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Help! Floor-to-ceiling windows need base trim?

2 years ago

Hi! I'm at the end of a nightmare of a project, and wish I could hire every part of this job differently.

This is a 650 sq ft addition with large black aluminum sliders and these two black aluminum widows.

The floors were just laid in the addition, and I realized the base of these windows sits slightly higher than the floor. I also wondered what the plan is for the base of these windows.

I had imagined the floor would just go right up to the window, but it wasn't laid that way. I kind of like the concrete, but the flashing shows through the window. The look is supposed to be modern zen, nothing traditional.

Yesterday the contractor suggested using a 3/4" white wood to trim the window. I asked if there is any way to match the flooring, or use a wood trim. Then I wondered can I use a black metal kickplate and glue it to the concrete, like the one linked below?

I can't help but think white wood will look terrible, and raise the floor even higher than it already sits. I also feel like this should be a detail in my plans, but I cannot find it.

Thank you for any suggestions!





https://www.thekickplatestore.com/6-x-40-kick-plate-gloss-black-powder-coated-screw-mount/

Comments (15)

  • 2 years ago

    You could use the kickplate but there are a bunch of screw holes that would look aout of place for sure. You could get black brake sheets and have it sheared as well. However you will most likely never get the blacks to match without having the metal custom painted.

    laxist thanked millworkman
  • PRO
    2 years ago

    How wide is the exposed concrete vs the width of the flooring? I think it would make a transition out of flooring and glue it down to the concrete

    laxist thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    get a piece of white oak and stain it to match the floor color.

    run the trim all the way around the window (on the inside) Or, get some othe leftover flooring planks, cut it to fit inside the window, and trim it out.

    I did it around my skylight. got the wood, stained it myself and installed it. I used some of the flooring planks and then used the 1X1 for the trim on the outer side




    I also did the inside of this casement window w/walnut



    and this garden window w/a type of teak


    It's pretty easy to do. you could do any of the wood ideas, or get a paintable wood and paint the inside of it black

    laxist thanked Beth H. :
  • PRO
    2 years ago

    You can install a black marble threshold.

    laxist thanked lisedv
  • 2 years ago

    I almost feel like it would be more complete if the piece along the bottom matched the Walls in color and depth, it would make a complete square.

    If you want to do match to the floor I would see if they could make it a lot thinner than 3/4" and route out the bottom to fit over the concrete and ease the top front edge:



    laxist thanked palimpsest
  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Palimpset that’s what I was thinking but I would make it from the floor (assuming it’s wide enough). Just miter the front to hide the plywood edge.

    laxist thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • PRO
    2 years ago

    I almost feel like it would be more complete if the piece along the bottom matched the Walls in color and depth


    That's what I was going to suggest too.


    Larger image.



    laxist thanked PPF.
  • 2 years ago

    I drew what I would consider



    laxist thanked palimpsest
  • 2 years ago

    I'd cut a piece of white PVC baseboard molding to fit, attach it to the gap between the window and the flooring, and caulk around it. I assume you're going for modern, drywall returns so I certainly would not attach any casing around the top or sides of the window.

    laxist thanked wdccruise
  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    The obvious solution is to create a miniature reenactment of the landing at the beaches of Normandy using toy plastic army men on the thin strip of fake sand (concrete).


  • 2 years ago

    Defintiely! Any tips for keeping the sand clean?

  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    "Any tips for keeping the sand clean?"

    No, war is hell.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Where is the thermal break here?

  • 2 years ago

    "Where is the thermal break here?"

    The window appears to be dual-pane with an aluminum spacer and probably filled with argon gas.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Yep. Like wearing a parka with running shorts and barefoot. Gonna be a temperature gradient. Fancy windows do zero good when sitting right on that thermal bridge from inside to outside. Condensation and temperature transfer are inevitable.