How to Install Exterior Wood Trim
Changing your old, exterior house trim isn't as difficult as you might think. Maybe the trim is rotted or old. Perhaps the weather has deteriorated the finish. Rotted or damaged trim needs to be replaced right away or water can damage the siding or walls of the house. Most exterior trim jobs can be done in a day or so. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chop saw
- Extension cord
- Scraper
- Degreaser spray
- Clean rags
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Stainless steel/trim nails
- Silicone
- Wood Sealer
- Stain
- Paint brush
Instructions
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1
Set up the chop saw on a small table so that you can make all your trim cuts.
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2
Remove any old trim with a small crowbar. Try to save the pieces if possible. You can use these for measurements for the new trim. If your old trim is damaged or rotted, it may not be possible to remove the trim without it breaking.
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3
Scrape away any dirt and grime. Clean the area with degreaser and rags. Let dry for about 15 minutes. If you have the old trim pieces, use them as templates for the new trim.
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4
Measure each trim section if you don't have any old trim for templates. Place the cut trim on the wall. Have a helper hold the other end for you if your trim pieces are long. Level each piece of trim as you go. Mark the outline.
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5
Install the trim using 16-penny nails. Place nails every 2 feet and countersink them, so the nail heads can be filled with wood putty.
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6
Butt trim pieces together for long runs, making sure to leave about 1/4 inch of space, so the wood can expand and contract.
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7
Apply waterproof silicone to the outside edges of all the trim. Coat the trim with a waterproof sealer.
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