Carved cashers. Platbands for plastic windows: finishing windows with plastic platbands. The nuances of the carved finish

18.11.2019

Finishing windows with platbands is an ancient practice. Woodcarving - at one time, was one of the most sought-after professions, and now it has moved into the category of applied art.

Our ancestors believed that evil spirits could enter the house through window and door openings. Therefore, the platband served not only as a decorative element, but also as a talisman, and each applied ornament and pattern on the carved platband carried a certain message. Moreover, each region had its own traditions.

The value of the carved elements on the platbands is interesting

Wings emphasize strength.
The bird is an element that unites all times.
The sun personifies life and energy (usually located on the kokoshnik).
The snake symbolizes wisdom and fertility.
The cross demonstrates the desire of the owners for harmony between the material and the spiritual.
Vegetation shows a sense of unity with nature.
Earrings testify to the hospitality of the owners of the house.

Wooden architraves are rarely found in cities with high-rise buildings. But in private construction they are again in demand today, making modern houses more stylish and unique. They emphasize the desire of many to revive traditions in decor.

Today, window casings perform a completely different function and are made not only from wood. Platbands made of metal, plastic (PVC), plywood, laminated MDF are common. As for the latter, MDF or plywood trims are not intended for external window framing, only for interior design door and window openings.

It should be noted that the correct name for the external decorative window framing is cashing. The platband is installed indoors.

Functional purpose of window frames

Advantages

decorating window openings. For example, a platband can visually stretch a low house, or expand a narrow one;

the opportunity to express your individuality or give the house the style of a certain era or region;

emphasize the style of the house and allow you to combine all the buildings on the site into a single architectural ensemble;

protection of the gaps between the window and the wall from dust and moisture;

reduction of heat loss at the junction of the window frame and the wall;

reducing the level of external noise;

are sometimes the only possible option design. For example, platbands on windows wooden house or a log house, can only be wooden. Otherwise, the whole color of such a structure will be lost.

disadvantages

A wooden, especially carved platband has a number of disadvantages, or rather features:

dependence on atmospheric influences. Frequent temperature changes, moisture, ultraviolet, all these factors cause damage to the casing;

dependence on quality processing. Right choice species, careful impregnation of wood, timely replacement of parts, and painting, all this can extend the life of the product. Otherwise, the wooden casing will soon become unusable;

the complexity of combining with modern plastic windows. Wooden platbands are not always suitable for plastic windows.

Quite often there are plastic windows framed with wooden trim, as shown in the photo above. A somewhat unfortunate, controversial decision. In such cases, it is necessary to either install wooden double-glazed windows (or windows laminated to look like wood), or paint the casing white.

A more harmonious finish is in the photo below.

Types and types of platbands on windows

The manufacture of platbands for windows depends on the type and method of installing the platband.

Allocate simple platbands for windows - flat and standard. More beautiful, are made on special equipment. The most beautiful window trims are, of course, carved ones.

The method of manufacturing and the cost of the platband is affected by the method of their installation:

telescopic. Will change to a greater extent in the frame doorways. Special L-shaped protrusions of such a casing go into the grooves of the box. Such a connection is more complex, but beautiful;

overhead. They are attached to the window frame with nails or special glue.

It is worth noting that the platbands are of a wide variety and are often complemented by shutters.

How to make platbands on windows - the choice of material

1. Type of wood

For the manufacture of the casing, it is better to use such wood as beech, oak, birch, linden, alder, pine, walnut or even fruit trees.

The choice of breed will be influenced by the proposed method of manufacturing the casing.

Hardwood architraves (beech, oak, ash) are very reliable, but this material is very hard. To cut a pattern on them, you need to make a lot of effort and spend a lot of time.

Platbands from soft-leaved species (linden, alder, aspen). soft material wood, it is a pleasure to work with him. But they, with improper processing, absorb moisture and quickly become unusable.

The best option- hardwood (birch) or conifers(pine). Hard enough to be used outdoors, they allow accurate cuts.

Cherry or apple tree is used to make small decorations that are superimposed on the main pattern.

