Do you have a window sill that's too deep. Does it interfere with your kitchen faucet, stick out too far or need to be trimmed back? Me too.
Here's the simple, step by step DIY so you can cut your sill.
I've been away from the computer for much of it enjoying a bit of real life.
Summer is upon us, there was a lovely ocean vacation to celebrate that, family visits and while school wrapped up for much of the country weeks ago, it just finished today here.
This week was prom and today was actually graduation...exciting times for sure.
In the meantime, can you stand just one more post about my kitchen sink?
I promise, this is the last of it....I'm sure you're wondering, what more could she possibly have to share?
I already showed you my fabulous new faucet and the farmhouse skirt.
Then I chronicled the ups and downs and of my new, and eventually not so new, porcelain sink.
Soup to nuts, right?
Well...sort of. I did leave one little detail out.
The Backstory
If you remember the last chapter in our tale, we were running back and forth to Home Depot to return the sink that didn't fit.
On the way home, we were in the car laughing, punch drunk I think, giggling about all the mishaps. What else could go wrong, we pondered ~ certain the answer was nothing else.
Until.
My husband said, you know, the window sill behind the sink is very deep and I really hope that the new fixture has enough room to function.
At first we both laughed, haha ha. Of course it would.
Wouldn't it?
Uh oh, the last fixture turned on and off because the handle moved up and down.
This new charmer turned on and off with the same up and down, but that cute little water pump tipped back when on.
I never even thought about that. Not even a consideration.
And now that was all we could think about. We should've stopped laughing at this point, because we all know how it inevitably turned out, but we were so tired and over this project by then, we just laughter harder.
The giddiness came to an abrupt end at home, when we realized that no, there was not enough room to turn the pump on and off.
The window sill, which I had not wanted from the get go (too modern for this aging charmer), was clearly in the way.
Can you cut back the depth of a window sill?
When I said to my husband, well, no big deal, I guess you'll just have to cut the window sill, he looked at me like I was crazy.
Um, no...you can't just cut it. That's not a thing. It will never be straight. You need to rethink that fixture.
But you can do anything, I cooed.
Nice try, but not that. You have to replace the entire window frame and trim.
Other DIY Building Projects We've Done:We were so tired, the conversation ended there...but apparently neither one of us was content to let it go. I spent the evening Googling how to cut the depth of a window sill and all variations with no luck.
Technically the part of the window sill I wanted to cut back is called the window stool.
Either way, it apparently really wasn't a thing.
He didn't sleep either, he was trying to figure out a way to make it work, tossing and turning all night. Finally at 5:50 am we both rolled over and he said...ok, let's cut it.
So as the sun came up we cut the sill back.
My kids weren't very happy about that, as you can imagine. Not a lot of room to hide the noise in this tiny cottage, but too bad. We were on a roll.
How To Cut Window Sill Trim
Now, since I could not find this process anywhere on the internet about cutting window sill, I decided to share it with you, in case you have a window sill or window stool that sticks out too far from the wall.
- behind a sink
- behind a headboard
- behind a couch or a crib
- anywhere that is too deep for your faucet or furniture to fit properly and you need a flush window sill
Here Are Our Supplies:
Step 1: Measure and mark what you need to cut
We (my husband) started by measuring how much we wanted to cut the windowsill and then used a level to draw a straight pencil line to follow for a perfect cut.
Step 2: Cut The Sill
Next, he grabbed his saw and started cutting.
It quickly became very clear why he said this couldn't be done. Getting a straight line was almost impossible.
He had to go very slow.
My job was to follow along with the vacuum hose sucking up all the wood dust, as the debris threw him off the line.
Important stuff.
Change Saws If Necessary:
He switched back and forth between the larger saw and the hacksaw for better control. Like I said, tedious work, not easy and not quick.It took about 30 minutes to cut a 48 inch strip of wood, because he wanted to stay as close to that line as possible.
Step 3: File The Wood
When the wood was cut back, the sill was pretty uneven.
It looks decent from here, but it was not. It was gouged and pitted from the hand saws.
He could've used a hand file to smooth it, but the rasp plane tool worked best and gave him the most control.
Step 4: Sand The Window Sill
Lastly, he used a sanding block for a perfect - and I mean perfect - finish.
I knew he could do it and I was right.
This guy has mad skills.
Step 5: Prime and Paint
The last step in this arduous process was to finish the wood so it matched the existing window sill trim moulding.
So, he primed the exposed wood and then painted it.
With the sun barely up, I had a fabulous new window sill, much more in keeping with the style of my home and a fully functional new faucet.
Really.
That's the last of it.
I swear.
Well, I hope...😉
What's your never-ending project?
Happy Building!!
Mad mad skills!! Excellent job!
