Old Russian elements that have come to our timeThe design of window openings from the outside still pleases the eye with its diversity. Casings are used not only to decorate facades, but also to hide the gaps between the opening and the window frame.
One of the best materials for manufacturingThe platbands are made of larch. Rus' has long been famous for its decorative elements in architecture, and platbands for windows were made by hand. To this day, in some remote areas, there are craftsmen who are able to create truly unique masterpieces that are not similar to each other.
Carved casings: nuances
In the old days there was a belief thatThe platbands serve not only as decoration, but also as protection for the owners and the house from various evil spirits and the evil eye. And in connection with this, magical figures and intricate patterns and ornaments were carved on them.
Examples of design of external window frameswith cut elements. Modern craftsmen who have adopted the experience try to follow the cutting technology of the old generation and use many techniques. Carved window casing can be made using modest forms, and a variety of luxurious carvings are also used. Before starting the carving, a stencil or template of the kokoshnik (upper part of the casing) or towel (lower part) is pre-selected. Only a master who has many years of experience in wood carving can work without stencil elements. For beginner carvers, templates can be purchased in specialized stores. Their price is low, since paper, cardboard or wood fiber material is used for their manufacture. Any drawings and patterns that the master or customer wishes can be applied to the stencils. Before starting work, it is advisable to first make a drawing, without which it will be difficult to make an element of decoration. It is necessary to make drawings of the following components:
- the bottom lath or a towel;
- vertical rails;
- the top bar of the kokoshnik.
Types of window trims.The set may include additional drawings, such as hangers, tiaras and many decorative elements. To make the platbands, you should also select the material. Wood is selected taking into account resistance to precipitation and temperature changes. Larch material is considered one of the best, as it has the ability to resist rotting. But its disadvantage is that it is very fragile, and it is problematic to make openwork elements. Oak is a hard wood, and therefore working with it is very labor-intensive, but if the platband elements are made of this material, then such window decoration will bring joy for decades. The most practical wood is linden. It is soft, does not require special processing, can absorb moisture and is an excellent material for openwork cutting of platbands. Return to contents</a>
The process of manufacturing carved elements
Sawing the corners of window frames. Before starting the process of making wooden frames, you need to stock up on everything that will be needed for the work:
- drawings and templates of wooden elements;
- Electric jigsaw with a set of nail files for wood and an electric drill;
- tools for drawing;
- machine for grinding;
- several kinds of nazhdachki of different granularity;
- chisels of different sizes;
- knife.
There are 3 cutting methods:
- slotted;
- overhead;
- by the outlined contour.
To create the most delicate and decorative elements, the cut-out method is used. Using this method, the pattern is punched through with holes and the finished element is mounted above the window.
Carved window frame.With overlay carving, combined elements are made. Individual parts are glued to a board, which is then mounted in place. The thickness of the boards for blanks is used depending on the selected pattern and ranges from 5 to 50 mm. When cutting, it is not recommended to use a very small ornament, since it will take too much time to make it, and it will not be visible from a distance. After preparing the tools and blanks, the main work on wood begins. First, the element is cut out along the main contour. The second stage of making carved window trims is the internal pattern, for which a hole is made at the initial point and the pattern is cut out using a saw. For cutting out smaller ornaments, it is recommended to use saws with fine teeth. When doing the work, you need to carefully turn the jigsaw, otherwise you can reject an almost finished trim, because even the smallest mistake can lead to irreparable consequences. If the saw is difficult to move or has stopped, an auxiliary hole is made on the opposite side using a drill. Modern jigsaw models have a function that allows you to change the cutting angle. If the craftsman is constantly engaged in cutting out casings, then such a device is worth purchasing, since using this function, you can make a more beautiful and original pattern. As soon as all the elements of the window casings are completely completed, they must be sanded, and then treated with antiseptic compounds and paints and varnishes. Wooden casings are attached with glue, and they can also be nailed or screwed with self-tapping screws. Return to the table of contents</a>
Basic requirements and rules
Window trim device with platbandsWhen installing and making the casing, it is important to remember that the window should open freely. The upper part is decorated with a kokoshnik, which can have various designs. If necessary, the upper part can be extended using spikes. The lower part, the towel, is also carved, but it is made with a drainage slope to drain rainwater. The lower strip should be about 1 cm thicker than the upper one. When carving the strips, it is important to ensure that the kokoshnik pattern harmoniously matches the towel pattern. After fixing all the elements, due to the unevenness of the walls, gaps may form between the casing and the wall, which can be completely closed by nailing a lath. The last step is to nail the casing to the window frame, but first adjust all its joints so that there is no skewing. When decorating the facade of the house, it is important to remember that all casings should be the same both in shape and in the ornaments and patterns made. Return to Contents</a>
Decor elements: recommendations
The casings are decorative elements.interior. In addition to carving, many craftsmen decorate them with painting. When painting elements, the pattern should harmoniously fit into the carved ornaments and expressively emphasize the window trim. Recently, burning wood products has become popular. In some places, scorched wood looks quite effective. A blowtorch is used for scorching. When decorating the facade of a house, it is necessary that new elements harmoniously combine with existing ones. For example, platbands can complement previously decorated shutters. Do not forget about processing with protective compounds, since untreated wood products are susceptible to rotting and fungal infections. And in order for wooden platbands to please for decades, they must be periodically updated.
