Installing Window Molding Trim

Introduction:

If you are a DIY homebuilder you will eventually get to the finishing touches such as installing the window molding trim. The entire look of the house changes as you complete this finishing task. Installing window molding trim is not a difficult task but it does require a lot of attention to the details if you want a professional looking job.

For a professional look you must make accurate measurements and clean saw cuts. A good quality tape measure and a miter saw are an absolute must for installing window molding. 

Window trim molding is a board covering used to cover the space between the window rough opening and the wall. It is available in many different window molding styles. There are a lot of different names for window trim. It is often called trim molding, window molding or finished molding. Whatever the name the window molding trim gives the window and the house a finished look in the same way as baseboard molding.  

Window molding is usually made of solid wood and is very easy to install. The molding is usually nailed in place using a finished nail gun. It can also be glued to the wall or installed with screws. Nailing it is the preferred way and gives it a good finished appearance.

When buying window molding there are three basic types to choose from;

1.    The first type of window trim is pine or oak wood which comes in one-piece solid lengths.

2.    The second type is the finger jointed wood. It is approximately 30% cheaper than solid oak and pine wood.

3.    The third type is the medium density fiberboard or MDF fiber board molding.

The first type is the most attractive. It is meant for staining or clear coat paint finishes. But this solid wood one-piece molding is expensive. The second type is basically made up by finely putting together pieces and scraps of wood and the end product is a solid baseboard piece although on close inspection the finger joints are visible. It is less expensive than the solid wood trim and can be painted although it is not as attractive as the solid board trim.

The third type is a medium density fiberboard. It’s very inexpensive. This type is made from sawdust and other wood by-products. It takes paint very well but it does not hold up well in harsh conditions and deteriorates when it gets wet.

I recommend using the solid type or the finger joint type window trim. It looks the best and holds up well under all conditions. The standard window trim is 2 ½ inches in width and can be purchased in lengths up to sixteen feet long. For a more elegant window trim a wider window board can be used.

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