How to Finish the Edge of the Basement Window Jamb
Basement windows add light to an otherwise small and dark area of your home. Once you have installed the window, you will notice a gap running around the window where the window jamb's edges touch the rough opening. You can install any style of regular trim around your basement window. However, since basement windows are typically mounted in cement block walls, you cannot simply mount trim around the window with finishing nails.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the window's length on the top and write this measurement down on a piece of paper. Set a carpenter's square to 1/8 inch. Measure in from the window casing's inside edge and mark the 1/8-inch reveal along each corner.
-
2
Set a miter saw to a right-hand 45-degree cut. Cut approximately 1 inch from the end of a piece of trim. Slide the miter saw over to a left-hand 45-degree cut. Transfer the window's top length measurement to the trim, measuring from the trim's bottom edge. Cut the trim at the mark.
-
-
3
Position the trim piece on the wall over the window. Line up the trim's bottom edge with the reveal line to leave 1/8 inch of the window casing's edge revealed. Place a level on the trim's top edge and make any necessary adjustments. Trace along the trim's top edge with a pencil and lower the trim from the wall.
-
4
Turn the trim over. Place a tube of construction adhesive in a caulk gun and remove the tip with a utility knife. Run a narrow bead of adhesive down the trim's center, on the back. Lift the trim back up to the wall. Line up the top edge with the pencil line you made in Step 3. Place a level on the trim's top edge and adjust it. Press it firmly to the wall.
-
5
Measure the window's right-side length and left-side length from the top trim's bottom corners to the window frame's bottom corners. Write these measurements on a piece of paper.
-
6
Cut approximately 1 inch off the end of another piece of trim, with the miter saw set to a left-hand 45-degree cut. Transfer the measurement for the window's right-hand side onto this piece of trim. Swing the saw blade to a right-hand 45-degree cut and cut the trim on the mark.
-
7
Place the trim on the wall. Butt up the top mitered end with the top trim's mitered end so they form a 90-degree corner. Set a level on the trim's outside edge and adjust the trim. Check that the window casing has a 1/8-inch reveal. Trace along the trim's outside edge with a pencil.
-
8
Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the trim's back and push it onto the wall. Cut a third piece of trim for the window's left-hand side. The top cut should be a right-hand 45-degree cut and the bottom cut should be a left-hand 45-degree cut. Follow Step 6 to mount the trim next to the window.
-
9
Measure the window's bottom width from the left-hand trim's inside corner to the right-hand trim's inside corner.
-
10
Cut 1 inch off the end of a fourth piece of trim with a left-hand 45-degree cut. Transfer the window's bottom measurement to the trim and cut the trim at the mark with a right-hand 45-degree cut. Position the bottom trim piece between the two side trim pieces. Check that the corners form a 90-degree bend. Secure the bottom trim to the wall with a bead of construction adhesive.
-
1
