Home and Garden | Cutting a Return Window Apron - Windows

The apron is the simplest part of the window trim to install, but even here there's room for a bit of creativity. First, decide on how long to make the apron and on how to deal with its cut ends. Both decisions rest largely on personal taste. In terms of length, some people prefer the ends to line up with the outside of the casing while others would rather they fall just short of the casing. The difference between the two amounts to fractions of an inch but may have a significant visual impact.

The ends of the apron can simply be cut square and sanded smooth; the end grain, however, will show. For a more finished edge, consider cutting a return apron where no end grain will show. (Fig. 1)

Cutting a return apron for a window is time-consuming. Trim carpenters, however, consider it the mark of a first rate job; many others simply think it looks best. This is because the profile of the apron will turn the corner and "return" to meet the wall surface. No end grain is exposed and the ends of the apron are as smooth as its face. The drawings below show how to make a return. Note that these steps must be repeated for both ends of the apron.

Fig. 1

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Moderate
Estimated Project Time: Half-hour
Start Tips: Carefully measure and mark all pieces for the apron.
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles when using power tools.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

Fig. 3

Then, place the scrap piece, face down on the miter saw, and cut off the very end just mitered. This will sever a small, triangular piece, known as the "return"; set it aside for a moment. (Fig. 4)

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to create the return for the opposite end of the apron.

Fig. 5

3) Join the apron and the return
Carefully measure and mark the placement for the apron beneath the window stool. Nail the apron in place to the wall beneath the window stool and glue the small returns into place at the ends of the apron. Then, using the appropriate size of drill bit, drill pilot holes through each return and the apron, and secure the returns using small brads. This avoids splitting the wood. (Fig. 5) Wipe away excess glue.