are light weight and deformable, which makes it possible to bend them in the right direction. Installing such elements is quite simple, and the terms of their operation will please anyone.

PVC

PVC products are considered the most common today. You can find varieties of such platbands in white and a wide variety of color variations. Install the product from the side of the street, it can easily cope with any weather conditions. The advantages are the abundance of colors and shapes that can be given to such a material.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam can also be used as a material for the manufacture of platbands. For this purpose, a dense variation is suitable, which will not differ in the same strength as a metal casing. This is the reason why such products are not used in countries with high seismic activity, where even the slightest vibrations of the earth's crust would crack the windows. The color of such decorative elements is white, but with the help of paint you can change it by choosing the right one for the estate.

Metal

There are also metal platbands, which of all are considered the highest quality in terms of protecting the window from environmental influences. For their production, metal sheets with a small thickness are required, which makes it possible to manufacture structures of various shapes. The advantage of this option over the same plastic is the resistance of the material to mechanical damage. This makes the service life longer.

To give a fresh and interesting look, iron products can be painted, and the appearance of the house will immediately change. The popularity of this type of product is also created with the help of a price that is quite low, taking into account all the positive qualities of the material.

To install metal products, it is extremely important to measure the window correctly in order to install them without much difficulty. If there is a desire to install unusual metal trim, you can order carved items that will look interesting on the facade of the house.

Inside, you can also provide something similar to create a holistic image of the building on each side. Usually the outer and inner casings are quite different from each other. It has to do with their functions. Facade decorative elements should combine aesthetics and quality. Otherwise, they would hardly have been used to decorate the premises.

Sketches

The use of platbands on the windows of a wooden house should give the building a complete look, make it more beautiful. Therefore, simple glossy panels are unlikely to be able to fully cope with such a task. It is best to pick up carved elements or make them yourself.

With a complete lack of skills in working with wood, it is better to choose the first option. But for lovers of manual labor and original products, the ideal solution would be to work according to a sketch.

The first step is to decide on the choice of the pattern that will be on the casing. To do this, you can use books, the Internet. You can come up with a sketch yourself. As soon as the ideal option is found, you need to enlarge it to natural scale and print it. All patterns must be cut out and accurately transferred to cardboard, with which the main work will already be. A piece of cardboard should correspond to one part of the casing.

It must be placed on a piece of wood and circled with a pencil drawing, which will continue to cut. In order to choose the right pattern on the casing, it is worth making a drawing of the whole house using all the decorative elements. If the finished version turned out beautiful, and all parts are in harmony with each other, then the idea was chosen correctly, you can proceed to its implementation.

For some houses, simple architraves are suitable (for example, if the estate was envisaged in the minimalist style during construction).

If you want to create something grandiose and beautiful, you need to choose wide planks and start creating. For the manufacture of good architraves, it is best to choose pine (especially those planks where there are practically no knots). As tools that are useful in the process, you need to have a soft-start jigsaw to manually cut out all the necessary details. In addition, it will be useful:

• feather drill with a diameter of 12 mm;
• screwdriver;
• Sander.

The active process of working on window trims begins immediately after the entire drawing has been transferred to the future product. First, they take on the inside of the pattern, making openwork details. To make the process more convenient, using a drill, you need to make several holes in the board, which will be located on the outline of the picture. Sawing the pattern itself is done using an electric jigsaw, which is inserted into the finished hole. Then they simply lead along the contour, cutting out the necessary part.

Once the inside of the drawing is ready, you can proceed to the outside. It is necessary to make two files (at the beginning and at the end of the product) to make it easier to navigate the work.

It is important to make sawing in one motion, without stopping, so that the finished casing turns out to be as curly as possible. Such a sequence of actions is inherent in each detail in the overall design of the platband on the window leaf.

The resulting product is far from what it should be. Therefore, you need to use a grinder, clean up all the bumps and roughness. Only after this stage, part of the structure is treated with special solutions. After that, it can be ready to be used or painted for a more original look.

How to do it yourself?

Making architraves for a wooden house with your own hands is much more interesting than the banal purchase of such elements in a store, because you can choose the pattern that will meet the spirit of the owners themselves and emphasize the design of the facade desired by the residents of the house.

You can choose from a variety of options.

