How to make easy farmhouse window trim with stock lumber!

Enhance plain windows by building farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards are required. This tutorial is easy and looks authentic, dramatically changing the entire vibe of your space into one of utter farmhouse charm!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

I cannot believe this vintage farmhouse window resides in my now Salvaged Farmhouse Bathroom!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

It’s the first farmhouse window trim I’ve ever played with, so I’m pretty pumped!

But it sure didn’t look like this just a short time ago…

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

By the way, I do not live in a farmhouse! I live in a typical suburban home that has every builder grade window standard in sight.

But there’s a secret to making this farmhouse window trim transformation so easy….

This farmhouse window trim was created with standard lumber with no fancy miter cuts!

The inexpensive upgrade of this beautiful farmhouse look outcome is simply outstanding, dramatically changing the entire room vibe into one of vintage farmhouse charm.

So if your own windows are currently wearing traditional builder grade molding, and your preference is more charm, here’s how to create a huge difference with charming farmhouse style window trim with simple cuts of stock lumber… yourself!

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How to make farmhouse window trim

 

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Why farmhouse window trim?

 

I grew up in an old, rambling farmhouse with massive old vintage window trim mouldings. It’s a classic style I’ve missed them ever since.

After searching online, I came across plenty of farmhouse window trim ideas, but most revealed complicated tutorials requiring miter cuts and and expensive trim boards. There just had to be an easier way!

Then I came across a variation that showed how to achieve the look using standard wood layers with straight cuts. BINGO!

Combining the concept with my own twist, here’s my version of simple DIY farmhouse window trim that’s so simple,  even a non-builder can create this look using simple stock lumber!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

 

Supplies I used for the farmhouse window trim:

 

standard real wood solid pine lumber in sizes as shown above (I suggest pre-primed)

(also works well with primed MDF board although the trim will not be quite as durable)

nail gun

brad nails

nails for nail gun or brad nailer (I used 1 ¾”)

miter saw

jig saw

workmate or wood clamps

orbital sander

measuring tape

pencil

pry bar if you have to remove existing moulding

wood filler for nail holes

paintable caulk and caulking gun


Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Remove original window trim

 

1. Remove existing window trim with a pry bar, leaving all the inner window wood intact as shown above.

Removal is so easy! Gently ease the pry bar between the wood moulding and wall, then pry the moulding off. You can avoid damage to the walls by placing a board behind the pry bar.

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Create a window sill

 

2. Create a window sill (or window stool) / one 1×2 and one 1×6

  • Cut a window sill with trimmed edges out of a 1×6
  • Add another board such as a 1×2 if you need more depth to reach the back of the window.
  • Place both boards on top of existing window sill, then nail into place from the top.

What’s up with these new windows having no decent window sills? Well,I wanted one. So after removing all the outside window trim, I left everything inside the wall and worked over top.

I determined how wide (left to right) to make the window sill by measuring the two side casings in place. The sill was made slightly longer.

Depth (front to back) was determined by how much I wanted the sill to stick out in front of each side casing. 

Since I didn’t have a board that was deep enough, I doubled up.

This sounds complicated but it’s really not. It was just like building with blocks.

You can do this all in one piece if you can find a piece of wood deep enough to do the job.

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

The 1×2 is in the back and the 1 x 6 is in the front. 

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Add side trim pieces

 

2. Once window sill is in place, measure and cut two side casings. / two 1 x 4s

The 1 x 4s were cut to fit from the top of the window opening to sitting on the window sill.


Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Adding that small 1 x 2 to the window sill pushed the sill out beyond the side casings.


Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Building the window header

 

3. Dry fit and nail together a window header / one 1×6 / three 1x2s / one 1×1 / one 1×4

  1. Measure the width of the window plus the two side casings. Make the main header piece (1×6) that exact measurement.
  2. Make the two touching boards above and below the main header piece slightly longer.
  3. Lengthen the final two top boards slightly wider than what’s under them.
  4. (note: my top two boards are flush on the left side because I ran out of wall space. If you have room, make the top board the widest.
  5. After dry fitting all the cuts, the header was nailed together before installing to the wall.

