How to Install Door Trim on Closet Doors - Casing & Finish Carpentry

Door trim installation doesn't need to be difficult. Watch and learn how to add character with this made from 5 different pieces of moulding. Scott also shares some books that have inspired him when doing finish carpentry work.

The first step to installing trim is to cut the casing down to manageable pieces. The installation process starts with the plinth blocks at the bottom of the door frame. The plinth blocks are nailed in place using a 2 inch finishing nailer.

Once the plinth blocks are installed, it's time to measure the length of the casing. The key part of this is that the reveal (distance between the edge of the casing and the edge of the door jamb) is marked on the door jamb. Hold the casing in place and transfer this measurement to the casing and cut them to length on the miter saw.

Install the casing with 2 inch finishing nails to ensure you have enough nail to go through the drywall and into the studs.

The top cap is made up of three parts; the header, a 1/2 round trim, and a small crown moulding. For this closet, because the trim runs into the wall, this is built in place to ensure a tight fit against the wall. In an upcoming video, this will be built in once piece and then installed. The first step is to cut the header to length on the miter saw. For the end that touches the wall, it has a 5 degree back bevel to ensure the rounded corner of the drywall doesn't interfere with the fit.

The next step is to measure and cut the 1/2 round trim and the small crown moulding to length. Note that the crown moulding needs to be cut upside down on the miter saw.

At the end of the cap, the moulding wraps around the side - this is called the "return". These are small parts to cut. Measure the thickness of the header and cut the parts on the miter saw (cutting the small parts off of a large piece to keep your fingers away from the saw).

Test fit the moulding with the return piece and adjust the cuts if needed. Once you're happy with the fit, glue the return on to the 1/2 round using CA glue and an activator as it will bond in 5-10 seconds. The last step is to use carpenter's glue and a brad nailer to install the assembled trim.

For the small crown, repeat the same steps used for the 1/2 round trim, with one exception. Measure and mark the distance between the installed 1/2 round moulding and where the small crown would be installed.

Now you're ready to fill the nail holes, sand the 1/2 round at the bottom of the cap, sand the miter joints, and prime the cap. With one final sanding of the primer, you're all ready to apply semi-gloss paint to the trim and admire your work.

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VIDEO TOPICS
00:00 How to Install Trim on Closet Doors (Casing) - Finish Carpentry
00:54 Book recommendations for finish carpentry
01:44 Trim design using a plinth block, Victorian casing, and a door trim cap
02:51 Cutting down the header/cap and casing to rough dimensions
03:56 Making plinth blocks and using a stop block on the miter saw
06:04 Trimming the casing to fit against an uneven wall
10:15 Installing the plinth blocks
11:35 Measuring and cutting the casing
12:10 Installing the casing
13:27 Measuring, cutting, and installing the door trim cap board
14:13 Measuring and cutting the half round and small crown moulding
18:49 Using CA glue to attach the small return on the half round moulding
19:58 Installing the small crown moulding
22:45 Priming the door trim cap

#Trim #Casing #Moulding

[danaowen]

I love your quality explinations and tips on how to have a great outcome on the project at hand.

[katiecommon]

Thanks so much for this. That door cap is exactly what I need!

[dennisb]

Great vid I think when I retire in a year or two I’ll have more time to learn fine carpentry like this great video

[robchurchill]

You are quickly becoming the source of key woodworking information on YouTube. SUBSCRIBED!

[xPeter]

So excited for the next videos in these series! Especially building a window seat! Thanks so much for putting the effort it, really appreciate it!

[jwar]

Excellent video and superb build of the casement work.

[rossreid]

Hi Scott, great video and explanation of your work, the commentary with helpful tips is so helpful to DIYers looking to learn (and I'll honestly share I don't usually leave public comments). Subscribed. Thank you, RR.

[moneymakingmikeg.]

Scott, great video. Very detailed. I'm super excited for this series as we have a bump out in out master Bedroom & have been thinking of a window seat for years. Hoping all is well Bud, Dirty Jersey out!!

[byhammerandhand]

"An idea which can be used only once is a trick. If one can use it more than once it becomes a technique."

[NEWNATURE]

Great contents! You should have more subcribers....👍

[johngalanes]

Nice work! Could you have trimmed the returns on the back (flat) edge with a belt sander or sanding block? I appreciate the book references. Thanks!

[justinlindle]

How do you have time to spend 4 hours to case a door.

[tarog]

Maybe you can show how to repair an outside door that will not close, frame is warped, out of square.

[karunanayake]

Thank you for the video.
What is size of the small crown molding and also a name of a product/Brand to buy at Home Depot.
Appreciate your early reply.

[Eman-hxqw]

Scott, is that a saw stop jobsite saw I see. I would be interested in a tool review when you have enough time with it.

[jameshouston]

Reason for those dips at end of board is probably due to incorrect roller setting on thicknesses.

[markphillips]

Remote off on switch for the Saul. How much lazier are we going to get?

[justinlindle]

Hahahahaha the tray of shitty moldings lol