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LARRY

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Posts:123

03/07/2002 10:02 AM
What are some ways to finish the deep window ledges on an icf wall? I plan on returning drywall back to the window. I would like the bottom of the window ledge to be a little more durable than drywall. How does painted plywood or birch look? Are there other options? Thanks.....Larry

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Posts:2321

03/07/2002 10:35 AM
Larry, Have you thought of using Corian for your windows sills? You can run sheetrock returns to the windows or you can use birch, ash or other wood products as well. Do a matching window sill out of the same wood. Looks great!

ICF372

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Posts:219

03/07/2002 11:03 AM
Larry, drywall returns are great. If you used pressure treaded for bucking do not attach directly with drywall againist the bucking. This can cause cracks later on. Eldon Howe

Eldon Howe Howe Construction Total Concrete Homes provide positive cash flow , DAY ONE .

LARRY

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Posts:123

03/07/2002 11:26 AM
WHAT ABOUT USING DRYWALL FOR THE TOP AND SIDES AND BIRCH FOR THE BOTTOM? IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE MATERIALS OBVIOUS? THE BOTTOM OF THE SILL AS WELL AS THE TOP AND SIDES ARE SHIMMED AT ABOUT 16" O.C. TO KEEP THE WINDOW SQUARE. THE WINDOW HAS BUILT IN 1/2" DRYWALL RETURNS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT USING DRYWALL FOR THE BOTTOM BECAUSE THER IS NOT CONTINUOUS SUPPORT (JUST WHERE THE SHIMS ARE). THKS...LARRY

LARRY

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Posts:123

03/07/2002 11:29 AM
quote: Larry, Have you thought of using Corian for your windows sills? You can run sheetrock returns to the windows or you can use birch, ash or other wood products as well. Do a matching window sill out of the same wood. Looks great! I Do like corian. I've seen how expensive corian countertops are, it seems like it would cost a small fortune to wrap them in corian. I am thinking of possibly using marble though. thks.....Larry

enermizermuskoka User is Offline

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Posts:272

03/07/2002 2:56 PM
Larry if it is the "support" between the shims issue, may I suggest that you place the drywall in the window slots firmly and fill under with the Low expansion enerfoam and push down into place,after set up trim off any that oozed out. Birch or poplar look nice both painted or stained. Just a thought, hope it helps.Take-care,sincerely.C.Kerr

Chris DeLucchi User is Offline

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Posts:170

03/07/2002 7:34 PM
Have you considered a concrete window sill? Think concrete countertop here. There is an example of casting concrete window sills in-place in Fine Homebuilding's "More Small Houses" page 131. The example uses crown molding and some 2x4s to cast in-place after the drywall is up (stick frame construction). The downside of solid wood is fading and water staining is likely. I would be very concerned about plywood delaminating with prolonged sun exposure.

James Eggert User is Offline

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Posts:1001

03/08/2002 9:17 AM
Although the issue here appears to be durability, it really is what is the substrate? Ignoring the drywall returns for the moment decide on what you feel comfortable with under your selected finish product. The foam suggested by Chris will work and drywall will take sunstantial abuse under normal residential situations, but I think you are missing other opportunities here for making your own statement. Here are details I use, sometimes all on the same house. 1. Drywall returns total 2. Drywall returns adding casing for a more finished look. The sill in this case can be whatever. 3. Full wood returns, stained or painted. I generally use a picture frame look versus sill and apron. There are times for each to be used. 4. Ceramic tile. Great look providing another texture. These can be drywall returns for sides and top, and also be cased if a more formal look is desired. 5. Thin cut stone and slate. See #4. Considering you lean against your drywall walls spaced @16", I would not worry about a drywall sill thats maybe 7" deep, assuming you furr at the leading edge. If you really are worried about it, go with a birch 1/2 plywood and drywall combo, painted. I would avoid the luan plywood because you spend all your time sanding after the grain lifts. Don't limit yourself to what you can do to be different!! Take Care Jim Edited by - James Eggert on 03/08/2002 09:18:31

Take Care Jim Design/Build/Consulting "Not So Big" Design Proponent

markross

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Posts:1035

03/09/2002 10:29 PM
Chris D. Never thought of that, excellent Idea. Thanks. Mark Ross "Le Canuck"

LARRY

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Posts:123

03/11/2002 7:32 AM
WOW! THANKS FOR ALL THE IDEAS! .....LARRY

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