skip to main content

large old wood window

14 years ago

First time poster here. I have a very large (5 ft x 8 ft) old multi-paned wood window from the 1940's. I would like to build a wall unit bookcase and use this window as a door to keep the dust out. Is this feasible or difficult since the window is so large. I have a high ceiling and may want to turn the window so it is 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide rather than the other orientation of 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide. How would you suggest I hinge the window to the wall unit. I think I might need to support the window when I open it (which won't be very frequently! ). Thanks for any help

Rachel

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Jon1270
14 years ago
This sounds like a bad idea. Windows typically get much of their strength from being shimmed and nailed into a wall; by themselves they don't have the structural integrity required of a door. If you try to support it from one edge (by hinges) it will probably be pulled apart by its own weight.
sombreuil_mongrel
14 years ago
What jon stated is quite right. It's much too lacking in structure on its own. You could however make a mortise and tenon-framed door and set the sash into it, but it would end up even bigger. Let's say, 9'1"x 5'10". Think of the hinges needed to support a monster like that!
Casey
Related Discussions
Replacing Old Windows w/Wood Windows
Q
Comments (1)
You can contact mfgr's that offer historic wood windows with the divided lites that you have. One that does a good job for me is TrimLine. A wood craftsman can convert those old sashes into thermally efficient ones. It will be costly though. Home Depot can't help you! Michael Here is a link that might be useful: historic windows
...See More
Storm Windows and Repair vs Replacing Old Wood Windows
Q
Comments (18)
The provia storms are very good. Price is fine, maybe a hair high if it does not include wrapping, but its a great price if it does. I agree overall with the advice provided so far on replacements vs storms, it really depends on the individual circumstances. It can be hard to justify spending that much without getting he other added benefits of replacements ( ease of cleaning, lower maintenance , potentially enhanced property value, better energy efficiency, etc), however if your existing windows can be reconditioned to the point of operating smoothly and looking good, adding the storm to that can definitely get you pretty close in those areas but with cost savings and maintaining the original integrity of the home. As wow alluded to, you could certainly take those dollars that you save and put them to air sealing , insulation , etc in other areas of he home and increase your energy savings exponentially.
...See More
Repair, Don't Replace, Old Wood Windows
Q
Comments (154)
Mary, Are you referring to window restoration or just sealing up some existing windows? The two are going to be very different type professionals. If it it just sealing up some exterior trim on windows, a decent painter can do that. If its window restoration, that is a different ball of wax. Window restoration is a very niché marketplace. The best thing to do is start with a Google area search near your home and especially in those areas that are more heavily concentrated in older homes. Next would be to ask around any of the historic districts that are in your area and see who they might have a list for. Hope this helps.
...See More
Repair, Don't Replace, Old Wood Windows - Part 2: How?
Q
Comments (25)
Not sure why my post did nto appear. These are my photos in previous post. They are Wenco windows, installed in 2001. Wenco was bought by Jeld Wen. Would like to repair instead of replacing the casement windows.Have had a few contractors that didn't seem interested and said to replace but one fellow said they could be repaired with Bondo. First, he would dig out the rotted wood, replace it with Bondo, sand and paint. He also suggested using PVC for the window sill which i initially opposed, but when shown the sample, thought it looked fine. Thoughts?
...See More
rafor
Original Author
14 years ago
Okay, thanks for your input. So, what if I can add some support on the bottom? Say some small wheels that sit on the floor and let it roll open. Despite the large size of the window, it did not flex at all when we moved it from one house to the other in the truck. I has a very sturdy frame.
karinl
14 years ago
Was the window originally built to open, and if so, how was it hinged? The proposed use may not be that different from the original. Perhaps you could check the frame integrity and reinforce any points you think will be stressed in novel ways.

Having said that, it may be tempting fate to let it hang all the time hanging from one side (even if you use long hinges that extend across the top and bottom - Lee Valley has some). It seems to me it should definitely be supported when closed. If you can support it when open, even just on a stack of books temporarily placed for the purpose, so much the better it would seem to me.

Another issue is whether the wall unit will be stable with the weight of the window on the front. I've had a narrow cabinet that was badly designed, unless loaded it fell forward when the plywood doors were open. It would strike me as prudent to fasten the bookcase securely to the wall.

Or, is it feasible to make the door sliding rather than hinging?

KarinL
rafor
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for your ideas Karin. I thought about the sliding track, but don't really want to see the track when the "door" is closed and the track would definitely need to be longer than the wall unit. I never saw the window when it was installed. I got it after it was removed. It was just a stationary window, not one that opened. I think I might investigate the wheel idea a little more. I also think I would have to support the opening side even when it is closed. I plan on attaching the wall unit to the wall because I know it could fall when the door was opened. I have 2 of these windows and am trying to maximize storage in my new little cottage. Thanks again!

Related Stories

LOFTS My Houzz: Ronnie Wood’s Old Art Studio Gets a Makeover

By Natalie Wain

Check out this contemporary update of a former factory flat that survived World War II bombs and use by a member of The Rolling Stones

WINDOWS Treatments for Large or Oddly Shaped Windows

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the sun filtering and privacy you need even with those awkward windows, using panels, shutters, shades and more

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: A New Home in an Old Backyard

By Mary Jo Bowling

With a large lot and an architect dad, building from the ground up was the perfect solution for this Los Angeles family

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Light Shines on a Centuries-Old London Home

Old meets new in this striking family home, where 19th-century features combine with dramatic windows and inspired details

RUSTIC STYLE Old Southern Highlands Style for a New North Carolina Retreat

Antique woods add a sense of history to a gracious part-time home in the Blue Ridge Mountains

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: From Old Stable to Minimalist Guesthouse in England

By Vanessa Brunner

Its interior bays once held racehorses, but now this all-white and wood home holds fascination as a modern part-time home

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Laboratory House Bridges Old, New

Step inside a 10-year home design experiment in steel, wood and wonder

LIVING ROOMS Lay Out Your Living Room: Floor Plan Ideas for Rooms Small to Large

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Take the guesswork — and backbreaking experimenting — out of furniture arranging with these living room layout concepts

DECORATING GUIDES Large-Scale Pieces Give Small Rooms Massive Style

By Lisa Frederick

Work bigger elements into a diminutive space and watch its design cred grow by leaps and bounds

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Wasted Space Put to Better Use in a Large Contemporary Bath

By Becky Harris

Bad remodels had managed to leave this couple cramped in an expansive bath. A redesign gave the room a luxe hotel feel

Sponsored

Jc's and Sons Affordable Home Improvements

Zanesville's Most Skilled & Knowledgeable Home Improvement Specialists

More Discussions

Looking for mortise lock installer in Los Angeles area

8

Handrail paint advice needed

5

how far should you set back bookcases from the mantel wall?

1

White Oak Stain Wash Difference

10

how to fix these bathroom cabinets paint?

3