Replicating Period Vintage Windows and Millwork

Replicating and installing these period vintage windows is part of Westbrook’s custom carpentry and millwork services. In this case the windows are an intricate standout of building this beautiful new vintage porch. The window sash are the jewelry that look out over the owners gorgeous garden. They should not be overlooked as they add to the mystique and magic of living in a historic home.

Below the first picture is from inside the finished porch with completed windows. Farther below you will see some of the process I take in building and replicating historic windows and sash, from my millwork wood shop, to installation on site. If you need a custom millwork project from windows to cabinetry, do not hesitate to contact me Daniel Westbrook.

As with any custom carpentry project first came design that literally was a horizontal and vertical full sized layout drawing to locate all building components and joinery. Then came the building process starting first with the jambs in this case.

Once on site the jambs were installed, paying particular attention to the sill tails being mitered in the corners. You can see the cross bracing that keeps everything square when shimming and securing the jambs to perfection. In this case the jambs were installed before the sash were made so I could install all the casework inside and out with unencumbered.

Next though came making the sash. In order to mill sash parts to the right size, length, profile, and glass bead there are no less than 7 different machines set up with custom cutter heads and blades. Once all the parts are milled its all about assembly. The process is always referenced back to the layout drawings.

As you can see I also sand and pre prime the sash before glazing. All the glass was sourced cut to size, and glazed in by me with traditional glazing putty. It’s cleaned up quite well with chalk powder as I go. Once on site the sash are easily slipped into the jambs and secured with sash stop. In this way if the sash ever need to come out for repair its as simple as removing the sash stop. No other trim or millwork need be removed.

Westbrook’s Carpentry and Millwork Shop