How to Install Window Trim

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

Introduction

Most trim carpenters don't fifty-fifty utilise a record to trim windows. It's all done past middle, with a sharp pencil, a miter saw and an 18-gauge nailer. Here's how they practice information technology.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Extra pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood glue
  • Forest shims

Avoiding Trim-induced Headaches When Installing Window Casings

Here are a few tips to assist 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 contend. You lot'll be less likely to tear out the narrow tapered edge that way.
  • Cut right up to the pencil mark nigh e'er leaves pieces too long, so remove the pencil line with the blade. Y'all'll most likely withal have to shave off more.
  • Sneak upwardly on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw blade into the wood while y'all work your way to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows beginning. That way, you lot can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of cloth.
  • When nailing 3/4-in.-thick trim, use fifteen-gauge 2-1/2-in. nails for the framing and xviii-estimate 2-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To preclude splitting, avoid nailing closer than 2 in. from the ends.

Project step-by-pace (eleven)

Step 1

Mark the Length

installing window molding

When installing window molding, get-go at the top. Cutting a 45-degree bending on one end of the trim and hold it and then the brusk end of the angle overhangs halfway, or 3/8 in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other end flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give y'all a iii/16-in. reveal.

Step 2

Get the Spacing Right

top window trim piece

Identify the pinnacle piece and hold the trim 3/16 in. away from the jamb at both ends and along the base of the window casing. Nail the trim to the jamb with one-in. brads spaced nigh every 6 in. Nail the thick part of the trim to the framing with ii-in. brads.

Step iii

Check the Fit, and so Cutting to Length

cut window trim sides to length

Cut a 45-degree miter on one end of the trim board. Adapt the miter as needed for a perfect fit. Then scribe the cut length three/xvi in. past the bottom of the jamb. Nail the trim onto the jamb starting time and so to the window casing framing, as you lot did with the top piece.

Step 4

Glue and Pin for a Solid Miter

fasten window trim corners

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

Pace 5

Trim the Other Side

finish sides of window trimming

Repeat still steps on the other side of the window, fitting offset the top miter, and then marker and cutting the bottom one. Smash the window casing trim into place.

Step 6

Fit the First Lesser Miter

bottom piece of window trim

Start the bottom piece. Cut an overly long piece of window casing trim and cut a miter on i end. 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

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

Step 8

Scribe for Length

mark final window trim piece

Marking the final cut. With the saw still fix for the previous miter, flip the trim over and scribe the length for the end that has that miter. Transfer the marking to the front side and make the cut.

Stride 9

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Projects More 1/viii in.

smash drywall around window trim

If the drywall projects more ane/eight in., crush in the drywall with a hammer. Simply be sure the crushed surface area will be covered by trim. In this situation, your miters won't be 45 degrees. Yous may need to go every bit low as 44 degrees to go a tight miter.

Stride x

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 border with a utility knife. Check to see if you've pared off plenty drywall past property a chunk of trim against the drywall and jamb. If it rocks and won't sit down flush against both surfaces, carve out some more.

Step 11

Dealing with Problem Drywall: Drywall Too Depression

drywall to low on window trim

If the drywall'due south recessed behind the jamb, don't nail the trim to the framing at first. Only boom information technology to the jamb and pin the mitered corners together. Later on the window is trimmed, slide shims backside each nail location to hold out the trim while nailing, and so 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. Information technology's easier than yous recollect!

Originally Published: Jan 10, 2019