How to Install Fluted Moulding

Fluted molding is a type of trim that has parallel routed lines running along the length of it, creating a classic ``Greek column'' look. The molding itself is flat and wide, making it ideal for trimming out windows and doors. As with other trim, fluted molding is generally miter-cut to fit around corners, which can be a little tricky because you have to line up each of the fluted lines between the two pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Fluted molding
• Miter saw
• Trim nail gun

Instructions

1. Measure across the inside edge of the window opening at the top, horizontally, from corner to corner. Mark the measurement on a piece of fluted molding, putting two marks at the bottom edge of the piece. Leave about 6 inches or more of space beyond each mark.

2. Set the molding on a miter saw, face up, with the marked edge facing the miter blade. Line up one mark in front of the blade. Swivel the blade 45 degrees outward, so it points away from the measured section of the trim. Start the saw and bring it down through the molding.

3. Move the trim so the second mark is in front of the blade. Swivel the blade to again point 45 degrees away from the measured section, which will mean it's pointing in the opposite direction as before. Cut the molding.

4. Hold the cut piece along the window opening, lining up the bottom edge of the trim with the top edge of the casing. The angled cuts at the ends should touch the two top corners and go upward and outward from them.

5. Install the molding with a trim nail gun, shooting nails every 10 inches or so along the top and bottom edges. Shoot the nails in through the bottom parts of the fluted design, inside the lines, rather then along the raised parts.

6. Repeat for each side of the window. Install the adjacent pieces so the miters meet to form angled corners, making sure each line in the fluting is lined up at a 45-degree angle again the corresponding line on the other board.

Tips & Warnings

• For doors, or windows with sills, cut the button end of the side pieces straight across instead of at a 45-degree angle.

• Wear goggles when making your cuts.

References

• Kelleher.com: Cutting Trim With a Miter Saw.
• HGTV.com: Installing Fluted Molding.