How to Install Window Trim

You don't even demand a record measure for perfect window casings!

Introduction

Most trim carpenters don't fifty-fifty use a record to trim windows. Information technology's all done by eye, with a precipitous pencil, a miter saw and an 18-gauge nailer. Here'southward how they do it.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Extra pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood glue
  • 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 yous can, cutting 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 style.
  • Cutting right upwardly to the pencil mark almost always leaves pieces too long, so remove the pencil line with the blade. Yous'll most likely nevertheless have to shave off more.
  • Sneak up on cuts past starting long and dipping the saw blade into the woods while you work your mode to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows first. That style, you can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing 3/iv-in.-thick trim, utilise 15-judge 2-ane/two-in. nails for the framing and 18-approximate 2-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To preclude splitting, avoid nailing closer than 2 in. from the ends.

Project step-by-footstep (eleven)

Pace 1

Marking the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, first at the top. Cutting a 45-degree angle on 1 end of the trim and concur it so the brusque end of the angle overhangs halfway, or three/8 in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other stop flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give you a 3/sixteen-in. reveal.

Stride 2

Become the Spacing Right

top window trim piece

Place the top slice and hold the trim three/16 in. away from the jamb at both ends and forth the base of the window casing. Nail the trim to the jamb with one-in. brads spaced virtually every 6 in. Smash the thick office of the trim to the framing with 2-in. brads.

Step 3

Cheque the Fit, then Cut to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cutting a 45-degree miter on one end of the trim board. Conform the miter as needed for a perfect fit. And so scribe the cut length 3/sixteen in. past the bottom of the jamb. Smash the trim onto the jamb first then to the window casing framing, as you did with the top slice.

Pace 4

Mucilage and Pin for a Solid Miter

fasten window trim corners

Spike corners and glue and pivot together the miter from both directions with 1-in. brads. Wipe the glue squeeze-out with a damp 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 showtime the peak miter, and and so mark and cutting the bottom one. Nail the window casing trim into place.

Step vi

Fit the Beginning Bottom Miter

bottom piece of window trim

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

Stride 7

Fit the Reverse Miter

adjust final miter cut window trim

Cutting a test miter on the other stop and bank check the fit. Adjust the miter equally necessary until you're satisfied with the joint.

Step 8

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 cease that has that miter. Transfer the mark to the front side and make the cutting.

Stride 9

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

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more than than 1/eight in., trounce in the drywall with a hammer. Only be certain the crushed area will exist covered by trim. In this situation, your miters won't be 45 degrees. You may need to go as low as 44 degrees to get a tight miter.

Footstep 10

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Projects Less than one/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. Bank check to see if you lot'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 Trouble Drywall: Drywall As well Low

drywall to low on window trim

If the drywall's recessed backside the jamb, don't nail the trim to the framing at beginning. Only nail it to the jamb and pin the mitered corners together. Later on the window is trimmed, slide shims backside each nail location to concur out the trim while nailing, then cut off the shims. Caulk the perimeter of the window casing trim to eliminate gaps before painting.

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

Originally Published: Jan x, 2019