2. Patterns for platbands on windows - drawings and templates

If decorative carving is supposed, you need to decide on the pattern. Depending on skills, you can choose a light or very complex ornament for platbands. Below are some drawings carved architraves on the windows. Patterns can be copied in whole or in part, bringing something from yourself into the pattern.

Sketches with interesting ornaments and patterns are placed on a separate page, by going to which you can
.
It also describes how to make stencils for making templates with your own hands.

It is desirable that all windows are decorated with the same platbands with the same thread. Therefore, when choosing a pattern, keep in mind that it will need to be repeated several times. It shouldn't be too fancy. Especially if you are a beginner. It is better if your pattern contains round holes(they are easy to drill) and large elements. It is worth noting that small elements are not only difficult to manufacture, but also become unusable faster than others. Therefore, they will require periodic replacement.

Another important point- this is the obligatory presence of a slope at the top of the casing. Otherwise, snow will accumulate on the surface of the tree, which will inevitably lead to its destruction. A slope of several degrees is easy to perform, it will divert water down.

3. Tool

hacksaw;
knives;
chisels of several types (clukarzy, corners, flat, curved, semicircular, caesars);
sanding paper;
jigsaw;
drill;
milling machine (if available)

4. Patterns for platbands - stencils and sketches

To make the pattern the same on all windows, it is recommended to make a sketch or stencil.

You need to place the drawing on the workpiece correctly. Elements should be located along the grain of the wood. This will prevent thread cracking.

Sections of the pattern where you need to make cuts can be marked with color.

5. Making carved platbands for windows

There are two ways to do wood carving:

cut wood carving. The pattern cuts through the entire casing and, like lace, beautifully and elegantly frames the window opening.

overhead wood carving. This method is much simpler in that a thinner workpiece is used for work, which is easier to work with. With the overhead method, individual thread elements are created, which are then folded together on a solid board. Thus, it is possible to ennoble simple platbands on the windows.

The beauty of openwork window trim lies in the use of contrast. A lighter carved element on a dark background is more common.

Do-it-yourself wooden platbands for windows - instructions

measurements are taken from the window;

All work is done on dry lumber. The height and width of the board depends on your preferences, but the thickness should be at least 30 mm for a slotted thread and at least 10 mm for an invoice;

blanks are cut out;

from the inside of the clypeus, to a depth of 1-2 mm. wood is selected. Leave edges on the edges. This approach will provide a tighter fit of the casing to the frame;

the pattern applied according to the template is cut out. At the same time, holes can be drilled with drills of different diameters, and cuts can be made with a jigsaw. The insertion point of the jigsaw is indicated by a drilled hole. So the cut will be more beautiful;

slots and holes are processed with sanding paper. If there are non-through holes in the pattern, then wood dust must be removed from them. This is done using a vacuum cleaner.

6. Fastening carved elements

Details made with overhead carving are attached to the wide base of the casing on nails. It is desirable that the nails were without hats. A more reliable connection can be achieved by applying glue to the pattern from the wrong side. Masters advise not to use self-tapping screws for the connection, so as not to damage the junction.

7. Installation of trim on windows

It is not enough to create a beautiful product. You also need to know how to install platbands on windows correctly.

Proper installation of platbands on windows is the key to their long-term operation and aesthetic appearance. For fastening, you can use the following methods:

deaf thorn. Such spikes are installed in the casing, and holes are drilled in the frame for them. A little glue is applied to the spike and inserted into the groove. This mount is the most difficult, but it protects the installation site from moisture and does not spoil the appearance of the product;

through spike. More simple and less reliable way. This system of spikes provides fastening. But, the spike must be installed where it will be least noticeable and additionally protected from moisture.

The listed methods are used if platbands are installed on wooden windows.

In the event that the installation of platbands on plastic windows is required, special glue (liquid nails) is used. This method will not violate the integrity of the frame.

In order for the carved platband to please you for as long as possible, you need to take care of its processing. To do this, the wood is primed, varnished or painted.

Outcome

The desire to follow the traditions of the ancestors is commendable. The revival of carved art is most welcome in the conditions of modern urbanization. The special flavor of Russian carving will not lose its relevance. With some effort, you can make carved wooden platbands with your own hands. Yes, the work is difficult and painstaking, but it's worth it. Plus, you can save a decent amount, because. if you order the manufacture of a set of carved architraves for one window in the workshop, it will cost 5-15 thousand rubles.