• flat cornice. In this case, the architraves symbolize the wealth and style of the house. They are used for beautiful and elegant buildings, made in a simple style.
• Arched finish. The platbands, which are complemented by an arch on top, will be an ideal addition to window openings that do not have a standard rectangular shape, but a rounded upper part.
• With patterns and carvings. Platbands of such a plan will be able to give the house elegance, make it unusual and beautiful.
• With the use of hanging elements. These are the details that complement the product after it is completed. In this way, you can add what could not be done initially. The use of hinged parts makes the design voluminous and more interesting.

If you are going to make platbands yourself, you need to choose the right material for the future product. It is important to choose a color based on the color of each component of the house, to find the perfect option for decorating this product. You can take advantage of the offers that are in hardware stores and buy a ready-made version, which is much easier and faster. Installation of such a platband will be easier, since it already provides all the necessary fasteners, as well as ease of installation.

If there is a firm intention to do everything yourself, there are several options for making beautiful platbands.

• slotted option- a product in which there is an internal pattern and a beautiful border. Traditionally, such a casing has a white or light color, it is attached to buildings with a contrasting shade of walls.
• Laid on thread type created by cutting out individual elements and gluing them or nailing them onto a solid wooden canvas, which will serve as a casing. This design option makes the pattern voluminous and at the same time airy. With the help of such overlays, you can decorate any platband.

If the house already has carved platbands, but they require repair, you can remove all or part of the structure and restore it. If there is no way to repair some part, you can remove it completely, replace it with a new one. If there is a need to make completely new designs on the windows, you need to prepare all the necessary equipment, which includes:

• jigsaw;
• plane;
• grinder;
• cutter;
• sandpaper;
• strips with a section of 30x100 mm.

This is what will be needed to create simple platbands. To start work, it is necessary to process all future details with a planer, and then use a cutter to give them a finished look. In order for the product to have a presentable appearance, it is sanded with sandpaper. This is the simplest option for making platbands, which does not require great skills and abilities. If you want to make something original and beautiful, you should choose a carved type of product. For such work, you need to add curly chisels to the main inventory.

For the manufacture of the platband, you can use two technologies (normal and overhead). In the first variant, the drawing is cut out on the plank of the casing itself. In the second, it is made on an additional bar, which is then attached over the main element.

For the first attempts at woodcarving, it is better to choose the simplest options for the pattern so that you can easily deal with them.

If the platband is made by an overhead option, then the work process will go in the following sequence:

• processing planks with a planer;
• preparation of overhead strips with a thickness of at least 10 cm;
• the formation of the future drawing on cardboard and its cutting;
• transferring the pattern from the stencil to the overhead bar;
• a drill needs to make holes throughout the pattern;
• with the help of a chisel, you need to finish all the carved elements;
• polishing the finished lining;
• fixing the lining on the platband with glue or self-tapping screws;
• collection of each detail of the platband;
• installation of the finished structure on the window opening.

Installation of finished structures on the window can be carried out using nails, screws or glue. Most often, platbands are placed on the sides and top of the window, sometimes there are lower parts of the structure. In order to properly and aesthetically join the edges of each part, they need to be cut at an angle of 45 degrees with a hacksaw or miter box. If the wall is concrete, dowels and screws are needed for reliable fastening.

To beautifully decorate the window of a country house, you need to know not only basic information, but also some nuances, without which it may not be possible to create a truly wonderful piece of handicraft. These moments include several factors.

• When choosing boards for the manufacture of platbands, it is better to give preference to those options whose thickness will be 3-4 cm. It is much more difficult to work with thicker materials, especially to perform curly cutting.
• Starting the work on the carving of architraves for the first time, it is worth taking a simple pattern and polishing it, after which you can try something more complex and interesting.
• In addition to the thickness of the wood for the platbands, it is worth taking care of the correct selection of its width, because the main purpose of these elements is not so much to decorate, but to protect the window.

The platband should cover the opening between the wall and the window frame.

• When planning to cut any patterns, it is worth positioning them correctly on the board so that they go along the grain of the tree, and not across.
• When choosing a pattern for the first attempts at carving architraves, it is worth looking at something large with convex shapes, which will not be difficult to do, and the result will please with its beauty. If you choose a small ornament, in case of an unsuccessful outcome, the casing will look sloppy. This will spoil the impression of the external facade of the house.

Making platbands on the facade of the house is a long process and requires perseverance. Therefore, it is worthwhile to clearly assess your strengths before taking on work. Choosing the right material, the right pattern, its successful implementation in life is only half the battle. This is followed by a no less time-consuming process of processing platbands so that they serve for a long time, while performing their functions with high quality.

