The trim on your doors and windows is an aesthetically essential component to the outside of your home. Fortunately, whether you're installing some for the first time or replacing old pieces, it is a simple prospect to install exterior trim.
What You'll Need
First, you'll need to go to your local home improvement warehouse and pick a style of trim. Ask someone there to help you if you aren't sure what kind of wood is best for the job (remember, it's exterior).
From there, you'll also need the following items:
- Miter saw or miter box and hand saw
- Hammer
- Trim nails
- Nail setter
- Pry bar (if removing old trim)
- Pencil
Installing Exterior Trim
First, measure the height and width of the door or window frame. With your pencil, mark the lengths on the inside of the trim you bought. Use the miter saw or box to cut 45-degree angles on your trim pieces radiating out from those points.
Position each piece flush with the jamb or frame. You can use a wood adhesive to hold the trim up while you are nailing it in or you may want to just "tack" (not nail in all the way) every piece to begin with, making sure they all fit together. Once everything is positioned and flush, nail the trim in every six inches. Use your nail setter to get them below the surface of the wood. You can fill the holes in with wood putty later.
Use caulk to fill in any gaps that might allow water to get behind the trim, especially on windows. Once everything is dried, do whatever painting is necessary.
Removing Trim
If you are removing and replacing your old trim, there are a few things you can do to make the whole process easier:
- Use a prybar to pull out the trim pieces. You can place a piece of wood between it and the siding so the siding doesn't get damaged.
- Try and keep the old trim pieces intact as you pull them off; you can use them as guides for the new trim that you're cutting.
- If it is wet underneath where the trim used to be, allow it to dry completely before installing new trim.
Installing new window and door trim is the kind of home improvement project that doesn't require expertise, just some precision and the right tools. Once you have it taken care of, your house will have a clean, inviting look. If you want, pick out a new color for your trim, and really give your house a renovated look.