DIY Network

Justin Time: Installing Sidelights Justin Time: Installing Sidelights From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-410F

This door offers privacy, yet gives an open feel from the windows installed next to the door.

Next, the crew installs sidelights to add a more open affect to the room.

Materials:

1 x 6 lumber
1/2" x 1/2" stock material
1/8" Plexiglas
2-1/4" casing

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Note: Project instructions may vary for your particular project. In this example, the Rescue crew needs to make and install two sidelights, one in either wall flanking the door.

1. In this example, the 14-1/2" between studs determines the maximum width. Because one sidelight will be in the wall with the new kitchenette cabinet/counter on the other side, the sidelights will need to start about 3" off the floor. For visual appeal, the top of the sidelights should be same height as the top of the door (84" - 38" = 46"). This will give a total of 46" from outside trim edge to outside trim edge. Allowing for 2-1/4" size of the trim all around and 3/4" thickness of the sidelight frame makes the outside dimensions measure 13" wide by 42-1/2" tall.

2. After marking your measurements on the wall, cut the area out using a drywall saw.

3. Rip 1 x 6 down to 4-9/16" (thickness of the wall with drywall). Cut a total of four pieces: two measuring 42-1/2" and two measuring 11-1/2".

4. Cut eight pieces of 1/2" stock. Four should measure 11-1/2" and four should measure 40".

5. Mark a center line running through the length of the four frame pieces.

6. Attach one set of 1/2" stock at 1/16" off center line. Use 3/4" staples to attach.
   

   	Figure A
   	Figure B

7. Nail the four jamb pieces to form a 13" x 42-1/2" rectangular box (figure A). Use 2" nails from the air gun to secure.

8. Place Plexiglas on a flat surface and score, snap and cut to create a piece 11-1/4" x 40-3/4". Position the Plexiglas into the window frame and install second set of 1/2" stock atop plexiglas.

9. Cut two complete sets of 2-1/4" casing (eight pieces total). Attach casing to one side of window, then slide window into rough opening (figure B) and nail through the casing.

10. Install casing on other side. Fill nail holes and paint.