Things You'll Need:
- 2x4s
- 3/4 plywood
- paint
- custom made cushions
- tools to do carpentry work
-
Step 1
The first step to build a bay window seat is to make sure that the existing bay windows are high enough off the floor to accommodate a bay window seat. I recommend at least 18" from floor to bottom of casing to allow for ease of sitting down.
-
Step 2
Once you have decided that the windows are high enough off the floor the next step would be to purchase the materials needed to frame the seat. For a bay window that is 8' or less in length the following list of material should be close. 1 piece of 3/4 ac grade plywood (paintable/stainable)8 2x4s 8' 5lb 16d framing nails and 1lb of 8d finish nails. 1 piece of paper 2' wide and 10' long builders felt works great. Please study the attached drawing before continuing
-
Step 3
You will need to build one wall across the front of the bay window that is recessed at least 1 1/2 inches from the inner wall towards the outer wall of the bay window. You will also need to make sure that the height of the wall and 2x4 is at least 3/4" less than the desired height minus the thickness of cushions. The studs should be 16" on center and nailed with 2 nails at the top and bottom of each stud. The wall should look similar to the image in the previous step. The angles at the ends of the wall should be close to 45 degrees. Make sure the bottom and top 2x4 plates are straight before nailing to floor.
-
Step 4
Next you will need to nail a 2x4 around the perimeter of the bay window to the walls. You will need to make sure that all the nails are going into the studs of the existing wall. Make sure the 2x4s that are nailed to the perimeter walls is level with the front wall.
-
Step 5
Now you are ready to attach the 3/4" plywood to the front wall and to the top. This will need to be attached with the 8d finish nails. You should cut the piece that will be on the front of the wall first. Try to cut the plywood so it is about 1/8" shorter than what it measures to allow it to be installed easily. You also need to make sure the finished side is facing out and that the factory edge of the plywood is at the top of the wall as this will allow the top piece of plywood to fit the front piece nice and straight. Next you will need the piece of paper to make a pattern of the bay window so you can cut the top piece to fit snug. Let the paper hang out 3/4" past the front piece of plywood on both ends and slowly fold it toward the outer wall of the bay window. A couple pair of extra hands would be very helpful here to hold the paper in place as you bend the paper to fit the walls. As the paper fits the walls try to crease it so you can cut it with utility knife. Continue process until the paper is a perfect pattern of the seat top and then use the pattern to cut the plywood.
-
Step 6
You should be able to caulk any cracks that are around the seat before painting. Hopefully you have just about finished your bay window seat. Save your pattern so you can get some cushions made to fit tight as well.
