How to Install Window Trim

Y'all don't even need a tape measure out for perfect window casings!

Introduction

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

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Extra pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood glue
  • Woods shims

Fugitive Trim-induced Headaches When Installing Window Casings

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

  • Whenever you can, cut with the thick side of the trim against the miter saw debate. You'll be less likely to tear out the narrow tapered edge that way.
  • Cutting correct up to the pencil mark almost always leaves pieces too long, so remove the pencil line with the blade. You'll most likely still have to shave off more.
  • Sneak upward on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw blade into the woods while you work your way to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows first. That way, you can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing 3/4-in.-thick trim, use 15-judge 2-1/ii-in. nails for the framing and xviii-guess ii-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To prevent splitting, avert nailing closer than 2 in. from the ends.

Project step-past-step (eleven)

Step 1

Mark the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, showtime at the top. Cutting a 45-degree angle on one cease of the trim and hold it and so the brusk stop of the bending overhangs halfway, or iii/8 in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other finish flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give you lot a three/16-in. reveal.

Stride two

Go the Spacing Right

top window trim piece

Identify the elevation piece and hold the trim 3/xvi in. away from the jamb at both ends and along the base of the window casing. Nail the trim to the jamb with 1-in. brads spaced well-nigh every 6 in. Nail the thick part of the trim to the framing with 2-in. brads.

Pace iii

Check the Fit, then Cut to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cut a 45-degree miter on one cease of the trim board. Adjust the miter equally needed for a perfect fit. Then scribe the cutting length three/16 in. past the bottom of the jamb. Blast the trim onto the jamb first and and so to the window casing framing, as you lot did with the top slice.

Step four

Glue and Pivot for a Solid Miter

fasten window trim corners

Fasten corners and gum and pin together the miter from both directions with 1-in. brads. Wipe the gum squeeze-out with a damp rag right away.

Pace v

Trim the Other Side

finish sides of window trimming

Echo all the same steps on the other side of the window, fitting first the top miter, and so marker and cutting the lesser ane. Nail the window casing trim into identify.

Step 6

Fit the Commencement Bottom Miter

bottom piece of window trim

Start the bottom piece. Cut an overly long piece of window casing trim and cut a miter on ane terminate. Overlap the far end to check the fit. Marking 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 end and check the fit. Adapt the miter as necessary until y'all're satisfied with the articulation.

Step viii

Scribe for Length

mark final window trim piece

Marker the concluding cutting. With the saw still gear up for the previous miter, flip the trim over and scribe the length for the end that has that miter. Transfer the mark to the forepart side and make the cut.

Step 9

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

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more than than ane/eight in., crush in the drywall with a hammer. Just be certain the crushed area volition exist covered by trim. In this situation, your miters won't exist 45 degrees. You lot may demand to get as low as 44 degrees to go a tight miter.

Stride ten

Dealing with Trouble 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. Cheque to run across if you lot've pared off enough drywall past holding a chunk of trim against the drywall and jamb. If information technology rocks and won't sit flush confronting both surfaces, cleave out some more.

Pace 11

Dealing with Trouble Drywall: Drywall As well Depression

drywall to low on window trim

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

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

Originally Published: January 10, 2019