How to Install Window Trim

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

Introduction

Most trim carpenters don't even employ a tape to trim windows. It'due south all done by eye, with a sharp pencil, a miter saw and an 18-guess nailer. Here's how they practise 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 aid you avoid a few trim hassles when installing window casings:

  • Whenever you can, cutting with the thick side of the trim against the miter saw argue. Yous'll be less likely to tear out the narrow tapered border that way.
  • Cutting right upward to the pencil marker almost always leaves pieces as well long, and so remove the pencil line with the blade. You'll virtually probable even so accept to shave off more than.
  • Sneak up on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw blade into the wood while you work your way to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows get-go. That way, you can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing 3/4-in.-thick trim, employ 15-judge two-1/two-in. nails for the framing and 18-estimate 2-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To prevent splitting, avoid nailing closer than 2 in. from the ends.

Project step-by-step (11)

Step 1

Mark the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, start at the elevation. Cut a 45-degree angle on one end of the trim and concur it then the short terminate of the angle overhangs halfway, or three/8 in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other end flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give you a 3/16-in. reveal.

Step two

Get the Spacing Correct

top window trim piece

Place the top piece and hold the trim 3/16 in. abroad from the jamb at both ends and forth the base of operations of the window casing. Nail the trim to the jamb with i-in. brads spaced about every 6 in. Blast the thick role of the trim to the framing with 2-in. brads.

Footstep three

Check the Fit, so Cut to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cut a 45-degree miter on one cease of the trim lath. Accommodate the miter equally needed for a perfect fit. Then scribe the cut length iii/16 in. past the bottom of the jamb. Boom the trim onto the jamb first and and so to the window casing framing, every bit yous did with the height slice.

Pace iv

Glue 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 squeeze-out with a clammy rag correct away.

Step v

Trim the Other Side

finish sides of window trimming

Repeat however steps on the other side of the window, plumbing fixtures first the height miter, and so marking and cut the bottom one. Blast the window casing trim into place.

Step 6

Fit the First Bottom Miter

bottom piece of window trim

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

Stride 7

Fit the Reverse Miter

adjust final miter cut window trim

Cut a examination miter on the other stop and bank check the fit. Adapt the miter every bit necessary until yous're satisfied with the joint.

Stride 8

Scribe for Length

mark final window trim piece

Mark the terminal cutting. With the saw nevertheless set for the previous miter, flip the trim over and scribe the length for the terminate that has that miter. Transfer the mark to the front side and make the cut.

Step 9

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

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more 1/8 in., crush in the drywall with a hammer. But be sure 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 go a tight miter.

Step 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 ane/8 In. or less, and is close to the window jamb, just chamfer the border with a utility knife. Check to see if yous've pared off enough drywall by property a chunk of trim against the drywall and jamb. If it rocks and won't sit flush confronting both surfaces, carve out some more.

Step 11

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Drywall Too Low

drywall to low on window trim

If the drywall's recessed backside the jamb, don't nail the trim to the framing at first. Only nail it to the jamb and pivot the mitered corners together. After the window is trimmed, slide shims behind each blast location to hold 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: Jan x, 2019