I'm looking to swap out my current window sill for a piece of quartz that matches my countertops. The existing sill is about .75 inches thick, while my countertop sits at around 1.25 inches. Unfortunately, the surface company can't mill the quartz to be thinner. I'm not planning to replace the window or frame, so I'll need to remove the current sill and cut about .5 inches from the wall. I'm not sure how to approach this project, and I'm wondering if it's worth the effort. Any advice?
5 Answers
I just went through this process when I got my counters replaced, and honestly, it sounds like you're in for a challenge unless you've got solid experience. It might be tougher than it seems!
I'd recommend getting a small piece of 7/16" material to set over the existing sill. Use an oscillating tool to cut the jam extensions and casing, as there are likely nails holding the old sill in place. Afterward, you can remove the cut-offs and take out the existing sill, which may also be nailed to the framing. Don’t forget to run a knife under the sill at the drywall joint to make the removal easier. Once you slide in the new sill, caulk it down. It might not look perfect, and you’ll need to do some caulking and painting afterward. But if you’re more experienced, it might be easier to remove the casing and jams to start fresh while reusing the trim.
Using an oscillating tool along with some patience, this shouldn't be too tough or time-consuming. Just take your time with it!
If you want to do it right, you might need to open up the wall to adjust the framing to support the new quartz sill properly. Depending on your house's age, the sill might be hidden under the window frame, which complicates things. You can try to flush cut it with an oscillating tool, but honestly, if you want it to come out perfectly, you’re looking at more extensive work.
So basically, it sounds like it might not be worth the effort... Thanks for the insights, everyone! I appreciate the perspective.