Home Improvement Ideas Windows Window Repairs & How-To How to Install a Wood Window Follow our step-by-step instructions, plus tips and tricks, for successfully installing an unflanged wood window. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on May 30, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 3 hours Total Time: 8 hours Skill Level: Beginner Installing a window isn't difficult, just make sure you understand what type of window you're working with. These instructions are for a window with no nailing flange. Most unflanged windows are made of wood, and most have brick molding. When ordering a window be sure to specify a jamb of the correct width. If your walls have 2x4 studs and 1/2-inch exterior sheathing, the jambs should be 3 5/8 inches wide (the extra 1/8 inch allows for imperfections). For a wall with 2x6 studs, a jamb width of 5 5/8 inches is correct. Unpack the window and inspect it before installing. Make sure all the weatherstripping is in good shape and the mechanisms and sashes operate smoothly. Check with your building department to find which method of wrapping the opening is preferred; some departments have stringent requirements. Once the opening is framed, expect to spend about three hours sealing the opening and installing a window and its exterior trim. Also allow time for finishing the interior wall and installing interior trim. Everything You Need to Know About Window Materials What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Measuring tape Hammer Nail set Level Stapler Caulk gun Drill with screwdriver bit Flat pry bar Handsaw Reciprocating saw Tin snips Materials 10d nails or 2-inch deck or wood screws 8d casing nails 6d finishing nails Wood putty Shims Insulation Exterior caulk Roofing felt or building wrap Staples Instructions Cover Rough Opening Cut strips of roofing felt or building wrap and cover the bottom of the rough opening. Later you will install additional wrapping and/or flashing.Editor's tip: If you have a brick wall, hire a professional mason to cut the opening for you. The window attaches to the wood framing behind the brick veneer with metal masonry clips. You'll have to purchase the clips separately and attach them to your window jamb with deck screws. Temporarily Set Window Set the window temporarily in place, check for level, and shim the bottom as needed. If your window calls for installing a thick flashing with a piece of plywood at the bottom, install it first or raise the window by the same thickness. Tap in Shims Tap in shims at the sides, checking for plumb as you go. Don't wedge the shims too tightly, or the jambs will warp. Use the level as a straightedge to confirm that the jamb has not warped. Adjust Shims Make sure the window operates smoothly with the shims in place. Watch the alignment of the sash against the jambs as you move it. Adjust the shims as needed. Tack Nails or Screws Tack (partially drive) nails or screws near the shims to hold the window temporarily in place. Mark and Cut Siding On the outside, trace around the brick molding to mark the siding for cutting. Cut the siding. Install Flashing Pry back the siding and install the felt, building wrap, or self-adhesive flashing. Cut pieces of felt or self-adhesive flashing to fit along the sides. Slip them in behind the siding, fold them over the studs, and staple. Cut a piece 6 inches longer than the width of the opening and install it the same way. Cut slits at the corners.Newer building techniques have specific requirements for flashing a window. In general, the upper pieces should overlap the lower pieces so water can flow downward without seeping in. When installing a window in new construction (left), the building wrap overlaps the self-stick flashing. In a remodel situation (right), a simpler arrangement is often used. Self-stick flashing is installed to the bottom, then the sides, then the top. Finally, small pieces of flashing are applied over the V-shaped gaps at the corners. Cover Slits with Felt The slits cut on all four corners create V-shaped openings in the felt or flashing. Cover these with small pieces of felt or self-stick flashing. Install Drip Cap Flashing If your window calls for it, use tin snips to cut a piece of metal drip cap flashing and slip it under the felt at the header. Set Window in Place Set the window back in place, with the brick molding tight against the felt or flashing. Inside, the front of the jambs should be flush with the finished wall. (Where you have not yet installed new drywall, the jambs should be 1/2 inch proud of the framing.) Shim and Check for Level Again shim the bottom and sides, check for level and square, and check that the window operates smoothly. Following manufacturer's directions (you may need to remove pieces of trim first), partially drive 6d finishing nails through the jambs to attach the window. Drive Casing Nails Outside, drive galvanized casing nails to attach the brick molding. Caulk between the trim and the window and between the trim and the siding. Drive Finishing Nails Use a nail set to drive the finishing nails slightly below the surface of the wood. Where these nails are not covered with trim, apply wood putty to the resulting holes. Cut Shims Flush Use a handsaw to cut the shims flush with the studs, so you can install the drywall up against the jambs. Insulate Window Gently stuff fiberglass insulation into the gaps around the jambs or fill the gaps with non-expanding spray foam insulation. Expanding foam could warp the window frame.