Window Height for Dining Room

Clutchcargo · 05-01-2010, 03:57 PM

Is there a rule of thumb for window placement?
I've got a little wiggle room for my window height placement. I've got 8' ceilings and 34x53" RO for the window. Where should this window be placed heightwise? I've read on this old house dot com that the standard is so the top of the window should be 6'8". Does that sound about right?
Also, the only installed window is a bay so I don't have any other openings to match.

Scuba_Dave · 05-01-2010, 05:49 PM

I use a 2x12 or 2x10 header up against the top plates
Then the window right under that

**Gary in WA** · 05-01-2010, 06:20 PM

If you used 92-5/8" studs for the 97-1/4" top plate height, industry standard here is 81-1/8" jacks plus the 1-1/2" bottom plate equals 82-5/8"-- standard for door rough openings also. So your 6'8" is spot on, net finished.

Be safe, Gary

troubleseeker · 05-01-2010, 07:48 PM

Windows are usually framed with the same depth headers as door openings for visual uniformity of the these elements. If you drop them lower, remember any glass within 18" of the floor must be tempered glass by code.

Thurman · 05-02-2010, 07:42 AM

"troubleseeker"- -I'm not doubting your answer, but would like some clarification. Would this be a local code or something like UBC or IBC? And, when would this have taken effect? The reason I am asking is that I live in a house built in 1986, custom built for the original owner to their specs. She insisted, and had full seventy-two inch (72") tall windows placed in all rooms, even the bath which faces the front of the home. The only small window is over the kitchen sink. Even the breakfast room has twin tall windows. She told us it would be like "eating outside", yeah right. These are only eight foot (8') ceilings also. There is no tempered glass in any of them. We did not have little children (maybe in behavior) when we moved in. Personally, I don't like the twin windows on the west wall of the dining room, it gets way too hot in there here in S. Ga. I do like the full height window in the front bath after I get out of the shower--I can show my fat a** to the widow woman across the street

. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks, David

Scuba_Dave · 05-02-2010, 09:56 AM

From one of Gary's links, 2006 IRC

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...HPbWWaP6zwY0fg

Must meet all conditions, not just 18" from floor in order for tempered glass to be required

tpolk · 05-02-2010, 10:45 AM

my wife is 5' tall and i am 6'4" so window height is based on negotiations

Wildie · 05-02-2010, 11:06 AM

Consideration should also be given to the placement of furniture under the window!
It would depend on the room layout!

**Gary in WA** · 05-02-2010, 02:36 PM

"my wife is 5' tall and i am 6'4" so window height is based on negotiations" ------- so you stoop a lot at the windows? lol

Be safe, Gary

Clutchcargo · 05-03-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildie

Consideration should also be given to the placement of furniture under the window!
It would depend on the room layout!

This, as well as 5' vs 6'4" human sizes, would be more about overall window size as opposed to window height.
I f'ed up and made a homeowner DIY mistake. The most I can pull out of it is sub-floor to bottom of header is 6'7.5". Fortuneatly, there are no other openings to compete with on the front side of the house on the same plane so it should be un-noticeable, except by you guys. :-)