Replace A Window Seat

Tools:

cutting bench
miter saw
circular saw
handsaw
power drill
folding rule
pencil
combination square
carpenter's square
hammer
nail set
utility knife
clamp
wood glue
safety glasses
plywood
hardwood trim

1. Use the carpenter's square to make sure the window ledge is square (figure A). If not, you'll need to make very precise measurements at the back and the front of the opening.

2. A folding rule with an extendable tip is the best way to make very accurate measurements of the inside of the window opening (figure B).

3. Put on safety glasses and cut plywood to proper length with circular saw. Score the cutline with a utility knife first to avoid "chip out" when cutting the plywood.

4. Mark direction of angled cuts on trim pieces and cut using the miter saw (figure C).

5. After cutting trim, dot the inside with wood glue (figure D) and place on plywood. Drill pilot holes in front of trim, then hammer in finishing nails and tap in with nail set.

6. Attach the plywood using wood dowel pins to avoid having mounting holes showing in top surface. Mark attachment points on windowsill then use a drill bit with a stop collar to sink holes deep enough for dowel pins (figure E).

7. Place locator pins in the holes (figure F) then press the plywood board into place. Press very hard so the locator pins will leave marks where you need to drill the holes for the dowel pins.

8. Remove board, circle indentations left by locator pins and drill holes for dowel pins (figure G).

9. Remove locator pins from dowel holes in windowsill, fill holes with wood glue and insert dowel pins. Place board into place and pound until it snaps into place (figure H). Caulk around the edges then stain and varnish if desired.