ReplyDeleteI suppose I shouldn't mention I recently learned a friend has 3 old cast iron sinks... Don't know what they look like yet. If one was good, we would meet you half way... Say maybe Fredericksburg VA.
I'm cruel. Lol!!
Thanks so much, Nancy! And I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm good now. I think I need a new project now!
DeleteNo doubt about it . . . miracle guy . . .
ReplyDeleteHappy it worked . . .
Looks wonderful . . .
Get a good nights sleep!
He is a miracle guy, Lynne, I agree! He can do anything....
DeleteOh my word, this sounds like so many projects we start. So glad you did cut it. It looks amazing and so does the new sink and faucet.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marty!! And all because of a leaky pipe. I'm glad this one's behind us.
DeleteLooks great! My whole house is a never ending project....ba dum bum!
ReplyDeleteHa!! You can say that again!!!
DeleteSmooth job! I would have expected no less though. Kim, I wanted a white porcelain sink something terrible. No use, ended up with a stainless one, on sale at Costco but much better than the previous one. But someday, if this sink wears out before I do, I want one.
ReplyDeleteOur never-ending project is replacing the kitchen floor--because we just haven't started it. Even though 7 boxes of flooring have been sitting under my dining table for over 6 months now. One of these days...
Oh Dewena, floors are a really big job. I can imagine that's a daunting one to start. Perhaps in the fall when it's cooler...I'll be on the lookout! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and so glad to see you pop up in the comments. You have been missed! 😊
DeleteIt looks great. Sometimes we have run into a problem like that. You think that remodeling is easy, but than the project takes a turn. You are right, never ending.
ReplyDeleteWe have a joke over here...every time my husband says, Oh this will be an easy one, we know we're in trouble!! 😉
DeleteIt looks great! That was a very clever fix! Happy Graduation!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susan!!
DeleteIt looks great! We are doing something similar. My hubby added board and batten to our dining room wall, and has been adding new trim to all our dining room and kitchen windows. He put subway tile up in the kitchen and just finished trimming out the window behind the sink. It really is never ending sometimes!
ReplyDeleteOh it sounds lovely, Mari!! Lots of work, though, cutting tile and all the angles for the trim. Patient and seemingly never-ending work for sure. I hope you'll share the pretty when he's done!
Deletewe bought a new dishwasher the old one sucks and the new guy still in box sitting in the livingroom for 5 months
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I hear you loud and clear. We have things in boxes...and our dishwasher stinks, too. You'll have to let me know if the new one is any better.
DeleteI am so impressed!
ReplyDeleteGreat job
Thanks Carol. He's a DIY genius.
DeleteLooks great Kim! However, the graduation of your darling daughter has been so sweet and endearing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer!
Jemma
Thanks Jemma...so many good times this week. Exciting and bittersweet at the same time...as you well know.
DeleteLike AnnMarie said, our entire house is a never-ending story. And there's always an uh oh, a hitch, a glitch, a stumbling block, a screw up....always a something that throws us off stride so we have to stop and ponder, ruminate, generate ideas until we can figure out how to make it work or work around it.
ReplyDeleteDIY-ing has definitely bumped up our ability to think outside the box by about a hundredfold, lol!
I have to agree, 100% Kim! The DIY troubleshooting has been more educational than any class I have ever taken...neither high school, undergraduate, nor graduate work were nearly as challenging or encouraged creative thinking as much as all these oops, uh ohs and hitches you mentioned.
DeleteThat was a very good save and a great job by your hubby! The new sink and faucet are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. He has great skills, a creative brain and a very strong will to succeed!! Thank goodness...
Deleteand he has the patience of Job to go along with his mad skills!
ReplyDeletebut secretly? I think he probably gets a kick out of such a job well done too.
you could have your very own 'flip this house' show! just a thought. but you do love it! xoxo
Tammy, I totally agree with you. I know he gets his own sense of satisfaction when he finally figures out a way to make a project work. He wasn't letting this one go, either...lucky me!!
DeleteHappy graduation! The window still looks great. What a project and you both worked great together! So glad it all worked out for your beautiful kitchen.
ReplyDeleteBig week here, Julie! I am glad it’s over and we can say phew, we made it…but it’s bittersweet, as you know! Thanks for the kind words about the sink. Man, am I glad that project is over!!
DeleteYou never cease to amaze me with all your talents and creativity Kim! Where there is a will, there is usually a way, and I read with interest how you made this happen, I'm so glad that it all worked out for you in the end! Your sink is gorgeous!!!! I know you are enjoying it immensely :) It's been a very busy summer here too, but a great one. Loving the sunshine and the outdoors. Blessings and hugs :)
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, you are so nice!! I think this is just what happens when two very stubborn people get their minds made up about a project. Like you said, where there's a will, there's a way!! I hope you are enjoying your busy summer and the sunshine in your lovely garden!! Blessings and hugs back to you sweet friend.
