How to Cut Window Trim Molding
There are as many ways to apply trim molding to a window as there are types of windows. This plan is for topping an old-style wood window frame that doesn't reach to the ceiling. The molding you'll use isn't the same as ceiling molding, which is hollow behind it. It is solid throughout, forming a free-standing crown at the top of the frame.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Enough three-sided corner molding to span your window and then some
- Power miter saw
- Drill with pilot bit
- Hammer
- Trim nails
- Nail set
Instructions
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1
Measure the width of your window frame across the top.
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Set your miter saw at 45 degrees. On your saw platform, position a length of top molding in the position it will be on top of the window frame, with the back of the molding facing the back guide fence of the saw. Cut one end at 45 degrees, so that the front is longer than the back.
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3
Measure the back of the piece to fit the atop the window and make a mark with your pencil. Reset the saw at 45 degrees in the opposite direction as the first cut. Cut from the mark on the back, with the miter in the opposition direction of the first miter, so the front is longer than the back.
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4
Hold the cut piece in place against the top part of the window frame, so the top edge of the piece is flush with the top edge of the frame. The beveled cuts should be flaring out and up off the ends of the frame.
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5
Drill pilot holes every foot along the trim, drilling straight back into the frame, and affix with trim nails and hammer. Set the nailheads with your nail set.
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6
Measure for the side pieces of the molding, which will form two corners with the front piece. The side pieces should be only as long in back as the depth of the window frame off the wall -- as little as 1 inch -- and as long in front as that measurement plus the thickness of the front piece of trim. Essentially, you will be cutting two wedges, almost triangular, to fit in along the sides of the front piece of trim.
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Set your saw at 45 degrees as before. Cut the two pieces so each one has a flat end that will go against the wall, and a beveled end that will meet the bevel on the front piece and form a corner. Affix the side pieces using just two nails, predrilling the holes and setting the nails carefully, to avoid breaking the small pieces.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective goggles when cutting the wood.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
