How to Install Door Trim

Replacing trim around an existing door or installing a new door with trim is an easy do-it-yourself project. Even if you aren't a seasoned do-it-yourself home owner, once you assemble your tools and begin installing the trim, you'll see it's not as hard as it sounds.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Miter box
• Back saw
• Trim nails
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Measure the height of each side of the door and the length of the top of the door.

2. Cut your pieces of trim according to the measurements, using the miter box to make 45-degree angle cuts on one end of each side door trim piece, and one 45-degree cut on each end of the top piece. Make the direction of the 45-degree cuts on the side pieces opposite each other, and make the two 45-degree angles on the top piece facing in towards each other, so the bottom ends of the cuts point in at the door.

3. Tack your trim pieces around the door frame, fitting the 45-degree angle cuts together. Start with the side pieces and end with the top. Place your trim either flush against the door jamb, or use the more popular approach and set your trim back halfway along the inside of the door jamb.

4. Nail the door trim pieces every 6 inches, pounding the nails in just below the surface of the trim.

5. Fill the holes left by the nails with wood putty and paint or stain it to match your trim.