Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🧰 🛠 Tools and Materials needed: amzn.to/3JE2fpC
Learn how to Trim Out a Basement Window with this DIY step-by-step guide. For my basement windows, I used the "drywall return" method.
When finishing a basement, you will likely need to install drywall and trim around the basement windows. However, the drywall return method of finishing basement windows requires no trim. Although there are many ways to successfully “trim out” a basement window, using drywall is both a simple and inexpensive method for giving your basement windows a finished look. This article will also show you how to cut a window sill out of common lumber.
To install drywall a drywall return around a basement window, start by cutting drywall for the top and sides of the window. Cut they drywall such that it contacts the window’s frame on one side and so that it is flush with the wall drywall on the other side. Then, install corner bead and finish the drywall with joint compound. Caulk any joints between the drywall and window.
To cut your own window sill for a basement window, select a piece of lumber that is approximately 1.5″ wider than the depth of the basement window cavity. You may need to “rip” the lumber to a suitable width using a table or circular saw. Cut the off the sill so that it is 3″ longer than the window cavity on both sides. Next, use a router to give the window sill a rounded edge and use a jigsaw to cut the penetrations on both sides of the window sill – leaving a 3″ overhang on each side. Finally, caulk any gaps and paint the window sill (if desired)
This video will outline every single step outlined above - in detail.
For more information on How to Trim out a Basement Window, you can read my blog article linked here: atimprovements.com/how-to-install-drywall-and-trim-around-a-basement-window
Additionally, if you need to replace a basement window, you can watch my "How to replace a basement window" Video linked here: youtu.be/9esOJYNqRAc
This Basement Window Replacement and Trim out Project is part of my basement finishing series. See additional videos below:
Episode 1: How to Install Rigid Foam Insulation
youtu.be/Qt4mvnVrCpE
Episode 2: How to Frame Basement Walls
youtu.be/ERJxLOlUSz0
Episode 3: How to run electrical in a basement
youtu.be/0PnwBzhQvrY
Episode 4: How to Frame around HVAC and Pipes in a basement
youtu.be/KdHIDL0fxnI
Episode 5: How to Drywall a Basement
youtu.be/amEmCbQYsgg
Episode 6: How to install LVP flooring in a basement
youtu.be/paHk_b3vGAs
Episode 7: How to Install a Drop Ceiling
youtu.be/toChex7jCSI
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel ⬇️ youtube.com/c/AndrewThronImprovements?sub_confirmation=1
Check out my Website for additional DIY Content: atimprovements.com
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🎥 MY YOUTUBE GEAR
Camera (Iphone Max): amzn.to/3d5HxSo
Microphone (Maono Condenser Mic): amzn.to/3RCAb7N
Tripod: amzn.to/3Rz5Gj3
Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3Rvt2WM
Lighting: amzn.to/3d4QdZ5
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🛠🧰 TOOLS THAT I USE
Carbide Tipped Drill Bit: amzn.to/3S0hdIM
Tapcon Screws: amzn.to/3OxEWxh
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Masonry Drill: amzn.to/36yP1JW
Level: amzn.to/3HowUDn
Hammer: amzn.to/35fIpiT
Chalk Line: amzn.to/3MwSDg8
Clamps: amzn.to/3HLqwpK
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Sawzall: amzn.to/3HcdeSI
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Jig saw: amzn.to/3I6lcyd
Air Compressor: amzn.to/34TatJf
Framing Nailer: amzn.to/3JGpBYU
Roofing Nailer: amzn.to/3BEAuYF
Orbital Sander: amzn.to/34UwlUD
Bar Clamps: amzn.to/3JjFrJe
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements YouTube channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.
🧰 🛠 Tools and Materials needed: amzn.to/3JE2fpC
Learn how to Trim Out a Basement Window with this DIY step-by-step guide. For my basement windows, I used the "drywall return" method.
When finishing a basement, you will likely need to install drywall and trim around the basement windows. However, the drywall return method of finishing basement windows requires no trim. Although there are many ways to successfully “trim out” a basement window, using drywall is both a simple and inexpensive method for giving your basement windows a finished look. This article will also show you how to cut a window sill out of common lumber.
To install drywall a drywall return around a basement window, start by cutting drywall for the top and sides of the window. Cut they drywall such that it contacts the window’s frame on one side and so that it is flush with the wall drywall on the other side. Then, install corner bead and finish the drywall with joint compound. Caulk any joints between the drywall and window.
To cut your own window sill for a basement window, select a piece of lumber that is approximately 1.5″ wider than the depth of the basement window cavity. You may need to “rip” the lumber to a suitable width using a table or circular saw. Cut the off the sill so that it is 3″ longer than the window cavity on both sides. Next, use a router to give the window sill a rounded edge and use a jigsaw to cut the penetrations on both sides of the window sill – leaving a 3″ overhang on each side. Finally, caulk any gaps and paint the window sill (if desired)
This video will outline every single step outlined above - in detail.
For more information on How to Trim out a Basement Window, you can read my blog article linked here: atimprovements.com/how-to-install-drywall-and-trim-around-a-basement-window
Additionally, if you need to replace a basement window, you can watch my "How to replace a basement window" Video linked here: youtu.be/9esOJYNqRAc
This Basement Window Replacement and Trim out Project is part of my basement finishing series. See additional videos below:
Episode 1: How to Install Rigid Foam Insulation
youtu.be/Qt4mvnVrCpE
Episode 2: How to Frame Basement Walls
youtu.be/ERJxLOlUSz0
Episode 3: How to run electrical in a basement
youtu.be/0PnwBzhQvrY
Episode 4: How to Frame around HVAC and Pipes in a basement
youtu.be/KdHIDL0fxnI
Episode 5: How to Drywall a Basement
youtu.be/amEmCbQYsgg
Episode 6: How to install LVP flooring in a basement
youtu.be/paHk_b3vGAs
Episode 7: How to Install a Drop Ceiling
youtu.be/toChex7jCSI
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel ⬇️ youtube.com/c/AndrewThronImprovements?sub_confirmation=1
Check out my Website for additional DIY Content: atimprovements.com
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🎥 MY YOUTUBE GEAR
Camera (Iphone Max): amzn.to/3d5HxSo
Microphone (Maono Condenser Mic): amzn.to/3RCAb7N
Tripod: amzn.to/3Rz5Gj3
Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3Rvt2WM
Lighting: amzn.to/3d4QdZ5
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🛠🧰 TOOLS THAT I USE
Carbide Tipped Drill Bit: amzn.to/3S0hdIM
Tapcon Screws: amzn.to/3OxEWxh
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Masonry Drill: amzn.to/36yP1JW
Level: amzn.to/3HowUDn
Hammer: amzn.to/35fIpiT
Chalk Line: amzn.to/3MwSDg8
Clamps: amzn.to/3HLqwpK
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Sawzall: amzn.to/3HcdeSI
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Jig saw: amzn.to/3I6lcyd
Air Compressor: amzn.to/34TatJf
Framing Nailer: amzn.to/3JGpBYU
Roofing Nailer: amzn.to/3BEAuYF
Orbital Sander: amzn.to/34UwlUD
Bar Clamps: amzn.to/3JjFrJe
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements YouTube channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.
