| The possibilites for trim are positively endless. I wanted to keep things pretty simple for our 1900 cabin-style home, but I also wanted to let the trim draw the eye and showcase our view to the backyard.... |
| Here’s how we replaced our window trim. Materials: • Paint-grade fiberboard casing • Paint-grade 3-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) • Paint-grade 3 1/2-inch MDF • 2 1/2-inch rosette corner blocks •... |
| If you are replacing trim on existing windows, remove all of the trim down to the rough opening with a small pry bar. Tip: To avoid damaging your walls when prying off the trim, place a large putty knife... |
| Since we planned to paint our trim white, we used preprimed MDF for the stool and jambs. We used 3 1/2-inch MDF for the stool and cut it to have a 3/4-inch extension past the interior casing. If a natural... |
| Use a miter box or miter saw to cut all the trim pieces to the desired length. For the interior casing, we used rosette corner blocks, so the need for slightly more difficult angled miters was eliminated.... |
| Place the stool inside the rough opening and ensure that it is level. If needed, use shims to level the stool. Attach it to the window's base with 2-inch finishing nails. |
| Measure the side jambs from the top of the stoop to the top of the rough opening and cut to that length. We used 3-inch MDF for the head and side jambs. Ensure that each side jamb is plumb and level... |
| Measure the distance from each side jamb at the top of the rough opening. Cut the 3-inch MDF to that length. Ensure the head jamb is plumb and level — if needed, use shims. Install the head jamb with... |
| With the interior jambs and stoop in place, install the casing. If using rosettes, install those first. We placed our 2 1/2-inch rosettes plumb with the interior side of the side jamb, at the end of... |
| Install the apron under the stool. Typically, the apron is the casing turned upside down, which is what we have done here. Measure the length from side casing to side casing to determine the length of... |
| With all the trim in place, fill any gaps and nail holes with paintable caulk. |
| Once the caulk has dried, paint the trim. I used two coats of Behr’s off-the-shelf semigloss white. I added Flood Floetrol, a paint additive that reduces the appearance of brush and roller marks. Read... |
| Stumped on what proportions you should use for installing architectural trim in your own home? Check out architect Bud Dietrich's helpful tips. |
| Rosettes are a classic trim element that were frequently used during the Victorian era but fit in seamlessly in today's traditional home. Much like with casing, there are a multitude of designs, finishes... |
| With all of the choices out there, choosing window trim can be a daunting task — but hopefully you’ll see that installing trim doesn’t have to be. Don’t DIY? Hire a carpenter to tackle trim work More: Guides... |