How to Install Window Trim

Yous don't fifty-fifty need a tape measure for perfect window casings!

Introduction

Near trim carpenters don't even use a tape to trim windows. It's all done by eye, with a sharp pencil, a miter saw and an xviii-judge nailer. Here'south how they do it.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Extra pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood gum
  • Wood shims

Avoiding Trim-induced Headaches When Installing Window Casings

Here are a few tips to help you avoid a few trim hassles when installing window casings:

  • Whenever you can, cut with the thick side of the trim against the miter saw fence. Y'all'll exist less likely to tear out the narrow tapered edge that way.
  • Cutting right upward to the pencil marking almost always leaves pieces too long, so remove the pencil line with the bract. You lot'll most likely still have to shave off more.
  • Sneak up on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw blade into the wood while you work your manner to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows offset. That way, you can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing 3/4-in.-thick trim, apply 15-gauge 2-one/2-in. nails for the framing and xviii-guess 2-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To prevent splitting, avoid nailing closer than two in. from the ends.

Project step-by-step (eleven)

Step 1

Mark the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, start at the superlative. Cut a 45-caste angle on one terminate of the trim and concord it so the brusque end of the angle overhangs halfway, or 3/viii in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other end flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give y'all a three/16-in. reveal.

Step ii

Become the Spacing Correct

top window trim piece

Place the height piece and hold the trim three/sixteen in. away from the jamb at both ends and along the base of operations of the window casing. Nail the trim to the jamb with 1-in. brads spaced almost every half dozen in. Nail the thick role of the trim to the framing with 2-in. brads.

Footstep 3

Check the Fit, then Cut to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cut a 45-degree miter on one end of the trim board. Arrange the miter equally needed for a perfect fit. And then scribe the cut length 3/16 in. past the bottom of the jamb. Nail the trim onto the jamb start and so to the window casing framing, as you did with the top slice.

Step iv

Glue and Pin for a Solid Miter

fasten window trim corners

Spike corners and glue and pin together the miter from both directions with 1-in. brads. Wipe the glue clasp-out with a clammy rag right away.

Step 5

Trim the Other Side

finish sides of window trimming

Repeat all the same steps on the other side of the window, fitting first the top miter, and and then marking and cutting the lesser one. Boom the window casing trim into place.

Step 6

Fit the Kickoff Bottom Miter

bottom piece of window trim

Offset the lesser piece. Cut an overly long piece of window casing trim and cutting a miter on one end. Overlap the far finish to check the fit. Marker and recut the miter as needed for a perfect fit.

Stride vii

Fit the Reverse Miter

adjust final miter cut window trim

Cut a test miter on the other end and check the fit. Adapt the miter as necessary until yous're satisfied with the joint.

Footstep eight

Scribe for Length

mark final window trim piece

Mark the final cutting. With the saw still set for the previous miter, flip the trim over and scribe the length for the end that has that miter. Transfer the marker to the front end side and make the cutting.

Footstep ix

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Projects More than i/eight in.

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more than i/eight in., vanquish in the drywall with a hammer. Just be sure the crushed surface area will be covered by trim. In this state of affairs, your miters won't be 45 degrees. You may demand to go as depression as 44 degrees to get a tight miter.

Step 10

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Projects Less than 1/8 in.

window drywall projects less than 1/8 inch

If the drywall projects past the jamb 1/8 In. or less, and is close to the window jamb, just chamfer the edge with a utility knife. Check to see if you've pared off enough drywall by holding a clamper of trim against the drywall and jamb. If information technology rocks and won't sit flush against both surfaces, carve out some more.

Stride 11

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Drywall Too Depression

drywall to low on window trim

If the drywall'south recessed behind the jamb, don't nail the trim to the framing at commencement. Simply nail information technology to the jamb and pin the mitered corners together. After the window is trimmed, slide shims behind each nail location to concord out the trim while nailing, then cut off the shims. Caulk the perimeter of the window casing trim to eliminate gaps before painting.

Plus, check out how to trim a door. It's easier than you think!

Originally Published: January 10, 2019