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Nail together before installing

 

Stack all the wood, then nail together all the header components before installing on the wall if desired. I found this easier.

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Choose kiln dried wood to avoid warping

 

And just to prove how much of a true newbie I am to this, you can see one exposed nail plus one slightly warped board… proud moment here.

The 1×6 warped, but I didn’t notice until after the build. Neither of these little window trim glitches showed once the header was installed.

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Installing the window header to the wall

 

4. Install the header by holding it into place, then nailing it to the wall. 

The window header was held into place, then the center nailed, rotated straight, then further stabilized with more nails. Be sure to nail through any wall studs where possible.

This farmhouse window trim is really coming to life now!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Add a window apron

 

5. Add an apron underneath the window sill. / one 1×4

  1. To determine the correct apron length, cut a 1×4 board the same width as both of the window side pieces (casings) combined.
  2. Attach the board underneath the window sill to create the window apron.


Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

The finished farmhouse window trim results!

 

And here is the farmhouse window trim result! Isn’t it amazing what a few layered plain boards can do?!

Now let’s turn that wood into beautiful white trim!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Finishing window trim details

 

6. Sand, prime, caulk, then paint the window moulding with 2 coats of semi gloss white paint.

The finishing details ended up being a fair amount of work but you will save money.

To cut the workload way down, choose primed stock lumber instead. I have since used primed trim to create an interior farmhouse trim doorway and it turned out amazing!

Learn how to make farmhouse window trim using stock lumber! NO fancy miter cuts nor expensive boards required. Easy and authentic!

Adding faux window mullions with vinyl

7. Add faux window mullions with cut white sign-grade vinyl. 

  1. Cut strips of white sign-grade vinyl into long strips at the desired width.
  2. Stick onto window where desired, and trim excess with an exacto blade.

What a difference the window mullions made! Don’t they look totally authentic?

Going faux window mullion bars using vinyl makes cleaning the windows effortless and the outcome is instant!

 

Questions and answers:

 

What kind of trim is farmhouse style?

 

I like to describe Farmhouse style trim as thicker window moulding offering more character and charm to windows. There are many different styles one can choose. This style shown in this guide is a combination of several combined, using my own twist.

What trim to use for modern farmhouse?

 

I would personally beef up any builder grade window with thicker trim similar to what this guide shares. The finished results are completely dependent on the look you yourself desires.

What is the best material for window trim?

 

I have found the most durable window trim is solid lumber. However MDF boards also do the trick, however they will not be quite as durable. It’s no different than baseboard moldings. You can choose one or the other.

Summary

 

I LOVE my new farmhouse window trim and you can bet now I am working on the rest of the interior builder grade windows and doorways to emulate this authentic vintage charming farmhouse look!

Think you’ll give your builder-grade windows an instant old window farmhouse trim makeover with this easy method?

How to make farmhouse window trim with stock lumber! (with photos)

Funky Junk Interiors
How to make gorgeous and easy DIY farmhouse window trim with stock lumber and no fancy miter cuts!
Visit original tutorial at: https://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/01/how-to-make-a-farmhouse-window-with-moulding.html
Total Time 2 d

Supplies:
  

  • Wood trim boards in various sizes. Primed is less work. Works with both MDF or solid wood.

Header boards: - width of window

  • 1 piece 1 x 6
  • 3 pieces 1 x 2
  • 1 piece 1 x 1
  • 1 piece 1 x 4

Side casing boards: - height of window

  • 2 pieces 1 x 4 (one for each side)

Window sill or stool - width of window

  • 1 piece 1 x 6 and 1 x 2 or to fit (make deeper than original window sill)

Apron: width of window

  • 1 piece 1 x 4

Instructions:
 

  • Remove original outer window molding gently with a pry bar. Leave all other wood intact, including the window sill if flush with wall.

