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athleticannie

QUICK ADVICE NEEDED regarding window sill transition near sink

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Our electrician is on-site today and needs an answer by tomorrow morning about window trim around our kitchen window.

Local building code requires that kitchens have outlets every four feet which means that we need to have 1 or two outlets (and possibly switches) installed under our new kitchen window and above the countertop. Here is our new window:





Our electrician needs to know what type of trim we are planning around the window so he can determine whether the outlets can run vertically or need to go horizontally. The space between the window sill and cabinet is about 9.5". The countertop will add about 1.25". That leaves about 8.25" for trim and outlets. Outlets are about 5" high. The sink will be centered under these windows.

I need options for how to frame the window, I really like the idea below but am looking for other options. The entire window wall will have backsplash.





This has a sill made out of the same material as the countertop (for us, quartz). This allows for some splash at the sink without wetting a wooden sill. The edges are dog-eared, so that they go past the width of the window opening like a regular sill does. Then the wood trim is added to the window and lands on top of the sill to align with the outer edge of the dog-eared sill on each side.


Any other ideas? I am actually not a real fan of standard sills but am not sure what else to do. And I need to make a quick decision.


And do I add tile into the window (which is about 3" deep)?


Thank you!

Comments (19)

  • 6 years ago

    How are the rest of the windows in your home trimmed? Do that. Or, since you like the style in the photos, do that. By the way, the correct term for the piece you’re talking about is stool, not sill. ;)

  • 6 years ago

    This window cannot be trimmed the same as the other window in the room as it is a completely different type of window. And all trim on the other doors and windows will be replaced but not yet.

  • 6 years ago

    felizlady , that is certainly on the list of possibilities but I may need two switches under the window and though that would look weird.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I believe that an outlet in the cabinet under your sink, which is needed for the garbage disposal and possibly your dishwasher, would cover the code issue. I have never seen an outlet directly over a sink for the obvious... water and electricity don't mix. Have your electrician check. This situation makes little sense.

  • 6 years ago

    It does not. The outlet must be above the countertop.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Will a button switch for the disposal near the faucet suffice or does it have to be an outlet. The only other option I can think of, is to have the outlet placed horizontally in the tile. It will have to be a GFCI outlet.

  • 6 years ago

    It can be a button switch for the disposal.


    Does anyone have a thought on another way to frame the window?


  • PRO
    6 years ago

    The photo you posted looks nice or you could make the sill a bit deeper. Enjoy your new kitchen.

  • 6 years ago

    I was going to pipe up with "just make them horizontal and you're safe," but it sounds like you'd like to make the vertical if you can.

    Here are a couple options to throw into the mix, with how I've trimmed out windows to meet space constraints.


  • 6 years ago

    I would make them horizontal. And do ask your local inspector if the 4' requirement still to counter runs with a sink. In my jurisdiction, the 4' rule excludes (i.e., a sink next to a 4' run of counter would only need 1 outlet above that counter).

  • 6 years ago

    salex, already have asked that question and the answer is yes.

  • 6 years ago

    My window is trimmed out like your example pic (matching countertop material, dog eared at the front, wood frame around the window). I like it.


    For outlets, have you considered if something like this from LeGrand Adorne would work? They have a different look than standard switches, and might be more visually appealing. Or not ;) I used them at the end of my island because they offered a color that blended well with my cabinets. I have used their switches in our family room as well, they have one that is a prox sensor.



  • 6 years ago

    My window seal is the same as the counters. I wouldn't have it any other way.


  • 6 years ago

    Here is how I trimmed out my window using my granite as a backsplash. Not sure if this helps in your application. I have outlets on both sides of the windows and a button next to my sink for my disposal. The outlet for the disposal is underneath my sink.


  • 6 years ago




  • 6 years ago




  • 6 years ago

    I would look into using Sillites in your window sill. I used one on the end of my island.

    http://www.sillites.com/newconstruction.php

    We have a triple window and our electrician told us that the sink is considered a disruption in the countertop so the rule in our jurisdiction is that the outlets need to be within 24" of the edge of the sink. We used plug mold under the cabinets that are on either side of the window.

  • 6 years ago



    We ran the granite up under the window and also used it for the windowsill. Outlets were run horizontal.