What is the standard size of window trim?
The majority of exterior window trim is typically 3 1/2 inches. One rule of thumb is to cut trim narrower than individual pieces of siding. Trim pieces that are larger look out of place. Standard thickness for exterior trim is almost always 3/4 inch, but when using rough saw lumber, such as cedar, the width may vary.
How do you trim an exterior window?
- Flat window trim looks exactly how it sounds. This is a simple, inexpensive and timeless choice for interior window trim.
- Colonial window trim is still inconspicuous and refined, but has more detail than flat trim. ...
- Fluted window trim features straight, uniform lines. ...
- Ranch window trim is similar to flat trim, but with a curved or angled face.
What is the best material for exterior trim?
- specify vertical grain material (heartwood of durable species best)
- specify exterior-exposure adhesive in joints
- factory or field-apply oil-base prime coat on all surfaces.
- use 2 coats of 100% acrylic latex paint for top coats (do not use stains)
- maintain protective coating on regular basis
- carefully detail architectural elements to minimize exposure
How to install Craftsman style interior window trim?
Trim Components
- Assemble the Tools and Select Materials. ...
- Rip the Narrow Molding Strips. ...
- Plane the Strips. ...
- Install Window Stool and Apron. ...
- Mark the Jambs. ...
- Marking Close-Up. ...
- Attach the Cap and Fillet Pieces. ...
- Install the Top Casing. ...
- Install the Baseboard. ...
- Notch the Lower Cap. ...
What size should window trim be?
Standard door and window trim is typically 2 1/4 inches in width, baseboard is about 3 inches, and crown is about 4 1/2 inches. Standard measurements typically vary 1/16 inch or more.
How wide should your exterior window trim be?
How wide should an exterior window trim be? Again, it depends. If the window trim is between 1 ½ and 2 ½ inches, a good standard to follow would be about twice the width of that for balance. Home design has its risks so it's always best to work with a professional.Jun 21, 2020
What size trim should I use?
A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.May 6, 2021
What kind of trim goes around exterior windows?
0:127:04How to Trim Exterior Windows - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide. Board that's going to go around all sides of the window we're going to do a what they call aMoreSide. Board that's going to go around all sides of the window we're going to do a what they call a one by four around the sides and the bottom.
How do you trim outside windows?
1:4813:28How to Install Exterior Window Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we have to add in the width of the trim itself in this case the four inch nominal trim isMoreThen we have to add in the width of the trim itself in this case the four inch nominal trim is actually three and a half inches.
Does a window need exterior trim?
Window trim is necessary to every exterior. Because trim helps cover the edge between siding and the window frame, it helps to keep out the elements and protect your home. Additionally, trim helps complete the look of your home, regardless of what it's style, or the material you're siding it with.
Should window trim and door trim match?
As a general rule, yes, window and door casing should match. Whether inside or outside, matching the window and door casing throughout your home generates a unity of style. If properly executed, the casing around your windows and doors will impart a sense of elegance without overpowering the rest of your home's decor.Dec 31, 2020
What kind of trim is popular?
Baseboards. Baseboards are the most common type of trim found in houses. Baseboards range from the very narrow type all the way up to 6 inch wide baseboards found in many older houses.Jan 25, 2022
What is Craftsman style trim?
Craftsman style homes typically feature thick trim around the windows and doors. As a result, the interior trim choice is a crucial element to nailing this much-loved motif. If you're looking for the perfect Craftsman trim for your home, you've come to the right place.May 5, 2021
What is the trim on the outside of a house called?
Is Fascia Considered Trim? Fascia and trim are both exterior elements of a home that contribute to moisture prevention and curb appeal. Loosely defined, trim is used as fascia, and some may refer to it as “fascia trim,” showing that these two terms are often confused due to their similar purposes.
How do you frame a window with trim?
5:397:48Installing Interior Window Trim | Beginner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo get the length of the side casing measure from the finished sill to the upper extension jambMoreTo get the length of the side casing measure from the finished sill to the upper extension jamb reveal mark once cut to that measurement install on the reveal lines nailing.
