DIY: How to Install Door Trim

Installing or replacing door trim around a new or existing door can be a simple do it yourself home improvement project. Gather your materials and safety gear before beginning. This task is so easy even those who are not familiar with home improvements will find it manageable. Do not let the idea of installing door trim overwhelm you. This is not a large project but something uncomplicated and undemanding.

Gather your materials. You will need something to cut the trim with, a miter box, a tape measure, nails, a hammer, wood putty, and paint or stain that matches your door trim.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install door trim.

• Measure the top length of your door and the height of each side. Write this down.

• Cut the trim pieces according to your door measurements. Make sure you wear proper safety gear on your eyes, hands, and arms while cutting.

• Using the miter box make a 45 degree angle cut on each end of the trim pieces. The angle of the cut should be opposite to the piece it will be up against when installed.

• Start installing your trim pieces by tacking them down and putting each 45 degree angle together. Do the side trim pieces first and then the top piece. Do not tack them down to much because if you need to move the trim you could damage it or leave unsightly holes in the wall which will need to be covered up later.

• Every 5 or 6 inches place a nail in the trim to hold it in place. Make sure the trim is flush on the door jam and do not hammer your nails in to far. You want the nail to be just below the surface of the door trim so the hole can be easily covered and hidden.

• Place wood putty in each nail hole and let it dry according to the package recommendations.

• Sand off any excess wood putty and make the spot smooth with the rest of the trim. Be careful not to scratch the trim with your sand paper by rubbing to hard or being to rough.

• Paint or stain the wood putty to make it match the trim. This provides you with a clean finished look.

For additional information doityourself.com offers a great guide on how to install door trim for interior doors.