Have just had replacement windows and sliders put in. The house is a contemporary Tudor-style with fairly dark-stained interior trim around the doors and windows. The new windows and doors came unfinished, with the idea to have them stained to match the present dark stain. However, I find that I am liking the lighter (pine) color as it is so much brighter. Here’s the question: could I keep the windows, etc. stained very pale (really just a sealer) with the casing around them still dark?? This would give a two-tone effect which doesn’t follow the usual “rules”. On the other hand, who decided that casing needs to be the same as the sash? I have been trying to find photos of this done somewhere and have had no luck — is that reason enough to give up on the idea?…. HELP, please!
Edited 11/2/2004 8:16 pm ET by Roxanna
Replies
There are no rules. If you like the look, then keep it. You don't need pictures when the installation gives you the example.
j
thanks for the reply. it's just what i was hoping to have confirmed! i shall now "bravely go where no one has gone before"....
Now that I've had a few minutes to think about what I just said (sometimes it's easy to forget how one's responses come across in this format) I would add a few items for clarification:
1. You may want to investigate using a semi-transparent stain product without using a permanent top coat (such as polyurethane) in case you want to re-stain the windows with a darker color later. You mentioned a light colored sealer, which seems like it would work fine, but perhaps you should take the "installation" portion of your idea to a paint shop for get input from someone with a more technical persuasion.
2. You may find that realtor's shy away from suggesting stark changes to a "typical" styles, should you find yourself selling in the short term. It's one thing to simply not care (my general theory), but it's another if you could be planning a move in a few years and have a selling problem with a "different" looking facade.
The finishes will require maintenance eventually, and it's always easy to re-stain the wood dark to match the surrounding area the next time you 'paint.'
hope this helps! good luck!
j
I appreciate the further advice. Will definitely check out your first paragraph thoughts at the Sherwin-Williams store. They are used to my queer questions, since we just had the exterior painted this summer.
As to problems with potential buyers not liking the way I do things -- I fully intend to be carried out of this house in my coffin (but not for a long time, please!!) -- no other way will this place be on the market!! I do like what you suggested about using semi-transparent stain etc. in case I decide later to go back to the dark -- a good idea. The rest of the house (so far) is keeping the dark Tudor-color stain around all the windows and doors inside. It's not a bad look, tho a bit dreary. The window trim and door casings are simple ones, rather like a plain picture frame, so I think my idea will not look too weird. We shall see... Anyway, thanks so much for the replies!