How Do I Build a Wooden Storm Window?

I'd like to make my own storm window. Are there any plans out there? Advice on type of wood, etc?

 

Step 1: Measure the door opening..

Step 2: Go to your nearest home improvement center and buy a door that fits..

Step 3: Install same.

Not trying to be a smarta _ _... but, been there, done that.... If I have to ask those questions on a project - I usually end up with a project that cost more than I would have spent buying a ready made product.... and rarely, does it look as nice. Doors are really tough to keep square without specialized tools/techniques. Buying materials piecemeal end up costing a lot more than you can purchase a readi made for...

But, if you're determined... I wish you success.....

 

thezster, storm WINDOW not DOOR!!!! I don't know why metrognome wants wood storm windows but they are available from millworks or can be a do-it-yourself project if you are good at woodworking. The old windows were made of pine and harware is still available.

 

Ouch... my apologies... Coulda swore I read "door"... over and over... musta been way after 9.

Please ignore my "blind response".... and accept my apology..

 

The old-fashioned way to make wooden storms is to join the rails and stiles (and horizontal dividing mullion) with mortise and tenon joints. A rabbet for glass should be about 7/16 square, so that once the glass is set in place with glaziers points, the glazing putty will have about 3/8 of an inch to bond to.

All this could be done with a table saw, drill and chisel, but a router would improve the quality and appearance of the finished product. As an alternative, the rails and stiles could be joined with pocket screws, but being able to see the joinery (from the interior) may not be acceptable, depending on whether this is a restoration project or not. Even so, pocket hole plugs could help hide the pocket holes. Exterior grade wood glue should definately be used to help keep moisture out of every joint.

As far as what sort of wood to use, 5/4 southern pine would be ideal. If that isn't available, 5/4 white pine should be. I've run across old window sashes that were made from oak that are still as solid as the day they were made. Perhaps oak would be an option, but an expensive one at that... Any 5/4 lumber is expensive, mind you. 5/4 lumber works best, (pronounced "five-quarter") since that's normally what wooden storms used to be, and is also the size of the face trim on most old houses.

The customary way to hang wooden storms is from 2 hinge-like hooks along the top edge of the storm, and a hook and eyelet hold the bottom of the storm from swinging outward. Often, a hinged vent arm is installed on one or both sides to allow the storm to be vented.

 

XSleeper missed the 4 - 1" holes drilled 2" on center near the bottom to provide a lesser amount of ventilation without cracking the storm open. They can be closed a scrap piece of 5/4 pivoted at one end and a stop at the other.

Dick

 

True, but not all wooden storms have that option. In fact, in my part of the country, it seems that those ones with the holes, screen and flapper are pretty rare.