Carved wooden architraves on windows - photo with examples

Carved wooden architraves on windows - 2 windows

Carved window frames is simple and inexpensive option decorating your home and giving it personality since the old Russia. Several decades ago, every region of our country knew masters with individual style decorative execution of elements of platbands.

In this way, you could express your character. For example, in ancient times, a stranger could determine by the architraves whose house it was - an official, a craftsman, or just a hot spot.

These days they are only decorative. Today, even built according to standard project the building can be distinguished and made unique. I am glad that interest in the origins and carved architraves is being revived.

Everyone can make their home individual, and besides, remember the origins of this art direction, which originated in the days of the ancient Celts.

You can design and come up with a composition for framing yourself, and then proceed to implement the idea, armed with the right tools and patience. Platbands have received a second life in our time, and are becoming an increasingly popular decor.

A bit of history

The word "platband" indicates its location, that is, on the face. Among different peoples platbands were practiced during the time of wooden architecture. They appeared at the same time as windows that were glazed with fish bladder or mica. Initially, platbands were created to cover the insulation and to isolate from wind and precipitation.

Patterned elements were originally seen among the ancient Celts, but their significance came to them in the era of the revival of Russia after the Mongol yoke. Masters in Russia were the best in woodcarving.

When the time of Bolshevism came, the carved platbands were recognized as philistinism and declared war on them. The destruction has begun. Today, carved elements have received a second life.

It is interesting that in the old days they believed that platbands could protect from the evil eye and served as a talisman, so often in the patterns one could see various figures and plants that make sense.

The value of the platband in the building

Platbands, in fact, are elements of decoration and the correct name is cashing, which has many functions:

Design

There are several types of carved platbands.

Overhead

Materials and form

For the manufacture of platbands, you can use natural or artificial materials. Previously, elements were carved from wood, which has resistant qualities to atmospheric factors.

Important! Platbands should be regularly treated with waterproof paint or varnish to prolong their life.

Other materials used include:

— laminated MDF, thanks to which you can accurately repeat the color of any type of wood. But, such a thread is only suitable for internal use;
- ideally combined with plastic windows. It does not rot, with a rich color palette, resistant to light;
— polyurethane- light and unpretentious. Recommended for rounded windows;
— metal- mainly used to protect the assembly seam.

Wood before falling into the hands of the master must lie down for at least 3 years to a dry state. The board, if possible, should not contain knots, chips, resin pockets. It is almost impossible to buy wood of this quality on the market. It is better to contact hardware stores or sawmills. It is also interesting that today you can buy ready-made platbands.

For self-manufacturing perfect for chamber drying, after processing in a special chamber. It definitely won't warp or crack. Its humidity is only 10-12%.

Thread types

Let's talk about three ways of framing:

Do-it-yourself platbands

Drawing templates

To create beauty for windows, you first need templates for a pattern that is transferred to a wooden surface.

The template is created based on the selection of a pattern that can be found in in large numbers on the Internet or just in the photo.

To enlarge a drawing, there are several options:

When the drawing is enlarged, it is transferred to cardboard to be cut out and used as a template. For each pattern, there is a pattern. Then ready template applied to the board, outlined in pencil. If the windows are of different sizes, then it is better to make a drawing with a repeating pattern. To do this, one or two elements are selected in turn.

The upper part of the casing is called the kokoshnik, and the lower part is called the towel. It should be taken into account that fine threads are complex and quickly become unusable, which will require replacement of parts in the future. When working with drawings, you can come across the concepts of a lower bar, it is also a window sill, a vertical rail, an upper bar, hangers, flowerpots, a diadem, an ear, a panel, a valance, croutons, a sandrik, an ochelie, etc.

Important! It is necessary to take into account the slope at the top of the carved casing in order to prevent the accumulation of snow and water during operation.

Design

At the heart of any process is a developed project. To do this, you need to make a drawing of the facade of the building with a detailed drawing of the elements. This will help you understand how the exterior of the building will look. If you have a visualization program, you can complete the project in volume.