Window sill:

  • Create a window sill to place on top of existing. Determine how wide (left to right) to make the sill by measuring with two side casings dry-fit into place. Cut the sill an inch longer (on each side) past the side casings. Trim inside of sill with a jigsaw to shape. Nail into place.

Side casings:

  • Cut two side casings: measure from window sill to top of window. Nail into place.

Header:

  • Cut header boards to the full width of the window measuring the width of both side casings.
  • Stack header wood, then assemble with a nail gun before installing. 1 1x6, 1 1x2, 1 1x1, 1 1x4 - or install one board at a time on top of the window.
  • Install intact header on the top of the window.

Apron: 1x4

  • Add an apron under window sill. Cut board same width as both window side casings width.

Finishing:

  • Sand, prime, caulk, then paint the window trim with 2 coats of semi gloss paint.
  • Add faux mullions to bare windows by using sign grade vinyl cut into strips. (use color of your window frames)

Notes

Note:
While primed boards are more expensive, they are definitely less work, offering a more professional finish.
Suggestion: in blog post, click on and print the window image with the descriptions and sizes. 
Visit full tutorial HERE on Funky Junk Interiors
https://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/01/how-to-make-a-farmhouse-window-with-moulding.html
Did you try this tutorial?Share it on Instagram and tag @funkyjunkinteriors and include #funkyjunkinteriors so we can check it out!

 

Tour the rest of this farmhouse bathroom

 

Learn how to create your own salvaged farmhouse bathroom makeover! Includes farmhouse window trim, planked popcorn ceilings, board and batten wall and lots of salvaged decorating! Click the link to visit all the tutorials!

Learn how to create your own salvaged farmhouse bathroom makeover! Includes farmhouse window trim, planked popcorn ceilings, board and batten wall and lots of salvaged decorating! Click the link to visit all the tutorials!

Take the full farmhouse bathroom tour HERE

string wrapped trees on a crate in a Christmas bathroom window-001

View the bathroom window in this Christmas home tour HERE

How to plank over a popcorn ceiling! Click to read full tutorial.

How to plank a popcorn ceiling HERE

How to build a charming board and batten attic wall with hooks to hang up bathroom towels! Click to read full tutorial.

Create a board and batten attic wall HERE

Visit all primary bathroom posts HERE

Check out sign stencils suitable to add farmhouse charm HERE

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160 thoughts on “How to make easy farmhouse window trim with stock lumber!

  1. BRILLIANT- excellent way to make this effective window moulding without mitre cuts- stack the wood!!!
    Love it!
    The window just looks superb!
    Job well done, Donna!

  2. Thank you for this GREAT tutorial Donna. I’ve been wanting to do this but none of the blogs I saw gave so much detail and I just didn’t “get” exactly how to do it. Plus those darn miters. This will look awesome in my home. Wish I had more time!

  3. OMG the BEST tutorial!!!… I can do this too! This window looks A+ perfect Donna! Thanks for showing the world that they can do this too!
    Susan

  4. Nice job! I love it and what a thrilling feeling to do something you’ve never done before and have it be a) exactly what you wanted, and b) absolutely beautiful! You are amazing.

    • Hi Anne! Sign grade vinyl is the kind of vinyl you can purchase from any sign shop in your area. It’s also the same material you get with any craft type cutter that makes decals. Even white contact sticky paper shelf liner whatever it is would work. Nothing fancy!

  5. This is unbelievable…I think I could actually do this! It’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing, you’re so amazing!

    • Thanks Bliss! I have a thing… if I don’t do it myself, that means maybe someone else can’t either.

      So please… if I hear any of you saying you need to hollar for the husband, you may get a message from me! haha

  6. Wowee–I absolutely adore this! We are working on a total house renovation for a 1910 house and this would work. I just found your amazing blog and I am so happy you are out there.

    Thank you thank you thank you!!

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