How to Install Edwardian Style Door and Window Trim

The Edwardian era, which followed the great Victorian era, ushered in a light, clean interior design style in notable contrast to the heavy, ornate style of the preceding era. The sharp lines and stately presence of the interior trim remains popular today because of its pleasing aesthetic. Edwardian style trim has come to define what we love about cozy, yet classic bungalow, plantation and cottage interiors.

Things You'll Need

• Circular Saw
• Finish Nail Gun
• Finish Nails

Instructions

1. 

   The header casing package consists of three separate trim pieces. The top of the header is a small piece of casing that looks like crown molding, the middle is a flat piece of casing and the bottom of the detail is a thin casing piece called a lintel. These three pieces stack up together on top of the vertical casing pieces. You can purchase these three different pieces from a lumber company that sells interior trim.

2. 

   The vertical door casing is normally 5" wide and flat with either rounded or sharp edges. Make a decision on the edge detail based on your personal preference. Rounded edges give a softer look to the interior while sharp edges create a more stately and formal effect.

3. 

   Plinth blocks round out the Edwardian door casing detail. These blocks are installed on the floor and create a formal base for the vertical casing pieces.

4. When installing this kind of door casing package, always start with the plinth blocks first. Be careful to install the plinth block flat and flush against the door jamb and wall. If not, you will see the error when the vertical casing is installed. The edges of the two trim pieces will be offset from one another and this is easy to see when standing in front of the door and looking down.

5. Next install the two vertical casing pieces. Make sure the two cuts are exactly the same so that the header pieces can be installed perfectly level.

6. Install the lintel next, then the flat header piece and finally the top header trim. Caulk around the seams between the casing pieces and the sheetrock, install wood putty in the nail holes and you are ready for paint.