Forgive me if this wouldn't apply in your situation (I'm a bit fuzzy-headed with a cold!). We replaced two double hung Andersen windows (that we had put in a few years prior to the reno!) that extended below counter height. We replaced those with a 3-window Andersen Bow window. We stayed within the width of the original opening, had some lee-way with regards to height placement (we opted against counter height--the space between the faucet and window would be filled with water puddles on a regular basis in our home). Our windows are vinyl clad (Terratone) on the outside, pine on the inside (oak interior might have been an option?). We had the pine stained to match our cherry cabs (which abut the window), and had our cab manuf supply stained/finished cherry molding to match the cabs as well. In addition, we "upgraded" to the Tru-scene insect screens partially because the frames (for casement type windows) are are clad in wood on the inside, rather than metal, and therefore blend in with the window frames when stained to match. "Old" windows/old kitchen: New windows/new kitchen: HTH!

We figured out how to frame it. Buehl's post about how to add up the heights made perfect sense. From the sub-floor, we added the new wood floors that are going to be installed (3/4") plus the cabinet height - 34-1/2" plus 1.2 inches for the counter (3cm). That put us to about 36.25-36.5". We tested the height with one of the built cabinets, a piece of granite and a 3/4" board. We made sure the "Counter" piece was level off the cabinet and it joined up to the window frame perfectly. Instead of putting a full 2x6 board under the window, we ripped it down to 2x2 or so (a little less than the width of the frame) and set the window on the 2x2 (it was like 2x1.75"). That way, the window was up at the proper height, but without a board (2x6) blocking the counter from being slid in to the window opening. Hope this helps anyone who might be having the same questions...

puppeez, can you share a pic of how your counter height window turned out? You are spot on about measure measure measure for the right height, and to check the countertop thickness. I told my GC that I wanted a 1/4 inch "reveal" of the window trim showing at the counter, but they did the trim before the cabinets arrived. I should have re-checked, but figured he knew what he was doing. After the countertops were in, it is in actual reality a 1/2 inch of trim above the counter. I know that doesn't sound like much, but every time I look at it, it bothers me. Especially since: a. I really really wanted flush, but he convinced me of the risk of water from the counter getting into the window that way), and b. The reveal on the sides of the windows is 1/4 inch, so the bottom ends up looking "chunkier". --Lee

My reno starts in January, so I don't know how good my contractor is, but he says he's looking forward to doing my counter-height window. Not sure if he'd consider doing just a part of the job, though. Let me know if you'd like me to ask him. I'm in the near-west suburbs -- where are you?