how much larger should the window frame be than the casing

08-13-2011, 10:39 AM	#1
graysqwrl Member   Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 37	how much larger should the window frame be than the casing I ordered some windows and I have the dimensions of the casings. How much bigger than the casing should I make the frame. I was thinking 1/2" so I'd have 1/4" play on all sides... but seeing as I've never done this before, I thougt I'd ask. thanks

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08-13-2011, 02:22 PM	#2
1910NE Member   Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Freeport Maine Posts: 484	how much larger should the window frame be than the casing you can probably go online to the window manufacturer and find the directions for installation. for new installs, i would personally like 3/8 to 1/2 inch on each side.

08-13-2011, 02:47 PM	#3
troubleseeker remodeling pro   Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,399	how much larger should the window frame be than the casing Quote: Originally Posted by graysqwrl I ordered some windows and I have the dimensions of the casings. How much bigger than the casing should I make the frame. I was thinking 1/2" so I'd have 1/4" play on all sides... but seeing as I've never done this before, I thougt I'd ask. thanks You would be a little safer with 3/4", unless you are very carefull about level and square, and the straightness of the wood around the window, 1/4" on each side is not much.

08-13-2011, 03:08 PM	#4
Joe Carola Framing Contractor   Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Caldwell, NJ Posts: 1,755	how much larger should the window frame be than the casing Quote: Originally Posted by graysqwrl I ordered some windows and I have the dimensions of the casings. How much bigger than the casing should I make the frame. I was thinking 1/2" so I'd have 1/4" play on all sides... but seeing as I've never done this before, I thougt I'd ask. thanks The casing mean nothing. You must be talking about the rough opening. All you have to do is ask the place where you bought the windows from and get the rough openings. Every window manufacture gives them to you. __________________ Joe Carola

08-16-2011, 01:01 AM	#5
joeyr Framer   Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 44	how much larger should the window frame be than the casing Quote: Originally Posted by Joe Carola The casing mean nothing. You must be talking about the rough opening. All you have to do is ask the place where you bought the windows from and get the rough openings. Every window manufacture gives them to you. 100% agree with you. Some manufactures for a 4' window will have the rough opening be 4' even while some want the opening to be 4' 1/2. ALL depends on what they recommend.. Good luck