How to Install Window Trim

You don't even need a tape mensurate for perfect window casings!

Introduction

Almost trim carpenters don't fifty-fifty use a record to trim windows. It's all done by centre, with a sharp pencil, a miter saw and an eighteen-gauge nailer. Here'due south how they do it.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Actress pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood gum
  • Wood shims

Fugitive Trim-induced Headaches When Installing Window Casings

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

  • Whenever yous can, cut with the thick side of the trim confronting the miter saw fence. Y'all'll be less likely to tear out the narrow tapered edge that way.
  • Cut correct upwards to the pencil mark near always leaves pieces too long, and so remove the pencil line with the blade. You'll most likely still accept to shave off more than.
  • Sneak up on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw bract into the wood while you lot work your way to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows offset. That way, y'all can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing three/4-in.-thick trim, use 15-gauge 2-ane/two-in. nails for the framing and eighteen-gauge two-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To prevent splitting, avoid nailing closer than two in. from the ends.

Project stride-by-step (11)

Step i

Mark the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, start at the pinnacle. Cut a 45-degree angle on ane end of the trim and concur it so the curt finish of the bending overhangs halfway, or three/eight in., onto the jamb. And then mark the other end flush with the within of the jamb. That'll give yous a 3/16-in. reveal.

Step 2

Get the Spacing Right

top window trim piece

Identify the superlative piece and agree the trim 3/16 in. abroad from the jamb at both ends and along the base of the window casing. Blast the trim to the jamb with one-in. brads spaced about every 6 in. Nail the thick role of the trim to the framing with 2-in. brads.

Step 3

Check the Fit, then Cutting to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cut a 45-degree miter on one finish of the trim board. Adjust the miter equally needed for a perfect fit. Then scribe the cutting length 3/16 in. past the bottom of the jamb. Blast the trim onto the jamb first and and then to the window casing framing, as yous did with the elevation slice.

Step 4

Mucilage and Pin for a Solid Miter

fasten window trim corners

Fasten corners and glue and pin together the miter from both directions with 1-in. brads. Wipe the glue clasp-out with a clammy rag correct abroad.

Step 5

Trim the Other Side

finish sides of window trimming

Repeat all the aforementioned steps on the other side of the window, fitting first the pinnacle miter, and so marking and cutting the bottom i. Boom the window casing trim into identify.

Stride half-dozen

Fit the First Bottom Miter

bottom piece of window trim

Start the bottom piece. Cutting an overly long piece of window casing trim and cut a miter on i end. Overlap the far end to check the fit. Mark and recut the miter as needed for a perfect fit.

Step 7

Fit the Opposite Miter

adjust final miter cut window trim

Cut a test miter on the other cease and check the fit. Accommodate the miter as necessary until you lot're satisfied with the joint.

Stride viii

Scribe for Length

mark final window trim piece

Mark the final cut. With the saw nonetheless set for the previous miter, flip the trim over and scribe the length for the end that has that miter. Transfer the marking to the forepart side and make the cut.

Step 9

Dealing with Trouble Drywall: Projects More than i/8 in.

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more than 1/eight in., beat out in the drywall with a hammer. Simply be sure the crushed expanse will be covered by trim. In this situation, your miters won't be 45 degrees. You lot may demand to go every bit depression as 44 degrees to go a tight miter.

Step 10

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

window drywall projects less than 1/8 inch

If the drywall projects past the jamb 1/8 In. or less, and is shut to the window jamb, merely chamfer the edge with a utility pocketknife. Check to see if you've pared off plenty drywall by holding a chunk of trim against the drywall and jamb. If it rocks and won't sit flush against both surfaces, carve out some more.

Step 11

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Drywall Likewise Low

drywall to low on window trim

If the drywall's recessed behind the jamb, don't blast the trim to the framing at first. But nail it to the jamb and pin the mitered corners together. After the window is trimmed, slide shims backside each nail location to hold out the trim while nailing, then cut off the shims. Caulk the perimeter of the window casing trim to eliminate gaps earlier painting.

Plus, bank check out how to trim a door. It'southward easier than y'all think!

Originally Published: Jan x, 2019