How to Replace Exterior Door Trim
Exterior door trim can show wear and tear due to being exposed to all types of weather. Because of this, your trim will need to be replaced from time to time. Even if the existing trim is still in good condition, you may want to change the look of your home by using fresh materials. You don't have to be a carpenter to replace the exterior door trim of your home. With the right tools and a little home improvement know-how, you can upgrade your house without hiring a costly handyman. New door trim can go a long way in improving the outward appearance of your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Strip of plywood
- Chisel
- Nail remover
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Nail set
- Hammer
- Finish nail gun
Instructions
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1
Tap a ripping chisel behind the old trim around the door and pry it off; don't remove the existing nails until the old trim is off. Use a strip of plywood to rest the prying tool on when prying to prevent damage to the exterior siding finish.
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2
Remove existing nails using a nail remover or hammer claw.
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3
Measure the old trim to calculate the measurements for the new trim. Place the trim that needs to be cut on miter table and cut it. Most trim angels will be at 45 degrees, so set the miter to this degree and lock it in place before cutting.
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4
Place the new trim in the door to make sure the measurements are correct and that the angles fit. If there are gaps between angle cuts, use a hand planer or electric sander to plane the angle so that it fits. Use a wood filler to fill in any small cracks, and sand the trim down smooth after filler has dried.
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5
Nail the trim in place using finish nails. A brad nailer or finish nail gun works well for trim work. If one is not available, use finish nails with a finish hammer. In some cases, a predrilled hole may be needed for the nails to prevent the trim from splitting. Place a nail set on the head of the nail and tap with the hammer until the nail is sunk under the face of the wood. Finally, fill in holes with wood filler and sand them smooth.
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6
Paint or stain wood trim to blend with your house color, or to add a pop of color to neutral siding.
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