How to Install a Quarter Round on a Door Opening
Quarter round molding is a trim molding used for a wide variety of woodworking tasks including door openings. The side profile of the quarter round molding is one quarter of a circle. The rounded side of the quarter of the circle is the side that faces out. Use quarter round molding to create a rounded decorative trim on the outside edges of the door casing. Select a quality wood such as cedar for the quarter round so that it will withstand exposure to weather. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 3 quarter round molding lengths, 96 inches long
- Miter saw
- Sanding block, fine-grit
- Window and door caulk
- Caulk gun
- Hammer
- Finish nails
- Wood finish
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the outside edges of the side and top (head) molding around the door casing with a tape measure. Make note of the measurements.
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2
Lay the quarter round molding lengths, one at a time, flat on the miter saw with the front side facing you. Mark the measurements from Step 1 onto each length of molding so that you have two sides and one top (head) molding marked out using a tape measure and pencil. Adjust the miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle. The long points of the molding should be on the front side of the molding and the back sides should equal the measurements from Step 1.
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3
Cut each board to length using the miter saw. Both ends of the top (head) molding piece should be cut at a 45-degree angle. The top ends of the side molding pieces should be cut at a 45-degree angle. The bottom end can be left at a 90-degree angle.
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4
Sand the cut ends of the molding with a fine-grit sanding block to remove any roughness left from the saw.
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5
Cut off the tip from the window and door caulk tube at a 45-degree angle using the cutter on the caulk gun. Puncture the seal in the tube with the puncture tool on the caulk gun. Pivot the tube, tip-first into the caulk gun.
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6
Pull the trigger to apply a bead of caulk around the outside edges of the door casing. Fit the quarter round molding sides and top (head) pieces into place around the outside edges of the door casing. Press them into place against the door casing and exterior of the house.
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7
Hammer finish nails through the quarter round molding every 4 to 6 inches to secure it in place. Fill over the nail holes with a dab of caulk.
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8
Brush an even coat of wood finish over the quarter round molding using a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry at least four hours and apply a second coat.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the quarter round molding an accent color so that it stands out from the door casing and highlights the feature.
Wear eye protection when woodworking to help prevent possible injuries.