What happens if the trim is too small?
If the trim is too small or too large, it can be like a clown wearing a minuscule hat or supersize pair of shoes. While there are some guidelines, they are, in fact, just guidelines.
Do you need a crown for kitchen cabinets?
Another guideline for crown selection is to use the same crown throughout the kitchen if your design calls for using a crown at the top of your cabinets. In fact, you’ll probably want the crown to be finished and supplied by the cabinetmaker.
How big is exterior window trim?
The majority of exterior window trim is typically 3 1/2 inches. One rule of thumb is to cut trim narrower than individual pieces of siding.
What is standard trim size?
If the sizing is out of scale, it draws the eye to the wrong area. Most trim pieces graduate in 1/4-inch increments. Standard door and window trim is typically 2 1/4 inches in width, baseboard is about 3 inches, ...
How thick is window casing?
Many trim designs begin with door casing. The most widely used door casing is 2 1/4 inches in width, but can range up to 3 inches. The thickness is typically 1/2 inch but can range up to 3/4 inch thick for a more substantial casing or more detailed profile. Door casing and window trim are typically the same width and are interchangeable. But there's no reason that door casing and window casing have to be the same width. Standard-width door casing is used throughout the home for doors and window trim alike because it's cost-efficient. Change it up by using different widths or profiles for a custom appearance. If you deviate from standard widths, however, an increase in the width of casing requires a similar increase in standard baseboard, crown and window trim width to balance everything out.
How thick is baseboard?
Baseboard is more substantial than door or window casing. It's rarely no less than 3/4-inch in thickness, and can range from 3 to 5 inches in width. It usually displays a simple profile that's easy to clean. Baseboard is often accentuated with a 1/2-by-1/2-inch piece of half-round molding along the bottom edge.
What is picture rail molding?
Picture and chair-rail molding is used to enhance or break up open spaces. Sometimes referred to as architectural molding, it's typically used on a flat surface. Standard chair-rail and picture-rail molding is almost always 2 1/4 inches wide -- just like door casing. Both types of trim are usually 3/4 inch thick. Chair rail molding was developed to protect chairs from bumping into the wall. Picture rail was developed to hang pictures from. Contemporary trim carpenters use chair and picture rail for other architectural applications such as creating simple grid patterns.
What is the standard thickness of exterior trim?
Standard thickness for exterior trim is almost always 3/4 inch, but when using rough saw lumber, such as cedar, the width may vary. Fascia board -- the board that runs horizontally around the perimeter of the roof -- has no standard rule for sizing.
How to measure for crown molding?
The easiest way to measure crown molding is to measure across the end from tip to tip. Crown or cornice molding has widths ranging from about 1 1/2 inches to 8 inches or more, with the most common width about 4 1/2 inches.
The 7 Percent Solution
Plan 1070-104 sports simple baseboards in the kitchen/dining area that feel clean and modern.
The 50 Percent Rule
Plan 929-1001 features vertical trim around the cased opening to the hallway that has less heft than the baseboards.
Why do builders add window trim?
Builders add window trim for aesthetics and insulation. Measuring and proper positioning of exterior trim pieces help prevent moisture from entering the home. Interior trim measuring is important for balance and to prevent drafts. Basic tools are all that's needed to install trim on any window.
How to measure for window sill?
1. Measure from inside corner to inside corner across the bottom of the window. Add 1/2-inch to the measurement for the bottom piece of trim. The extra 1/2 inch provides a 1/4-inch gap -- also known as the reveal -- on all sides between the casing and the window sill to provide the aesthetic typically used on windows.
What is window trim?
Modern window trim—four pieces of casing that “picture frame” a door or window—requires wide miter cuts, which look sloppy if they’re not perfect. Traditional window and door trim is more forgiving. While it also requires miter cuts, they’re shorter and less visible.
How wide should a door be trimmed?
Trimming a door is just like trimming a window, except you start out with base blocks at the floor, as shown here. The base blocks should be about 3/8 in. wider than the casings. Door and window trim them if necessary.
How to make a 1x6 window?
