Close up a window

I have a kitchen window that I would like to completely close up. What would be the most inexpensive way of accomplishing this? This window is about 6' wide and 5' high.

 

Is this an exterior window or a window in a divided wall?

 

External Window.

 

One of the biggest considerations you will have to deal with is the siding on your house. Can you match it, or will you have to contrast the finish with something like cedar shakes, or another type of finish? You will have to disassemble the window by taking out the sashes, and figuring out how the window was originally installed. If you remove the interior case molding, you can insert a reciprocating saw in the gap between the house framing and the window framing and cut the nails off, and, after cutting the caulking from the outside of the frame, remove the window intact. Then go back and reframe the opening with 2x4 or 2x6, depending on what is already there, making sure you install vertical support every 16" on center. You can install sheetrock on the inside and whatever matching siding you have on the outside. Quite possibly there is a 1/2" of OSB or insulation board on the outside under your siding.

 

You CAN'T do it!! (Well, you can, but it's gonna get expensive!!)

EVERY room is required to have light and ventilation. That's what that window is providing for your kitchen. If you close it off, you'll have to go to an operable skylight. Look around your house -- I'll bet EVERY room has an exterior wall and a window in it.

 

As far as matching my exterior, I have a cinder block home. However, I had thought about just leaving the window up and covering from the inside. Hence, from the outside it looks like a window with shades drawn, and from the inside a normal wall.

What you think? Remembering that I am looking for the most inexpensive way to cover this window. The purpose is I am rearranging my kitchen to knock down a partition wall, opening up the kitchen. And in the process, I will be blocking this window with my fridge and pantry. So I thought that it would look better totally closed off. Am I right on this?

Thanks

 

I understand what you want to do. It's not the best way to do it, but you have your reasons. You may want to go ahead and install some sort of window covering, like blinds, calico curtains, etc. so the view from the outside won't be the back of sheetrock. Is the window frame metal? How much space do you have between the inside of the window frame and the edge of the finished wall?

 

My window frame is metal and there is about 4" from the inside of the window frame to edge of the wall.