dfiler2
Well-known member
The height for me would depend on whether it was going to be sheetrocked and taped, keep the taped joint below the window and trim.
Shop Window Height
- Thread starter purplezr2
- Start date
TurnipTruck
Well-known member
My previous shop had only a transom window over the big door, and I missed being able to see out, so I built this new shop with these two recycled windows facing North at 48” and 36” from the floor. If we had happened across windows that were even taller and maybe skinnier, I would have had room for more pegboard and cupboards and maybe faced some windows south for free heat.
During construction we suffered through a brief area wide crime wave (caused by idiot legislators who couldn’t comprehend the unintended consequences of eliminating jail time for all crimes except for murder and ****** assault), so I was able to justify grade level windows to my burglary paranoia by facing every single door or window towards the house. My wife’s paranoia was satisfied by dusk-to-dawn lights over all four doors.
onsail
Well-known member
This is the second shop I've built. 16' ceilings.
I put 7, 4' x 20" up high. the are going to have blinds on them this time though.
I like the up high as it doesn't limit my wall space. We really don't have issues with flying insects so we dont have to take screens into account so mine don't open.
I put 7, 4' x 20" up high. the are going to have blinds on them this time though.
I like the up high as it doesn't limit my wall space. We really don't have issues with flying insects so we dont have to take screens into account so mine don't open.
engineer2
Well-known member
No less than workbench height + backsplash height + a little extra for trim. I'd say min 42" from floor to bottom of window.
Since windows take up valuable wall space, nothing wrong with putting them higher that your tallest tool chest or beer fridge.
Every wall doesn't need windows. Some depends on where you live and building site considerations. For example south facing windows bring sunshine and heat. If you store a car by a south facing window, it might be bad for the paint and interior in the long-term unless you cover it. I would not have low windows facing a nearby property line or busy street for obvious security reasons.
Since windows take up valuable wall space, nothing wrong with putting them higher that your tallest tool chest or beer fridge.
Every wall doesn't need windows. Some depends on where you live and building site considerations. For example south facing windows bring sunshine and heat. If you store a car by a south facing window, it might be bad for the paint and interior in the long-term unless you cover it. I would not have low windows facing a nearby property line or busy street for obvious security reasons.
BruceMc
Well-known member
I originally only wanted two 4x3 sliders set at 48" on the south wall. Contractor talked me into putting an identical 3rd window on the north wall and now I'm glad I did. Provides good crossflow in the summer, especially with a box fan. Screened windows > opening garage doors for bug control. For privacy concerns, a simple roller blind takes care of that. I'm fortunate to be in a fairly rural, safe location, so it's not a big deal for me. I only lock the doors when I'm out of town.
Metal-Marc
Well-known member
This. No one around. During the day, everything is unlocked. I like to see outside when I work in the shop. There's more windows on the left side of the shop. I'm replacing the garage door with one with three windows in one of the door panel.
HPRifleman
Member Emeritus
Workbench height dictated window height.
I also have windows in the overhead doors. These are great and I highly recommend having them.
I also have windows in the overhead doors. These are great and I highly recommend having them.
finn
Well-known member
I have five windows, about 4’x5’ in the garage, mounted at 4’ from the floor. Also windows in the 14’ wide door. If I was doing it again, I would omit at least one of the windows on the North (road) side, but add windows to the two other, 9’ garage doors.
The shop has one window of about the same size in the office, and four more in the shop area, plus windows in all three garage doors and three man doors. Again, four feet from the floor.
I like the natural light they let in.
The shop has one window of about the same size in the office, and four more in the shop area, plus windows in all three garage doors and three man doors. Again, four feet from the floor.
I like the natural light they let in.
Metal-Marc
Well-known member
James-W
Well-known member
I have one window in the garage, but it is there so I can put in a window air-conditioner for those really hot and humid days of Summer. If it is a nice day and I am working in the garage, I can always open the overhead door for fresh air and extra light.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Bottom of window: At least 4ft from floor so you can run the outlets at 4ft.
Top of window: Min 6in below (8ft) ceiling so you can run the copper/iron air pipe.
Top of window: Min 6in below (8ft) ceiling so you can run the copper/iron air pipe.
stubbsrodandcustom
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2012
- Messages
- 70
You can tell who lives in rough parts of the country on this post... haha.
My personal take is as follows. If you don't do major things in there like fab work or heavy mechanic, then add windows. If you are not concerned with crime etc, add windows. Best of both worlds is the 4'x1' windows up high, allow light and keep prying eyes off without a ladder.
If I had the room and lived in a safe place I may do windows, but for now I am happy with a side door that I can open.
My personal take is as follows. If you don't do major things in there like fab work or heavy mechanic, then add windows. If you are not concerned with crime etc, add windows. Best of both worlds is the 4'x1' windows up high, allow light and keep prying eyes off without a ladder.
If I had the room and lived in a safe place I may do windows, but for now I am happy with a side door that I can open.
HPRifleman
Member Emeritus
1972, base 350, 4-speed, Ontario Orange. Simply a driver quality car that brings a smile to my face every time I take her for a spin.Nice C3. Details?
andyvh1959
Well-known member
Really? I don't care how rural you are, these days with friggin meth heads looking to steal whatever they can sell, I NEVER leave my house, shop or vehicles unlocked. Just not worth the hassles.
CN Spots
Well-known member
I have two at 4 feet high as well. The 2 garage doors also have windows in them and since the road is pretty close and you can see in those windows from the road, I sprayed them with that matte window clear to keep folks from seeing in. Lets light in and keeps the neighbors guessing.
Mike65
Well-known member
I have 2 4x4 windows one in each side wall & a small window in the door.
HPRifleman
Member Emeritus
Workbench height dictated window height.
I just realized that I never provided any dimensions for the windows.
From the floor,
Top of bench: 40"
Center of quad receptacle: 48"
Bottom of window: 54"
Originally my architect designed the garage with windows that came down much lower as shown in the drawing below. These would have matched the house better but I wanted them above bench height to have the flexibility to move things around and not block the light. I worked with my contractor to get windows that were wider and up higher so I still had plenty of light and clear bench space around the perimeter.jmiller_2308
Well-known member
My first shop had no windows, not even in the garage doors. It was dark and I didn't like working in it. Shop addition has two non-opening 2x4 windows up high and another opening over the workbench that is primarily used for drawing, noodling, computer lookup of parts, soldering, or other light duty small repairs.
I really like windows in the shop as it makes telling the time much easier and also allows me to enjoy the day a bit even when it is too nasty out to open the doors.
I like the windows high so that I don't sacrifice wall space or run the risk of accidentally running something through them as well as to keep prying eyes out. The one thing that I wished I'd done differently would have been to make the high windows opening with a pull chain or some other mechanism so that I could open them without getting on a ladder.
I really like windows in the shop as it makes telling the time much easier and also allows me to enjoy the day a bit even when it is too nasty out to open the doors.
I like the windows high so that I don't sacrifice wall space or run the risk of accidentally running something through them as well as to keep prying eyes out. The one thing that I wished I'd done differently would have been to make the high windows opening with a pull chain or some other mechanism so that I could open them without getting on a ladder.