If we turn to traditions, then in ancient times the elements on the platbands carried the following meanings:

The sun is carved on the kokoshnik and is a symbol of life and energy.
The snake - reminds of wisdom and fertility.
The cross is a symbol of harmony between two worlds - material and spiritual.
Plants are the embodiment of unity with nature.
Earrings - means hospitality.
The bird on the window is the connecting symbol of all times.

Work

The workflow begins with the preparation of materials and tools. It is better to use pine boards without knots.

From the materials you need:

jigsaw with a smooth descent and files;
feather drill with a diameter of 12 mm;
chisels;
sandpaper;
Sander.

Measures are taken from the window, stencils are outlined. When the stencils are circled, cutting begins. First of all, work is carried out with internal openwork parts. To do this, you need to drill holes along the contour of the pattern.

Important! The drill should be perpendicular to the board.

Then the jigsaw comes into play. You need to start work with holes and then go along the contour of the picture. When the patterns inside are done, you can proceed to the outside. The tool must work from one end of the casing to the other. To facilitate the work, you can make incisions.

The result is a finished part on one side. For the other side, you need a mirror image of the pattern.

Be sure to use a grinder or paper to give an aesthetic appearance. An emery wheel with a grit of 80 is used. The most fast option- a grinder, it will be slower to do this with a drill with an emery wheel and for a very long time - with sandpaper.

After the work done, the casing can be primed to protect against bugs, fungi, rain, sun and painted.

Painting

It should be understood that wood is a very sensitive material and can rot or be damaged by insect attacks, so the part is often machined. The better the processing, the longer the decoration will last. Parts must be thoroughly dried. Then you can paint the surface. Water emulsion for wood is ideal. The color can be chosen at will, in this case white and cherry are more often used.

You can buy wood oils that soak into it. It is easy to update such a coating - brushed off the dust and painted on top. Among the minuses are the high price and a small selection of colors.

For painting, you need to prepare two brushes - a wide one for the outer surface and a narrow one for the side parts and hard-to-reach places.

Coloring is carried out in two stages. The second layer can be applied after the first has dried.

The final stage is varnishing, it is better to buy a water-based acrylic composition. The varnish is applied in one layer so that there are no smudges. Drying of platbands is carried out in the open air.

How to assemble

Before the installation itself, the parts are assembled on the window to make it more convenient to work in the future. Scaffolding is recommended to make the process safer and more convenient.

The classic option for installing platbands is to mount to a wall or slopes. Today, this is done using self-tapping screws 4.2-6x80x150. In the case when the wall is not wooden, then propylene dowels are used. As a rule, one attachment point per 5 square decimeters of the casing.

When attaching to slopes, a step of 150-300 mm is used. The figure varies depending on the mass of the casing, which depends primarily on the thread. Heads from fasteners are hidden in the upper level tie, or putty and painting are used.

With overhead threading, finished elements are attached to a wide casing with nails without hats. For strength, the joints are lubricated with glue. Self-tapping screws can damage the carved area.

telescopes

Modern buildings are already insulated and often sheathed with siding. Windows are usually placed flush with the main wall so that it does not sink into it. Fastenings are carried out on the frame without options. Of course, unless telescopic models are provided. However, they can only be held in reinforced frames used in places with a harsh climate. The frame material itself is more durable or modified wood.

Telescopic elements are installed on undercut additional elements related to the rigidity of the frame. Fastening is provided by groove dobors. Such telescopes are not intended for installation outside, even a gust of wind can break not only the casing, but the entire frame.

On the wooden frame or PVC with a keyway, the telescopes can be installed without removing the key. If the base surface of the window is not available, then you will have to pull out the entire window.

The nuances of the carved finish

compatibility with the house - often when combined with plastic frames, difficulties arise. It is better if the plastic in this case imitates a wooden structure;
your experience, if the platbands are made for the first time, then you need to choose an easier pattern;
each region of the country had its own traditions and design

Reading time ≈ 4 minutes

Making the facade of the house is an important step. Since ancient times, people have tried to make the face of the house unique, covering the space near the door and windows with intricate carvings. Our ancestors gave each turn made sacred meaning and hoped that these golden laces would protect the dwelling from the penetration of dark forces. The fashion for antiquity leads to the fact that today ancient traditions have become again in demand. In this article, we will talk about how do-it-yourself window trims are made.

