big window sill: simple way to install?
ideaconstruction
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Greetings. I have what I’m hoping is a very basic question about this nice mahogany windowsill I want to install. I haven’t done this before and so I ripped out the old 13″ deep (we have a 100yr stone house) sill and cut and finished the new one…but I didn’t think much about how I’d install it (the original one was nailed down and painted–mine is stained). I could just glue it in place but what if I ever want to pick it up again? I don’t want to drill holes and screw it down cause then I’d have to use those buttons to cover the holes. I’m absolutely sure there’s a very clever (or just experienced) person out there who knows a way to do this without it showing. Thanks, Rob
Replies
At first thought, I'd be tempted to use Gorilla Glue. Follow instructions about moisture conditions during installation (Gorilla Glue requires moisture to activate and cure). If the sill has to be removed later, it can be cut through and chopped out.
If you don't want to nail it. Drill plugs (not button but flush plugs) out of the underside of the sill. Use these to plug the holes. If you choose the grain proper, you'll almost not see them. You might be smart to reserve the varnish till after you plug.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
the thing is, I finished it already (including 7 coats of spar varnish!) so I wanted to not drill holes. but that is a nice way I didn't think of and next time I remember not to finish the wood first, thatt is the way I will do it!
thank you, calvin.
I will probably do this. thank you very much. it will look the best and, as others have asked, why would you want to pick it up again?, I say: actually I want it to stay there forever.
There is a concealed method and it is simply using keyhole fixing plates on the underside of the cill so that they drop down onto protruding screw heads and you push the cill towards the window frame to lock it in place.
It requires accurate placing of the plates to engage the screw heads but other than that it's quite simple and the cill will be removeable -- although why you'd want it to be is another question!
IanDG
I would use liquid nails or subfloor adhesive even though you did not want to glue it down. If you removed the trim on the jamb then you can drill and screw into the stud at an angle, the trim will cover the screws. 16d Galvanized casing nails is another way without adhesive or with it. The nail holes can be filled with sanding dust and varnish or ready made fillers.
mike
thanks, mike. i'm glad now that i did finish the wood first--otherwise i probably would have screwed it in from the top and filled the holes and this will look much bettter.