The final stage of work with these decorative elements is their installation. At each stage there is a specific choice, the result of all work depends on the correctness of its adoption.

Beautiful examples

When planning the manufacture or purchase of platbands for a wooden house, you should choose the option that is best suited for a particular building.

With the help of the Internet and other sources of information, you can see sketches of drawings, ready-made works, which will give food for thought.

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. There are two types of this criterion:

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:

October 14, 2016
Specialization: master in the construction of plasterboard structures, finishing work and laying flooring. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

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:

The form	Description
straight slats	The simplest option, which is high-quality processed planks with perfectly even corners. Such products are well suited for wooden houses in a modern style, the clarity of the lines allows you to well emphasize the beauty of the tree, and at the same time the frame does not look out of date.
Elements with rounded edges	Such products are often used inside houses and apartments when decorating doorways, but they can also be used outside if they are suitable for decoration. In this case, you just need to determine the optimal width of the elements so that the trim looks the best.
Semicircular products	This option differs in that it is a convex surface, which is well suited in cases where you need to imitate a log or beam. Products should be chosen carefully, since on oval elements all flaws are very visible. Again, this design is more suitable for modern buildings.
Figured platbands	The most interesting of the standard options, the surface in this case is not straight, but figured, and the profile can be very different, as well as the width. This is a kind of compromise for those who do not like other products, but the simplicity of even elements is also not very pleasant. Another plus is the ability to manufacture original products to order, their price will be higher, but you will get a non-standard frame.

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, on the contrary, 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 precisely 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 attached 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 out 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 carried out 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 realize, 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 will 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 the transfer of 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.

October 14, 2016

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Carved platbands framing window openings organically fit into the architectural styles of wooden cottages. They emphasize the originality of log cabins, frame buildings, log houses. Light patterns, ornate ornaments, interesting drawings give originality to the elements of facade decor. They are applied to the surface of the wood using convenient stencils.

Functions of window frames

Maintaining the traditions of wooden architecture, carved details enrich the noble appearance of the estate, add expressiveness to simple buildings. They keep home warmth and comfort, delight when viewed from the outside. Stencils for window trims, selected in accordance with the preferences of the inhabitants of the dwelling, help to create a harmonious look of the new house, to revive the facade of the old building.

When used on window shutters, decorative platbands can serve as a frame. Playing a decisive role in the design of window openings, they solve a number of important tasks:

• reduction of heat losses due to the elimination of "cold bridges" along the perimeter of the window frame;
• reduction of noise level in the premises;
• reducing the amount of moisture and dust particles penetrating from the street;
• giving facades a unique, stylistic orientation;
• creation of a single architectural ensemble of residential and commercial facilities on the building site.

Regardless of the shape, size, appearance, wooden platbands must be strong enough to meet operational requirements. Stenciling with calculated geometric parameters allows them to be securely attached to the walls. It provides resistance to wind loads, temperature fluctuations. To increase the service life, effective protective coatings are applied.

Traditional and original ornaments

The choice of design elements for window openings should be approached with an understanding of styles and design techniques. With their help, you can give the window an elegant or strict shape, make its outline more expressive, and achieve a delightful visual effect. Choosing life-size stencils as templates for window trims, the buyer receives the most advantageous decor option. Convenient dimensions allow you to proceed directly to the manufacture of products.

The attitude to wood as a material of art is traditional for the culture of Russian architecture. With the repetition of individual structural and decorative details, it provides for the creation of a unique architectural image. Carved platbands have long been considered not only as a means of decoration, but also as a kind of amulets for the home. Based on the study of the surviving ancient buildings, unique images of symbols, animals, birds, and plants have been recreated.

Samples of stencils for architraves are designed in different styles and for every taste. They help to express certain traditions, personal preferences. The use of ready-made ornaments makes it possible to design buildings in accordance with ethnic and classical trends in art. Clear geometric patterns are more in line with modern trends in architecture.

Ornaments for slotted and overlaid platbands may contain a solid pattern or repeating elements of a common motif. To create a complete outline, when marking out parts, you need to take into account the size of the window opening, the scheme and sequence of patterns. High-quality stencils make it possible to accurately apply cut lines to the workpiece, to determine the boundaries of further processing of the material.

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