How to Install Decorative Door Molding
You can transform a flat, plain door into one with that classic paneled look with just a few pieces of flat trim molding, some glue and a miter saw. The idea is to install on the flat surface a series of miter squares of molding, like picture frames, which gives the illusion that the molding is part of the door's structural design. It's best to glue rather than nail the trim so you don't damage the door. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Small chisel
- Tape measure
- Square
- Flat molding
- Miter saw
- Wood glue
Instructions
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1
Remove the door by tapping the hinge pins up and out with a hammer and small chisel. Set the door in a work area, with the front side facing up at you.
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2
Use your tape measure, pencil and square to mark where you want the trim to go on the door. Generally, you'll want either four or six squares of trim, two squares across, sitting three to five inches from the edge of the door on each side. Make sure your design doesn't interfere with the doorknob.
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3
Measure one side of one of your marked squares. Mark the measurement on a piece of molding, leaving a few inches of overhang on either side of the measurement. Make the mark on the side of the trim that will face outward from the square.
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4
Lay the trim flat on your miter saw, with the marked side facing the blade. Put one of the marks directly under the saw blade. Turn the blade to 45 degrees, pointing inward toward the measured span. Make the cut.
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5
Slide the piece so the other mark is under the blade. Turn the blade to 45 degrees in the opposite direction (so it's still pointing inward toward the measured span). Make the cut.
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6
Affix the cut piece to the door front with wood glue, positioning it so the longer top edge of the molding lines up with the top mark, and the mitered cuts angle inward, into the square, at each end.
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7
Measure and cut the rest of the molding pieces in the same manner for each side of each square. The mitered cuts should butt against each other to form the corners.
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8
Let the glue dry for a day. Paint or otherwise finish the door and the molding. Hang the door back on its hinges.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when cutting molding.
