Installing Window Molding
Window trim adds a finished look to your windows. The trim frames the window like a picture. You should select window trim to complement the woodwork and overall style of the room where the window is located. The basic parts of the trim include sides, head (top), stool and apron. The stool trims the bottom of the window at the sill, and the apron is installed below the stool to create a decorative finish at the bottom. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Window trim boards, 96-inch lengths
- Stool molding
- Scribing tool
- Band saw
- Hammer
- Box, finish nails
- Nail set
Instructions
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1
Measure from the top edge of the window sill to the bottom edge of the top window frame board using a tape measure. This is the measurement required for the sides. Measure the width of the window frame. Add two times the width of the window trim to the measurement to get the length required for the window stool and apron.
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2
Lay out the window trim boards and mark the side and apron measurements onto them with a pencil. Mark out two trim boards for the sides and one trim board for the apron. Lay out the stool molding and mark it to length.
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3
Cut the two sides, apron and stool molding using a miter saw. Cut a 45-degree angle on the top ends of the sides. The long point of the angle should be on the outside edges of each side trim board.
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4
Center the stool molding at the base of the window. Adjust the scribing tool to the space between the back edge of the molding and the window frame. Run the tool along both ends of the stool to transfer the window frame profile onto the ends.
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5
Cut the scribe profile out of both ends of the stool molding and place it back into the base of the window opening. Hammer finish nails every 4 to 6 inches along the length of the molding into the window frame.
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6
Position the side trim boards into place on each side of the window opening. The inside edge should be flush with the window frame. Hammer finish nails through the trim into the window frame along the length of the trim boards every 6 to 8 inches.
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7
Measure from tip to tip at the top edges of the side trim boards. This is the measurement for the head trim board. Mark the measurement onto a trim board and cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. The outside edge of the trim will have the long points.
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8
Insert the head trim board into place at the top of the window opening. The sides and head fit together like a picture frame. Hammer finish nails through the trim into the window frame every 6 to 8 inches.
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9
Center the apron board below the stool molding. Hammer finish nails through the apron into the wall every 6 to 8 inches.
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10
Set the nails approximately 1/16-inch below the surface with a nail set.
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Tips & Warnings
Select molding with a finish that matches your woodwork or wall finish.
Wear eye protection when installing window trim molding.