Project

Any business should start with a project. First, the front part of the building is drawn, taking into account all the details that are actually available. Then you need to make a drawing of carved platbands on the windows. You can also use the drawings and diagrams presented on the site.

Using a visualization program, if any, you can make a 3D project at home. He will show everything in a complex, will allow you to evaluate how appropriate your favorite wooden platbands are for windows.

When the design documentation is ready, they prepare a set of tools that will be useful for the upcoming work.

screwdriver;
feather drill for wood (12 mm);
a jigsaw, preferably with a soft start, without it it will be difficult to cut complex elements;
Sander.

You should take care of the material for future platbands. Traditionally, high quality pine boards are taken, on which there are a minimum number of knots. If the knots are on the surface of the boards, then it is necessary to carry out cuts in such a way as to prevent the knot from falling into place.

Sawing platbands

The manufacture of platbands for windows begins with cuts that need to be made from the inside. First, holes are drilled along the contour of the pattern, where it is supposed to make openwork patterns in the future. The video shows that when working, the drill must be held perpendicular to the surface of the board.

When the through patterns are ready, cut out the outer contour.

The tool must be led from one end to the other, the direction does not matter. Pre-cuts are made in the middle part.

The result is a finished piece for window decoration. Next, they make a similar one in mirror image to use it on the opposite side.

Surface grinding

To give the wood an optimal appearance, it is processed with a grinder, the emery wheel of which should have a grit of 80. The result is a smooth surface, ready for painting.

Priming and painting

Before painting, the wood is treated with an antiseptic that will protect it from decay and bark beetles. This composition must be applied to the entire surface, without missing even hard-to-reach places. Scrupulousness in work will allow platbands to last for many years.

When the composition is applied, it is necessary to dry the blanks thoroughly, and only then begin painting the parts. The best option is a water-based paint designed for woodworking. Platbands for windows wooden house are painted in the color that is declared in the project. For this project we use paints of two colors: white and cherry.

Work is carried out using 2 brushes: wide (50 mm) and narrow (20 mm). The first is for painting external surfaces, the second is for internal ones.

It is necessary to carefully paint over the details, leaving no uncovered places. After the first layer dries, apply the second.

One layer is enough. At work, they are careful. Smudges can completely spoil the overall picture. Products should dry under normal conditions - in the open air.

Assembly

It is better to assemble blanks into a single composition on a horizontal surface. This is much more convenient than directly on the window.

The use of carved platbands in exterior finish at home can transform any structure, even the most primitive in architecture. The very word "platbands" is based on the meaning "on the face". It is not surprising that with such decorations the house acquires recognition, unusualness, originality and completeness of the image.

Peculiarities

The platbands themselves have several functions. Decorative is just one of them. With the help of such elements, you can visually make a narrow house wider, and “increase in height” a low structure.

Thanks to such decorations, the gaps between the window frame and the wall are masked, which in turn leads to a decrease in the noise level from the street. In addition, dust and water do not penetrate into the cracks, and cold does not enter the house itself.

Using carved platbands, you can make the building nationally colorful and decorate it antique. It is important that the application of these elements is appropriate. Wooden architraves on a plastic window will look as strange as metal ones on a log house.

Kinds

Carved platbands for windows can be made of plastic, MDF, fiberboard, metal and wood.

The most familiar and common option are wooden. They look great, often striking with rich carvings, and can be restored. Maple, alder or birch, as well as pine are often chosen as the basis for creating figured elements. Such a tree cannot be called particularly resistant and durable, but it is easy to cut and inexpensive.

For the manufacture of small items, apple or cherry trees are often chosen.

Products made of beech, oak, larch or ash resist well the effects of precipitation and temperature changes, but these species are much more difficult to process.

There are several types of wooden platbands:

Flat. There is no "decorative overtones" in them. Such models are used for only one purpose - closing the gaps at home in the most economical way.
Shaped. Models have a convex surface. They may have protrusions and depressions in the form of cutout patterns. In such "frames" the windows look very elegant. Window shutters are often especially expressive.
Curly. Such products are distinguished by their special individuality, originality of shapes and slotted elements. They can be fully called decorative elements of the house. To make these products, you need a vertical milling machine.

