Framing Windows - No need to rush the view

Over the past 2 weekends we have accomplished much. We have:

• Framed the lakeside walls for the basement
• Installed the floor including the beam, joists and decking
• Installed the plumbing in the basement floor

But I haven't shared much about the framing work.

The basement is a walk-out basement, hence, concrete walls were not used on the lakeside of the cottage. I used pressure treated lumber for the framing of the basement walls that were not poured in concrete just to be sure that moisture did not affect the structure.

This picture illustrates the framing used:

• 2" x 6"Pressure treated stud walls
• Sill gasket between the concrete and the wood
• 5/8" Pressure treated plywood
  

Also illustrated is the framing for a window including:

• Laminated 3 by 2" x 10" header
• Trimmer studs supporting the header
• King studs beside each trimmer stud
• Jack studs (also called cripple studs) supporting the window sill
  

Anchor bolts are a key support feature. These are bolts embedded in the concrete which come through holes in the sole plate. These are secured using washers and nuts which really make the prefect bond with the foundation.

Here is a diagram of the elements of building a wall with a window in it.


Why not rush the view? Well the windows are not arriving for several weeks, and cutting out the plywood where the window goes just isn't needed right now. Besides there a number of benefits to leaving the plywood there:

• protects the basement from the weather
• putting on a whole 4' x 8' piece is just easier and it provides greater structural integrity
• and provides some security if you intend to cover all the openings while you are away.