New door trim is an inexpensive way to give any room a crisp new look. In this project, which will take you about an hour, we’ll walk you through how to install basic door trim.
Here’s what you’ll need to take on this task:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Tape Measure
- Combination Square
- Miter Saw
- Wood Glue
- Cordless 16 & 18 Gauge Nailer
- Hammer & Nail Punch
- 1″ x 4″ Wood
- 1″ x 2″ Wood
- Wood Filler
- 1 1/4″ Nails (For 18 Gauge)
- 2″ Power Finish Nails (For 16 Gauge)
- Or 3d and 4d Finish Nails
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. Throughout the video, we’ll alert you regarding when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Layout reveal. Door casing is held back slightly from the edge of the door jam. This area, usually about a quarter inch, is called the reveal. If you’re replacing pre-existing casing, the reveal will already be laid out. If you’re installing casing for the first time, set a combination square to a quarter inch and draw a line around the top and sides of the door.
STEP TWO
Measure and cut side casing. Measure along one side jam from the floor to your reveal, then make a square cut on one end of your molding. Check the fit before installing. You might need to adjust one or both side casings slightly for a secure fit. If you’re using a power nailer, fasten with 18 gauge, two inch nails into jams and studs. For side casings, start nailing near the top, straightening the molding as you work your way down, then repeat to fit the other side.
STEP THREE
Cut head casing. To determine your head casing size, measure from the outside of one side piece to the outside of the other, then cut to width. If you’d like to create returns to hide the end grain, back cut the piece at both ends with a 45 degree angle. If you’d like to leave them as is, cut the piece at a 90 degree angle repeating for any cap or bottom pieces. In this case, we added a top cap but no pieces underneath.
STEP FOUR
Creating returns. Cut a 45 degree angle into a piece of wood that’s long enough to safely cut. Flip over and make a straight cut where the angled cut meets the back of the board. Secure the return in place with glue, making sure the wood grain aligns.
STEP FIVE
Build head casing. Once your pieces are set, assemble the head casing by nailing the one by two top cap to your one by four. Make sure the ends are flush. Clamp together and using an 18 gauge nailer fasten with one and one fourth inch nails every six inches. S.
STEP SIX
Install head casing. Place the head casing along the reveal line, confirm it’s level and secure with a 16 gauge nailer.
STEP SEVEN
Fill nail holes. Dab a little wood filler into each nail hole. When completely dry, sand flush with a sanding block or 100 grit sandpaper. Your installation is complete. Step back and admire your new door trim.
