When you have replacement windows put in, it’s a good time to review your trim options. The windows on your home may already have existing interior trim. If that’s the case, it will be fairly simple to remove the old trim and install a new style that is the same size or a little wider. That way, you won’t have to do much touch up of the surrounding wall.

Corner Styles

A mitered joint has the edges of the side and top trim cut at a diagonal so they fit together and create a perfect 90 degree angle for the corner. A butt joint requires less skill to create. Each piece is simply a rectangle and the top molding extends to the outer edge of the side pieces – capping them.

There are also other, more decorative options such as corner blocks that add eye catching detail to the window trim. The sill (bottom edge of the trim) is often made of fancier moulding as well. It may require extra cuts to fit into the recessed area at the bottom of the window.

Helpful Tips

Lay each piece of trim against the wall before you nail it down. If the trim doesn’t lie completely flush, sand or plane the underside until it does lie flat. Painting the trim (including the cut edges) before you install it is another good idea. It helps prevent the paint from peeling if the corner joints pull away from each other slightly over time. Also, if you finish the trim prior to installation you don’t have to worry about getting any paint or stain on the surrounding walls.

Related posts:

1. Spiff Up Your Bathroom With Sealer Trim
2. Double Hung Window Basics
3. Wallpapering Ceilings
4. Kitchen Remodeling Tips: Wallpaper Trim
5. Window Replacement Materials

Tags: windows

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 7:10 am and is filed under Replacement Windows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.