Can you use wood for a window well?

Quick Answer

Wood can be used for a window well, but it has some drawbacks compared to more common materials like concrete, steel, fiberglass, or plastic. The main downsides of using wood for a window well are that it is not as durable or long-lasting as other materials, and it is more susceptible to rotting, decay, and insect damage since it will be in contact with soil and exposed to moisture. However, wood can be an affordable DIY option for a simple window well design. Cedar and redwood are more decay-resistant woods that hold up better than other types. Pressure-treated lumber would be the best wood choice for durability. Proper sealing and waterproofing is essential for a wooden window well.

What is a Window Well?

A window well is a small recess built around basement windows that brings light into a below-grade room and provides a means of egress for emergencies. Window wells extend out from the foundation wall and down below ground level. The walls surrounding the window well keep soil and debris away from the window while creating a small area for light to enter through the basement window.

Window wells serve several purposes:

– Allow natural light into a basement room since the window is below ground level
– Provide an emergency exit from a basement in case of fire or other danger
– Keep soil and moisture from pressing directly against the basement window
– Prevent water from pooling directly against the window during heavy rains
– Provide ventilation through the basement window

Common Window Well Materials

Window wells can be made from various materials, with the most popular options being:

Concrete

Poured concrete is a very common material used to construct sturdy, permanent window wells. Concrete offers excellent durability and strength. Concrete window wells are often installed with steel support frames. Concrete provides good moisture resistance but should still be sealed for maximum waterproofing. The downside is concrete window wells can be quite expensive to professionally install.

Steel

Corrugated steel panels are another common window well building material, forming the walls surrounding the window. Steel window wells are available as kits in various sizes and can be installed without the need for concrete work. Steel provides very good strength at a lower cost than poured concrete, but it can potentially rust and corrode over time when exposed to moisture. Steel window wells should be painted or coated for corrosion protection.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass window wells are lightweight but very sturdy and reliable. Fiberglass is a composite of plastic and glass fibers, so it has excellent strength yet is still easy for DIY installation. Fiberglass won’t rot, corrode, or rust. It provides good durability and longevity. Fiberglass window well kits are available.

Plastic

Heavy-duty plastic such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be manufactured into window well walls and bases. Plastic is an affordable option that is very moisture-resistant and won’t corrode. However, plastic may not be as strong or heavy-duty as steel, concrete, or fiberglass. Plastic window wells are available as ready-made kits in home improvement stores.

Can You Use Wood for a Window Well?

Wood is not a very common choice for window well walls, but it can be an option, especially for DIYers looking for a more affordable material. The best woods to use for a window well application are naturally rot-resistant species like cedar or redwood. Pressure-treated lumber would also be a good option since it provides protection against decay and insect damage.

Some of the pros and cons of using wood for a window well include:

Pros of Wood Window Wells

– Wood is relatively affordable and easy to work with for DIY construction
– Wood can provide a more decorative, aesthetically pleasing look compared to metal or concrete
– Cedar, redwood, or treated wood have some natural decay resistance
– Wood is a natural insulator and keeps basement cooler

Cons of Wood Window Wells

– Not as strong or durable as metal, fiberglass, or concrete
– More prone to rotting and insect damage, especially untreated woods
– Needs frequent maintenance and refinishing to protect the wood
– May leach chemicals (treated lumber)
– Won’t last as long as other materials
– Can warp or degrade more quickly than other materials

If you do want to build a wood window well, choose a rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood. Make sure any wood in contact with the ground or soil is rated for ground contact. Abestos-free pressure-treated lumber would also provide better protection and longevity than untreated wood. Make sure to coat the wood with water-sealant paint or protectant to waterproof it. Maintaining the protective coating will be important for making a wood window well last. Also use flashing or membrane to moisture-proof the joints where the wood attaches to the foundation.

Overall, wood can work for a simple window well project, but it does require more maintenance and replacement than a fiberglass, steel, or concrete window well would need. Make sure to use the most rot-resistant wood possible and properly protect it for longer life.

Building a Wood Window Well

If you do opt to use wood for a DIY basement window well, follow these basic steps:

Materials

– Pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood boards
– Outdoor wood screws
– Exterior wood glue
– Gravel backfill
– Flashing tape
– Protective sealant/finish for the wood

Instructions

1. Dig the window well area, making sure to allow proper drainage slope away from the house. Make the well slightly larger than your window size.

2. Install a gravel base with drainage pipe to direct water away from the foundation.

3. Cut the wood boards to the proper length according to your window well dimensions. Use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact.

4. Assemble the window well frame pieces using outdoor wood screws and glue. Make sure the wood side pieces extend below ground level.

5. Seal all wood surfaces with protective sealer or waterproof coating. Let dry completely.

6. Attach flashing tape at the bottom edge of the siding where the wood window well will attach.

7. Fasten the window well assembly against the house foundation using Tapcon concrete anchors or masonry nails.

8. Caulk all seams and joints with exterior waterproof caulk. Apply second coat of sealant to the wood.

9. Backfill the window well with gravel so it surrounds the window about halfway up.

10. Optional – Add drain pipe through the gravel backfill for enhanced drainage away from the foundation.

11. Check the drainage by spraying the well with a hose and making sure no water collects.

Maintaining the wood finish annually will be important for maximum longevity of a wood window well in ground contact. Avoid planting anything with big root systems near the wood window well. Unprotected wood in direct soil contact will rot fairly quickly. Using naturally decay-resistant cedar or redwood and keeping up the protective coating will help a wood window well last longer.

Prefabricated vs. Custom Window Wells

For easier installation, prefabricated fiberglass, steel, or plastic window well kits are available at home improvement stores or online retailers. Prefab window wells come in standard sizes but custom sizing is also available. This avoids the need to build a window well from scratch.

Benefits of prefab window well kits:

– Easy to install even for DIYers
– Available in common sizes to fit most windows
– Made of durable materials like steel or fiberglass
– Often cost-effective

Benefits of custom-built window wells:

– Can be sized exactly to fit window and well dimensions
– Can incorporate desired materials and decorative touches
– Allows for drainage customization with gravel, pipes, etc.
– Can match home architecture and foundation details

In many cases, a prefabricated window well kit made of fiberglass, steel, or heavy plastic will be the easiest and most cost-effective option. Custom building a window well allows for some added personalization. When choosing materials for a custom window well, prioritize durability and water-resistance for the longest service life.

Conclusion

Wood can technically be used to build a window well retaining wall around basement windows, but it is not the most durable or moisture-resistant option. Wood is more prone to rotting, insect damage, and degradation than fiberglass, steel, concrete, or plastic window wells. However, wood can be an affordable DIY option if decay-resistant species like pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood are used.

Any wood window well will require diligent maintenance and refinishing to protect against moisture damage. Proper waterproofing measures like sealant, flashing, drainage, and gravel backfill are especially critical for wood to last. Frequent inspection for cracks, warping, and rot is also a must.

For the most heavy-duty and lowest maintenance window well, materials like poured concrete, steel, fiberglass, or plastic are better choices. But an appropriately-built wood window well can be a cost-effective solution if routine care is provided. Seek professional guidance for proper design if constructing a wood window well.