The problem with wooden architraves is that over the years the material can darken, crack or rot. To prevent this, periodically it is necessary to treat them with a protective varnish.

Metal platbands look no worse than wooden ones and organically fit into the appearance of the facade decorated with siding. The material allows you to decorate the product with complex patterns and combined colors. Such platbands are durable and mounted without much difficulty. But we should not forget that the metal is susceptible to corrosion, so you need to take measures so that traces of rust do not appear on the frame around the windows.

Window pvc is better all will be decorated with plastic platbands. Unlike wood, these can be made in any shape and color. They will not crack over the years, they will not rot, they will not be eaten by insects. The products are easy to install. They last a long time and do not require special care.

The only problem is that these products cannot be made on their own, and manufacturers do not offer options with a truly thin embossed thread.

The fibreboard allows you to make any drawings on it and is easy to process. That is why it is often used to decorate windows. So that such products do not absorb water over time and do not deteriorate, they must be laminated before use.

A material similar in structure is MDF - a finely dispersed fraction of a tree. In fact, this is an improved version of the DVP. This material can also be used for the manufacture of platbands; it can be processed no worse than fibreboard.

The carving itself also varies by type.

slotted. It is created over the entire area of the casing and resembles airy lace.
Invoice. In this case, openwork elements are superimposed on a solid base, to which they are glued or nailed. With this approach, thinner, lighter and clearer ornaments are obtained than when using blind threads (not through).

Platbands also differ in the type of installation.

Overhead they are simply attached to the wall near the window and nailed without hats, or they sit on glue.
Telescopic SG-shaped protrusions are inserted into the gaps between the window frame and the wall. Installing them is not as easy as overhead, but they provide more reliable isolation of the joint from external influences.

How to make and install?

To make wooden platbands with your own hands, you will need the following tools.

drill and drills for it;
electric jigsaw with a set of files;
chisels;
sandpaper;
petal disk on a sandpaper drill;
grinder;
milling cutter

First you need to decide on the lace, which will be present on the platbands. People with talent and proper training can make the desired image on their own. Also on the Internet you can find a huge number of a wide variety of drawings.

The selected option must be transferred according to the template on the board. Sometimes the template has to be enlarged. The simplest thing is to make a printout of the desired size, transfer the diagram to cardboard and cut it out.

The thickness of the board with a slotted thread should be at least 3 centimeters. If the carving is overhead, you can use wood 1 centimeter thick to create an openwork.

Starting the process of creating slotted platbands, many people think about whether it is possible to create a pattern on several of them at the same time, stacking future products in a pile. After all, the drawing is the same.

A professional with the appropriate equipment can allow this solution to the problem. As for home craftsmen, they often have jigsaws of insufficient power. As a result, the process of processing several boards at the same time is very slow.

When the lines are straight, the file runs at an acceptable speed; in rounded areas, the process is too long. As a result of the "wholesale" approach, the gain in time is not as significant as we would like.

It should also be borne in mind that even high-quality saw blades deviate when processing wood of too large thickness. Therefore, sloppy cuts can turn out on the lower boards. Therefore, getting down to business, you need to think carefully about all the nuances of the process.

It is important to correctly position the pattern on the wooden blank. So that the platbands do not crack, the elements must “go” along the wood fiber.

First you need to cut the extra tree in certain places. Files are selected in such a way that the required hole in diameter is slightly larger than the width of the tool.

A file is installed in the slots obtained at the first stage, and all unnecessary is removed according to the intended pattern. It is necessary to act precisely, but given that they will look at the window frame from afar, small errors should not puzzle the master too much.

If the product has a figured edge, it is also created using a jigsaw. When cutting too complex shapes, some places may turn out to be not very elegant. The situation will be corrected by further processing with a chisel. The finished look is given to products at such mandatory manufacturing stages as grinding, priming and painting.

