Window boards, often overlooked, play a surprising role in the aesthetics and functionality of your home. They provide a neat finish to your windows, and are a vital finishing component. Follow this step by step guide to ensure you correctly measure your window boards..
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Window Board
Here’s how to get those perfect measurements:
1. Measure the Width
This is the most critical measurement for the length of your window board.
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Inside the Window Reveal (Opening Width):
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Measure the distance from one side of the window opening to the other. Do this in at least three places: front, middle, and back.
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Take the shortest of these measurements. This ensures your board will fit into the opening without being forced.
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Adding for Overhang (Optional, but Recommended):
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If you want your window board to extend beyond the window reveal on either side (which is common for a finished look), you'll need to add to your inside measurement.
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A typical overhang is 30mm to 50mm (or 1 to 2 inches) on each side. So, if you want a 40mm overhang on each side, add 80mm (40mm + 40mm) to your inside reveal width.
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Calculation: Total Width = Inside Reveal Width + (Desired Overhang x 2)
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Example: If your inside reveal is 1000mm and you want a 40mm overhang on each side, your total width will be 1000mm + (40mm x 2) = 1080mm.
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2. Measure the Depth (Projection from the Wall)
This measurement determines how far your window board will stick out from the wall into the room.
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From the Window Frame to the Wall:
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Measure from the front edge of the window frame to the surface of the plasterboard or finished wall.
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Do this in a few places across the width of the window.
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Take the largest of these measurements to ensure your board covers any inconsistencies in the wall.
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Adding for Overhang (Important for Depth!):
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You'll almost always want your window board to project slightly beyond the wall. This creates a neat "nose" and allows for a clean finish.
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A common projection is 20mm- this is our recommendation for our 20mm thick boards, but commonly can be up to 50mm (or 0.75 to 2 inches) beyond the wall.
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Calculation: Total Depth = Measurement from Window Frame to Wall + Desired Overhang Beyond Wall
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Example: If your measurement from the window frame to the wall is 150mm and you want a 30mm overhang beyond the wall, your total depth will be 150mm + 30mm = 180mm.
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