DeleteHe absolutely has mad skills, and I bet he loves that we all think so too ;). Gotta love these guys of ours. They probably love that we have blogs and brag on them. Lol
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess our never ending project is the freakin whole house!,
I think you are very right, Doreen. 😉 And your new house...oh yes. I bet it's coming along wonderfully!!
DeleteThat is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna! He's a very creative and determined guy.
DeleteOh Kim, you both rolled over 5:50 am back to work .. I just love how you write .. I just love the friendship you have with your husband.
ReplyDeleteThe girls .... I bet they think they have two CrAzY parents, or did they already know that.
P.S. I am glad you like the chair. It truly is so comfortable. :-) I am happy it worked for us.
Carla, you always make me smile from ear to ear. Your comments about my writing go straight to my heart! Thank you sweet friend...and yes...they totally think we're crazy. "Another project...really?" Someday they'll get it...I hope!! Enjoy the weekend!!
DeleteProfessional finish in the work! Looks good!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!!
DeleteHe did a really good job on that. What a tedious, hard job to keep that straight with a hand saw! Wow. THe new faucet looks beautiful. Great job all the way around. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIt was tedious and that hand saw was a pain. I am very grateful that he was up for the challenge. 😀
DeleteKim- you and your husband should flip houses. You have incredible inspired and your husband has the skills!
ReplyDeleteYou are super sweet!! Thank you. I am just the dreamer around here...he gets all the credit when it comes to the heavy lifting! Poor guy...
DeleteHah! It never ends does it! I didn't even think of something like this as a problem.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, Mary, neither did we...it really does never end!!
DeleteWell, it looks beautiful now! Who would ever guess it could be such a problem? Seems like he could add trim on the edge to hide imperfections, but what do I know, LOL? Thank goodness for the hubbies who can do anything, right?
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence! He really can do anything!
DeleteI wish you would have given a FULL picture of the finished project.
ReplyDeleteHi Christi, thanks so much for taking a peek at my project. If you'd like to see the entire sink project you can check out these three links to see the project soup to nuts...and you can see the full windowsill there as well! Hope that helps!
DeleteSink skirt: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/06/easy-to-open-kitchen-sink-skirt.html
Clean sink: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/06/best-way-to-clean-a-white-porcelain-sink.html
Faucet: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/05/pfister-farmhouse-sink-faucet.html
Great idea! All our window sills stick out like that! And one of the sills, I have been fussing about, has puppy chew marks in it! Just one question tho...as my husband has Parkinsons Disease and nothing would be cut straight (lol), would you mind sending your husband to do mine? lol He might enjoy our west coast weather. Just teasing, we have a top notch handy man that takes good care of us! Happy 4th of July!
ReplyDeleteOh Terri, we were just talking about the trading our wintery weather for some west coast sunshine with some west coast friends. It sounds like a lovely offer...and who knows, maybe somedays we just might be neighbors and I could send him on over! I hope you have a lovely July 4th, as well...and puppy chew marks? Too cute!!
DeleteMad skills indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteMy never ending summer project is simpler...weeds and shedding dogs :)
He's very talented, Deb and I never take it for granted...and I hear you with the weeds!!
DeleteOh wow! That really is mad skills! What a perfect job! I never would have thought about the windowsill being in the way. We had a "space" issue once too when we bought a new wall light fixture for the hallway. What I failed to realize was that the attic door opened from the ceiling right above where the light fixture was. The fixture stuck out quite a bit from the wall and the attic door barely, and I mean barely opens with about a sliver of space between the two! Whew!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny, isn't it, how things you see and use every day can suddenly become an unanticipated issue. Like your attic door, I never even thought about the sill until...thank goodness he was able to make it work! Glad your light fixture works, too!!
DeleteKim, where there is a will there is a way. So the old saying goes and you and hubby made it look easy. It looks like it was always that way. You two did a good job. Someday I will tell you about my encounter with a toilet and a shower door..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteOh no Judy, a toilet and a shower door? That sounds like a scary story…and I am assuming a seemingly never ending one!! Ha!
DeleteHello from 2022! I love this, especially that it was all done with hand tools, seems like everyone has a table saw and a million powertools these days. I recently had to do a much smaller task similar to this, but out of sight so it didn't matter if the finish was rough. It took forever and was definitely not neat at the end, so I'm very impressed by the finish you achieved here. I hope everything is going well for you :)
ReplyDeleteHello Bob! Thanks so much for the comment. Yes, working with hand (or man) powered tools does seem to be less common today. It certainly took a lot more effort and time to do it this way, but it worked out well. I will pass your kind comments on the master craftsman! I'm sure he'll be happy to hear them. 🙂
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