A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Casings

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Introduction

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.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Extra pencils
  • Trim
  • Wood glue
  • Wood shims

Avoiding Headaches When Installing Window Casings

Here are a few tips to help you avoid a few hassles with interior trim when installing window casings:

  • Whenever you can, cut with the thick side of the trim against the miter saw fence. You’ll be less likely to tear out the narrow tapered edge that way.
  • Cutting right up to the pencil mark almost always leaves pieces too long, so remove the pencil line with the blade. You’ll most likely still have to shave off more.
  • Sneak up on cuts by starting long and dipping the saw blade into the wood while you work your way to the cutoff mark.
  • Trim out the biggest windows first. That way, you can reuse miscuts for the smaller windows and not run out of material.
  • When nailing 3/4-in.-thick trim, use 15-gauge 2-1/2-in. nails for the framing and 18-gauge 2-in. brads for nailing to the jamb.
  • To prevent splitting, avoid nailing closer than 2 in. from the ends.

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