How to Install Door & Window Molding
Window and doors are trimmed with molding often called casing. Window and door molding trim around the sides and top of windows and doors. The molding along the top of the windows and doors is called the head molding. Head molding caps over the top ends of the sides. The sides sit flat at the window or door sill. Window and door sills are tilted and therefore the bottom edge of the side casing requires an angled edge to fit tightly against the sill. The process of installing molding for doors and windows is the same. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Molding stock, 96 inches long
- Sliding t-bevel
- Tape measure
- Miter saw
- Window and door caulk
- Caulk gun
- Box, finish nails
- Hammer
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the length from the sill to 1/2-inch above the bottom edge of the rough opening at the head of the window or door. This is the length required for the side molding.
-
2
Place the sliding t-bevel against the side of the window or door and adjust the bevel to the angle of the sill. Lock the bevel in place. This is the angle required for the bottom edge of the side casing.
-
-
3
Adjust the miter saw to the angle on the sliding t-bevel. Cut the angle onto the end of two molding stock boards. Set the saw back to a 90-degree angle. Measure, mark and cut the side molding boards to length.
-
4
Apply a bead of caulk along the back side of the side molding using a caulk gun. Place the side molding flat against the edge of the rough opening leaving a 1/2-inch reveal from the inside edge of the rough opening to the inside edge of the molding.
-
5
Fasten the side molding in place using a hammer to drive finish nails every 6 to 8 inches along the entire length of the boards.
-
6
Measure from the outside edge to outside edge at the top of the side molding boards. This is the length required for the head molding board. Measure, mark and cut the head molding board on the miter saw.
-
7
Place the head molding board against the wall above the rough opening. The bottom edge of the molding should rest on top of the ends of the side molding. Apply a bead of caulk to the back side of the molding. Fasten the head molding in place with finish nails every 6 to 8 inches.
-
8
Fill the nail holes with wood putty using the blade of the putty knife. Allow the putty to dry and sand it flush with the surface of the molding with a scrap of sandpaper.
-
9
Apply paint to the molding and allow it to dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Select molding that reflects the style of your home.
Wear eye protection when installing window and door molding.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
