8 Home Windows Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What started as Steve Jordan's decades-long passion for old-house restoration evolved into this detailed guide for maintaining and restoring wooden window sashes. Drawing on 50 years of hands-on experience and formal training from Cornell's Historic Preservation Planning program, Jordan walks you through the essentials: from identifying window parts and historical context to mastering repairs like sash cord replacement, glazing, and weather-sealing with superior materials. You'll also find guidance on carpentry fixes, epoxy patches, and smart painting techniques to avoid sticky windows. Whether you're a homeowner or preservation professional, this book equips you with the knowledge to evaluate, maintain, or restore wood windows confidently, highlighting why replacements often aren't necessary.

Scott Sidler's decades of hands-on experience restoring historic windows across America form the backbone of this detailed guide. You’ll learn practical techniques for refurbishing wood and steel windows, including weatherstripping, alternative balance systems, and advanced epoxy repairs. Sidler breaks down complex processes into manageable steps, such as his advice on casement and single-hung windows, making it accessible for homeowners willing to tackle restoration themselves. If you care about preserving your home's character and avoiding vinyl replacements, this book offers the know-how to save substantial costs while maintaining authenticity. It’s best suited for DIY enthusiasts passionate about historic preservation rather than those seeking quick fixes or modern window replacements.

This personalized book explores the intricate art and science of home window restoration and design, tailored precisely to your background and goals. It focuses on your specific interests, examining materials, techniques, and design principles that preserve historical integrity while enhancing functionality. The book reveals how to assess your windows’ condition, select appropriate restoration methods, and implement design elements that complement your home's style. By bridging expert knowledge with your unique context, it provides a clear, engaging pathway through complex content, making expert-level mastery accessible. This tailored text matches your experience and ambitions, empowering you to transform your windows into enduring features of beauty and efficiency.

Unlike most home windows books that focus on replacement, Mr. John C Leeke’s Save America's Windows champions preservation of historic wooden windows through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials. You’ll learn sixteen specific repair techniques for weathered sills and deteriorating sash, along with practical guidance on organizing projects and sourcing specialized tools. This book is tailored for homeowners, preservationists, and DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain authentic architectural character without resorting to vinyl replacements. The updated directory of window specialists and detailed glazing and painting chapter add valuable depth for those committed to sustainable restoration practices.

After repairing thousands of wood windows in Seattle, Terry Meany developed a hands-on guide that demystifies restoring old wood windows for homeowners. You learn detailed techniques for everything from weather stripping and sash repair to refinishing paint and cleaning glass, with clear illustrations that walk you through each step. This book specifically benefits those tackling preservation projects in older homes who want to maintain authentic craftsmanship without hiring professionals. For example, the new section on cleaning windows offers practical advice rarely found in similar manuals, making it a solid choice if you prefer DIY restoration with expert guidance.

Susan Woodcock's decades of sewing expertise and hands-on teaching experience culminate in this detailed guide to creating custom window treatments. You’ll learn to plan projects carefully, measure windows precisely, and choose fabrics and hardware that enhance both function and style. The book breaks down techniques for making Roman shades, gathered curtains, pleated drapes, and more, supported by clear photographs and practical tips on scale, proportion, and insulation benefits. This is a solid resource if you want to master sewing your own curtains and shades with professional results and a personal touch.

This personalized book explores a focused pathway to repairing and restoring your home windows within a month. It covers essential repair techniques, material selection, and maintenance practices tailored to your unique home style and skill level. By matching your background and goals, it offers a clear, step-by-step plan that breaks down complex restoration into manageable tasks you can follow daily. The tailored content emphasizes practical, hands-on guidance for window care and repair, helping you build confidence and competence in preserving your windows efficiently. It reveals how to address common problems and customize repairs to your home's specific needs, making the restoration process accessible and rewarding.

Drawing from decades as an authority on window coverings, Charles Randall delivers an extensive visual and practical guide to dressing your home’s windows. The book breaks down a wide spectrum of styles—from simple rod pocket curtains to sophisticated designer treatments—complete with hundreds of color photos and detailed illustrations. You’ll find chapters dedicated to draperies, shades, blinds, shutters, and even coordinating bed coverings, along with helpful yardage calculations and solutions for tricky window shapes. This is a rich resource for interior decorators, students, professionals, and DIY enthusiasts aiming to elevate their window design skills with a confident, informed approach.

This book draws from the extensive expertise of the editors at Creative Publishing International, who have crafted numerous best-selling home improvement guides. It guides you through key carpentry remodeling tasks, such as framing and installing doors and windows, and building or removing walls, all illustrated with hundreds of color photographs. You gain clear, practical knowledge on planning and executing remodeling projects that increase your home's functionality and value, without necessarily hiring professionals for every step. If you're looking to understand structural carpentry within remodeling, this book offers straightforward instruction that suits both DIY enthusiasts and those coordinating contractors.

John Birchard's extensive experience in woodworking and his admiration for James Krenov’s craftsmanship deeply inform this guide on creating durable, attractive, and energy-efficient doors and windows. You’ll learn practical construction techniques, design principles, and structural requirements, illustrated by detailed plans and color photos showcasing various styles—from arched windows to bay windows and solariums. The book also offers insights into weatherproofing materials and repair tips that benefit both DIY builders and professionals. If you’re seeking hands-on knowledge to create or restore handcrafted doors and windows with precision and aesthetic appeal, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary complexity.