WINDOW TRIM

Installing wood trim around windows can be expensive and time-consuming. Drywall returns fix that. Most windows are installed using wood jamb extensions to finish the rough openings; these pieces extend the window jambs to the interior wall. Window trim then covers the jamb extensions, providing the finished and trimmed look we all know.

- JOE CRUZ

In the Getaway, we used drywall in place of jamb extensions and wood trim. With this drywall return method, our windows have a modern, trimless look. It required a bit more drywall work, but we saved time and money by eliminating wood trim and its finish carpentry.

1 PREP THE ROUGH OPENING

Not all windows are perfectly centered in their rough openings. To center a window, you may have to shim the sides, top or bottom of the opening. You want an even reveal around the inside perimeter of the opening between the window and the drywall return. You can buy shims or make your own by ripping different thicknesses of wood. Attach the shims to the rough opening with staples or finish nails. Before finishing, always insulate around the window with spray foam or fiberglass insulation.

2 MEASURE & SCORE

Measure the depth of the window return from the inside face of the window to the wall’s outer surface. Subtract 1/4 in. Then, measure the height of the side returns from the top to the bottom of the rough opening. Next, measure the length of the top return from left to right and subtract the thickness of both pieces of drywall. Transfer all these measurements to the drywall sheet. Score the drywall along your line using a utility knife and straightedge. You need to cut through only the paper on the first pass.

3 CUT THE TOP RETURN