How to Trim an Outside Window With Wood

Trim protects your windows and makes them stand out.

Now that you have installed some new windows, it's time to install the exterior trim. Or perhaps you need to replace old and faulty trim that may be letting in water or air. Installing trim is important so that you have the most efficient windows possible. The most common types of window trim are wood, plastic or architectural molding.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Gloves
• Respirator
• Crowbars
• Hammer
• Metal scraper
• Spray degreaser
• Brillo pads
• Chop saw
• Skill saw
• Extension cord
• Measuring tape
• Cordless drill
• Drywall screws
• Level
• Silcone cartridge
• Silicone gun
• Silicone (small tube)

Instructions

1. Put on eye protection, ear protection, gloves and respirator. Remove any old trim, using a crowbar and hammer to pull out any nails. Scrape away any remaining paint, wood, or dirt and grime, using a metal scraper.

2. Spray degreaser on the area and scrub with a steel-wool pad.

3. Set up your chop saw or skill saw. Have a table ready to place long pieces of trim on when you make your cuts.

4. Measure the width and height of each window if your old trim is damaged or rotten. If not, use the old trim as a template. Add on the measurement of the width of your trim boards and prepare to cut to size. Account for corner cuts made at a 45-degree angle. Use the chop saw or skill saw and table to cut each trim piece.

5. Attach each piece of window trim with a cordless drill and drywall screws, starting with one side. Use the level to position each trim piece carefully. You may use wood trim, plastic, or even architectural. Consult with a contractor to determine which kind of trim will last the longest in your area.

6. Cut off the end of the silicone tube at a 45-degree angle, using a utility knife. For large jobs, use a silicone gun and silicone cartridges. For one or two windows, use a small tube of silicone.

7. Apply silicone to the outside trim, forming a bead all the way around each window. Let dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with a contractor as to the best kind of trim to use for exterior windows. Factors such as climate play a big part in how many years your trim will last.

• Use waterproof and mildew/mold-proof silicone specifically for windows to ensure the seal will last many years.

References

• Thisoldhouse.com: How to Trim an Outside Window With Wood

Resources

• Toolbase.org: How to Trim an Outside Window With Wood