How to Remodel the Trim on Doorways & Windows

Selection

• The first step in this transformation is selecting trim that meets your needs. Trim is made from a variety of materials, such as wood, compressed fiber and various plastics, and comes in common widths ranging from 2 1/4 inch to 5 1/4 inch. A large selection of profiles, or shapes, are available. Finishes include unfinished, primed, stained, painted and film wrapped. If you want to add pizzazz to your trim, use decorative blocks, called rosettes, on the corners of doors and windows, or similar blocks, called plinths, at the bottoms of doorways.

  A new look is not always the goal. You may just want to revamp a few windows or doors that have worn or damaged trim. More than likely you can find a matching replacement and return the woodwork to its former glory.

Removal

• Once the new trim is selected you can remove the old trim, but do so carefully to ensure the window or door frames are not damaged. Use a wide putty knife rather than a pry bar or hammer claw. This reduces the risk of gouging the walls. Older homes may have brittle plaster walls that crumble when removing the old trim. Before the new trim is applied, repair all surface damage. The walls must be smooth and free of old caulk, nails and bumps. In most cases the walls will need repainting.

Adjustment

• If the new trim is wider than the original, make adjustments to the adjoining woodwork, such as baseboards and chair rails. This is easily done by cutting the adjoining woodwork to allow space for the wider trim. A multitool equipped with a woodcutting blade works nicely for this job. Use careful consideration when opting for narrower trim than the original (this is rarely done) since you will have to fill spaces that the larger trim once occupied. This may entail repairing more wall space and replacing most of the woodwork in the house.

Installation

• Cut the new trim long enough to allow at least 3/16 inch of the door or window frame to show, and attach it to the wall with 2-inch finish nails. Drive all nail heads into the trim slightly with a nail punch. If you are going to paint the trim make sure to caulk all adjoining surfaces and fill all nail holes with wood putty or something similar.

The Easy Way

• Replacing the trim on doors and windows is a lot of work. You may want to hire a carpenter or a painter for part of the job. Most painters are capable of doing minor wall repairs. A good handyman should be able to do all the work. Whether you decide to hire someone or do the work yourself, you'll be giving your home a fresh new look that will last for years.