How to Replace a Front Door Casing
- 1). Remove the old casing trim. Use a pry bar or chisel to pop the trim away from the wall. Once you can get a finger hold on it, you should be able to easily pull it loose.
- 2). Measure the opening of the door. For the sides add 1/4 inch to the measurement, and for the top of the opening add 1/2 inch. You will be installing the trim casing 1/4 inch out from the edge of the opening to allow the door to close properly. To do this you need to add these fractions of inches to the measurements.
- 3). Mark the trim pieces with the measurements. For the side pieces you will make a mitered cut starting at the mark and angling up. The side casing piece angled cuts should go out in opposite directions. For the top trim piece you need a mitered cut starting at the bottom and angling up and away from each other on both ends. Use an adjustable circular saw to make the cuts.
- 4). Paint the trim pieces your color of choice. It is best to use a high-gloss paint that will hold up to wear and tear, and is easy to clean.
- 5). Place a side trim piece up to the side of the door opening. Adjust it so that it is 1/4 inch away from the edge. Tack a finishing nail into it near the top, then use a level to ensure it is straight. Once level, tack another finishing nail in it near the bottom. Finish by tacking a few more in various places to secure it. Repeat with the other side of the door.
- 6). Set the top trim piece in place so that it meets up with the angles on top of the side pieces. If it is a little too long, use sandpaper to smooth it out until it fits. If it is a little too short, you can either cut a new piece or use wood putty to fill in the gap. Check the piece for level and tack finishing nails to secure it.
- 7). Place a staple gun so that it is set across the seams between two trim pieces at the top of the door. Staple the wood to secure the corners together.
- 8). Spread wood putty over the nail heads and let them dry. Once dry, sand down the putty smooth and touch it up with paint.
