How to Install Mouldings
Moulding around a window or door is the finishing touch for the interior. Moulding is usually wood, pine or oak, and comes in various designs and sizes. Whether painting or staining the moulding, installation is the same.
While many homes utilize drywall returns to finish off window and door openings, moulding lends a decorative element which can be incorporated into the overall, interior design of the home. Moulding installation can be done with only a few tools and a basic level of carpentry skills.
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Instructions
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1
Use the tape measure to measure the exterior dimension of the door or window opening. These dimensions will be the inside dimensions of your moulding. You may want to measure a 1/4 inch or so bigger or smaller, depending on your desire to leave a reveal.
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2
Use a miter saw to cut your mouldings at 45 degree angles. The inside dimension will be the measurement you took. This will measure to the short ends of the piece of moulding.
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3
Hold the moulding level to the treatment area. A level isn't necessarily required as you will want to eyeball the trim so that it is even around the window or door.
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4
Use finishing nails, preferably an air nailer, to nail the moulding in place. Space the nails about 18 inches apart. You should nail along the inside and outside of the moulding, about 1/2 inch from the edge to avoid splitting.
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Nail the corners of the moulding together from the outside edges. You may need to push one moulding in to ensure that they meet properly.
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Tips & Warnings
You may want to caulk the interior and exterior edges of the moulding. This is not required but can help reduce air leaks and add a finished look.
Windows should be trimmed so that the moulding covers a small part of the window frame. This makes squaring the trim easier and eliminates any angle cut adjustments required to compensate for an opening that is not square.
