Hello all,
I need to add a 6’w x 4’h bay window tot a breakfast nook. Prefab units are about $1400 and are unwieldy to work with. It ocurrs to me that I could frame out the bay with studs and plywood, then use 3 standard windows to form the bay. Any opinions on this? It would seem that I would have a lot more framing in the field of view, but it would be easier to work with and probably cheaper.
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
Are you talking about cantaleivering the floor out and framing walls with RO's and a roof? Or a pop out window, with no floor.
Matt
Pop-out. Just 2x4 supports angled back to the wall.
Buy a prefab unit.
I haven't seen pop outs with angled side walls. Just a box with one window.
You have to frame your RO in your existing wall alot bigger to allow for all your framing, and the wall sheathing to run to the inside of your RO. THe sheathing is the backbone of a pop out window. I always use 3/4" plywood for the walls it gets glued and nailed to your cripples and sill.
Matt
I prefer to frame the window. You can choose your windows and trim to match your house.
Prefab bays are expensive, heavy and take a lot of creative thinking to support. If you can support the prefab with steel straps going up to the rafter tails than that is a good way. To support from underneath you will have to frame a bombproof support. Prefab bays are prone to sag and would not make a good window seat unless you are a good framer. You do not save a lot of work with the prefabs because you still have to frame a hip roof and hip support above and below.
The window salesperson would disagree with everything I say but usually they are not carpenters.
Build your own. Prefabs seem to come back and bite you in the end.
Are there any good books with layouts for framed bays? I use my copy of "Wood Frame House Construction" a lot, but they do not address bays. What part of prefab bay windows sag? The prefabs should still be supported with adequate framing from below.
Thanks,
Scott
Sorry so late on reply,
Check out HD or even Barnes/Nobles for advanced framing books
My local hardware really feeds the contractor and they have several instructional books for purchase.