Nail the fillet to the bottom of the 1x6 to complete the head or and window casing assembly. Start by setting the 1x6 on top of the side casings and marking it at the outside edge of each casing. Cut the 1x6 to length. Then cut the fillet 3/4 in. longer than the 1x6.
How do I cut crown molding?
Cut a miter on one end of the front crown molding. Line up the cut with one end of the head casing and mark the opposite end for cutting. Set the molding in your jig and cut the opposite miter.
How to hold crown molding in place?
Build a simple jig to hold the crown molding at the correct angle while you cut it (see below). Position the molding upside down and set the saw to 45 degrees. Avoid cutting all the way through the jig.
What size reveal for window molding?
The standard reveal for window molding and door trim is 1/4-in., but this can be adjusted a little if needed. A combination square works well for marking reveals. The first step in any trim job is to prepare the jambs for trim. If you’re replacing trim, pry it off and remove the nails from the jamb.
How to cut a casing square?
Cut one end of the casing square. Line up the cut end with the pencil mark indicating the 1/4-in. reveal and mark the opposite end for cutting. Cut and install both side casings, keeping them aligned with the reveal marks.
Trim Terminology
Interior window molding does double duty, covering gaps while defining a style.
The Crown
Angles out from wall at top of window, adding dimension lacking in flat stock. Together with frieze board and cap, makes up entablature, a feature found in classical house styles, such as Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival.
The Windowsill
Hides gap between bottom edge of lower sash and top of windowsill outside.
The Square Cut Miter
In many Victorian-era, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival homes, casing ends are cut square, then butted against either adjacent casing edges or corner rosettes, which are separate blocks slightly thicker and wider than casing stock. For this joint to work, casings must be symmetrical, not tapered.
How do I install window molding?
Cut a 45-degree angle on one end of the trim and hold it so the short end of the angle overhangs halfway, or 3/8 in., onto the jamb. Then mark the other end flush with the inside of the jamb. That'll give you a 3/16-in. reveal.
How to make a window casing?
Start the bottom piece. Cut an overly long piece of window casing trim and cut a miter on one end. Overlap the far end to check the fit. Mark and recut the miter as needed for a perfect fit.
How to cut a 45 degree miter?
Adjust the miter as needed for a perfect fit. Then scribe the cut length 3/16 in. past the bottom of the jamb. Nail the trim onto the jamb first and then to the window casing framing, as you did with the top piece.
How low should I miter drywall?
Just be sure the crushed area will be covered by trim. In this situation, your miters won't be 45 degrees. You may need to go as low as 44 degrees to get a tight miter.
Do carpenters use tape to trim windows?
Most trim carpenters don't even use a tape to trim windows. It's all done by eye, with a sharp pencil, a miter saw and an 18-gauge nailer. Here's how they do it.
What is exterior window trim?
For these particular layouts, exterior window trim can be effectively used as a transition or visual break between different exterior siding panels.
What are the factors that determine the window size of a home?
After all, windows play a big role in the way a home looks and feels – both inside and out. Spacing, layout, size, and shape are factors that are typically considered when designing the windows on a home. But just as all these elements play a role in the overall aesthetic, window trim can add just as much excitement and energy to the finished look of a home.
Why use two colors for exterior trim?
For some homes – especially those that feature additional ornamentation and detailed trim – sometimes using two colors can help embolden the overall look and impact of the home. Consider the surrounding details, like soffit, banisters, railing, door frames, etc., when choosing a double color design for exterior window trim. 6.
What is brown wood trim?
A brown wood trim works particularly well in homes that have exposed beams on the interior.
What is the best way to accent a window?
Using stone is a wonderful way to accent the windows in a way that feels natural with the surrounding structure. When using stone, be sure to distinguish the window trim by using an elongated design that separates the feature from the surrounding stone.
Do exterior windows have to be segmented?
Image Credit: wcmanet.org. Even though the windows on a home may be segmented, the exterior window trim doesn’t necessarily have to conform to that same form. One approach is to fully extend the trim to encompass all of the windows with a subtle color similar to the siding.
