Choosing the Right Casement Stay
A casement stay is fitted to an opening casement window and allows the window to be held securely at different open positions.
The stay normally engages with one or more pins fixed to the window frame or sill, allowing the amount of ventilation to be adjusted while helping prevent the window from moving freely.
When choosing a window stay, consider the window size, required stay length, fixing arrangement, opening position, whether locking is required and the preferred finish.
Traditional Casement Stays
Traditional casement stays are particularly well suited to period properties, cottages, heritage renovations and timber casement windows.
Styles such as Curly Tail, Bulb End, Shepherd’s Crook, Rosehead and other forged designs allow the window furniture to become part of the architectural character of the room.
Finishes such as Black, Beeswax, Pewter Patina, Aged Brass and Aged Bronze can complement traditional timber joinery and coordinate with matching casement fasteners.
Modern Casement Stays
For contemporary timber windows, simpler casement stay designs provide a cleaner and more understated appearance.
Straight profiles and finishes such as Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel, Polished Nickel and Stainless Steel can complement modern window and door furniture.
Using matching window stays and fasteners can help create a consistent hardware scheme throughout the property.
Lockable Casement Stays
A lockable casement stay provides a means of securing the stay in its selected position rather than relying solely on the conventional stay-and-pin arrangement.
Lockable stays can be useful where additional control over the operation of the window is required.
The locking function and supplied components vary between products, so always check the individual specification before ordering.
Sliding Casement Stays
A sliding casement stay uses a sliding or screw-down mechanism rather than the traditional series of holes and stay pins.
This can provide more flexible positioning of the open window while creating a different visual appearance from a conventional perforated stay.
Sliding stays are available in both traditional and more contemporary designs depending on the required window style.
Choosing the Correct Stay Length
Casement stays are available in a range of lengths to suit different window sizes.
A longer stay can provide greater reach on a larger casement, while a shorter stay may be more appropriate for compact windows.
Before ordering, consider the width of the opening casement, proposed fixing position and available space on the frame or sill.
Common stay lengths include approximately 200mm, 250mm, 300mm and 305mm, together with traditional imperial sizes across selected designs.
Casement Stay Pins
The stay pin provides the fixing point onto which the casement stay locates.
Different window details can require different types of pin, including standard, offset, cranked and locking stay pins.
An offset or cranked pin can help accommodate differences in level or geometry between the opening casement and the surrounding frame.
Always ensure the pin selected is compatible with the particular stay and window arrangement.
Casement Stays & Window Fasteners
A casement stay and window fastener perform different but complementary functions.
The casement stay controls and holds the window when it is open, while the fastener secures the casement when the window is closed.
Using matching stays and fasteners from the same range can create a coordinated appearance and is particularly effective on traditional timber windows.
Choosing the Right Finish
The finish of the window stay can have a significant influence on the appearance of the window.
Black, Beeswax and Pewter Patina work particularly well with traditional timber joinery, while Aged Brass and Aged Bronze provide warmer heritage-inspired options.
Polished Brass offers a brighter traditional appearance, while Chrome, Nickel and Stainless Steel can suit cleaner contemporary interiors.
For windows in exposed locations, always check that the individual product and finish are suitable for the anticipated environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a casement window stay?
A casement stay is a piece of window hardware used to hold an opening casement window at a selected position.
Traditional stays use a series of holes that locate over pins fixed to the window frame or sill.
What size casement stay do I need?
The correct length depends on the size of the window, opening arrangement and available fixing space.
Measure the window and compare the dimensions with the individual stay before ordering.
What is a lockable casement stay?
A lockable casement stay incorporates a mechanism that allows the stay to be secured in position.
It can provide additional control compared with a conventional stay-and-pin arrangement.
What is a sliding window stay?
A sliding stay uses a sliding mechanism to control and hold the window rather than a traditional row of locating holes.
This can allow more flexible positioning of the open casement.
What is a cranked stay pin?
A cranked stay pin has an offset shape that changes the position of the locating point.
It can be useful where the geometry of the window frame means that a standard straight pin does not align correctly with the stay.
Do casement stays and fasteners need to match?
They do not have to, but selecting matching or complementary stays and window fasteners can create a much more coordinated appearance.
This is particularly effective on traditional timber windows where both pieces of hardware are clearly visible.
Can casement stays be used externally?
Window stays are naturally fitted to windows, but the suitability of a particular material and finish for environmental exposure varies.
Always check the manufacturer's guidance, particularly for highly exposed or coastal locations.
Can I replace existing casement stays?
Yes. Before ordering a replacement, check the existing stay length, fixing positions, pin arrangement and finish.
Choosing a replacement with similar dimensions can reduce the need for additional drilling or repairs to the timber.
Need Help Choosing Window Casement Stays?
The correct stay will depend on your window size, opening arrangement, required length, fixing details and preferred finish.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide range of window casement stays in Ireland, including traditional, contemporary, sliding and lockable designs from From The Anvil and Frelan Hardware.
Browse our collection online or contact our team if you need help coordinating window stays, pins and fasteners for your project.