The fastest way to grind is with a grinder. With an emery wheel on a drill, the procedure is already slower. Hand sanding is very time consuming. If you bring the appearance of flat surfaces to completion with a grinder, and go through small details manually with sandpaper, you can get the desired result without delaying the process of creating platbands.

A primer is needed so that the beauty of wood created by oneself is not subjected to dampness, exposure to the sun, fungus and wood-boring beetles. Any impregnation for external use is suitable. It is most convenient to lower the future casing for a few minutes into a container with an appropriate solution. Another option is to go over all the curls and slits with a brush.

Can be used for coloring different formulations. It is convenient to use wood oil soaking into it. Such a coating will need to be updated only after a few years. Before re-treatment, you will need to clean the surface and remove dust from it. When choosing this method of protecting the product, you need to take into account that the oil is expensive, and the choice of colors is limited.

If you use opaque paints, you will need to repaint the platbands once a year. To keep the products neat, old paint before applying a new one, it is necessary to remove, re-prime and only then apply a fresh layer.

Final stage works - installation of platbands. They can be mounted on a wall or lining board, and only then - on the facade around the window.

If you want to decorate your house with wooden architraves, you can purchase selected material that has undergone chamber drying. In such a chamber, moisture is removed from the wood in an accelerated mode, bringing its level to a maximum of 12 percent. Cracked and warped boards during drying are rejected, and only a high-quality product reaches the consumer. Therefore, buying it, you can not worry about the fate of future products.
It is better to look for boards that have undergone special processing in hardware stores or at sawmills. In no case should specimens have large knots, resin residues or other traces of a negative property that may make themselves felt when creating a pattern. It is best to order boards, the width of which is 10-15 centimeters, and the thickness is 3-4.
Before starting the actual creation of platbands, it makes sense to hone the skill of the carver and the skill of creating a specific pattern on cheap boards.

If you want to create not only beautiful, but also meaningful products, it is better to take into account the significance of some elements of the architraves design that have been featured on the facades of houses in the Russian style since ancient times - decorations on houses carried not only a decorative function, but also the function of a talisman.

When creating architraves, the owner of the house got the opportunity to express himself, conveying certain information to others. For example, the sun in the center of the upper part of the casing means energy and life. snake like decorative element represents fertility and wisdom. The cross, inscribed in the carved decor of the window frame, symbolizes the harmony of spiritual and material aspirations.

The tradition of decorating windows with carved platbands has come from ancient times. It was believed that window decoration with fancy patterns not only protects the room from drafts and cold, but also serves as a kind of protective amulet from evil spirits or the evil eye.

A selection of templates for carved window frames

How to make a stencil for a platband

A stencil is a device for applying the same patterns and symbols to the desired surface. Before starting work on the manufacture of platbands, you will need to get stencils and templates. Finding a sketch for a carved platband is not difficult - they can be downloaded for free and in a wide variety on the Internet, purchased in specialized stores or found in magazines.

AT ready-made stencils and templates can be made on paper, cardboard or wood fiber. They only need to be attached to the surface of the future casing and circled. There are several ways to make a stencil yourself:

Stencils and templates are the main assistants in creating carved platbands. In the drawing, you need to take into account which pattern will be chosen for the various components of the casing.

Carved platbands include the following main details:

top trim;
vertical slats of the casing or frame;
bottom bar or profiled window sill.

These are just the main elements, carved platbands can include many more decorative details: a diadem, coat hangers, flowerpots, and so on.

Transferring the contour of the drawing to the workpiece

After the sketch is created, you need to make a stencil directly, onto which all the elements of the pattern for carved platbands are transferred. You can transfer a contour to a workpiece in the following ways:

Cutting a platband according to a template

The most common way is when the pattern is cut out of thick paper or cardboard. The resulting templates are applied to the board and traced along the contour with a pen, felt-tip pen or pencil.
The stencil can not be cut out, but transferred to future platbands through carbon paper.
You can push the outline of the sketch through the paper onto the tree with a pen (leaving an inconspicuous trace). You can make the outline clearer without carbon paper by applying a layer of graphite on the back of the sheet with a soft, simple pencil.

You need to place stencils on the workpiece along the fibers of the tree: in the future, the thread of such a casing will not crack. For convenience, the places where the cuts will be made can be made colored.