How to Make Craftsman Style Door Trim

Use a utility knife to cut away the existing caulking around the door trim. Scored outside the frame and the inside of the frame. Doing this will prevent the drywall from tearing.

Next, use a pry bar or a trim puller to remove the door trim. While you’re at it, make sure you remove any leftover caulk. I used a joint knife to prevent further damage to the drywall while using the trim puller.

Draw a line 3/8″ around the door frame. This will help with placing the casing. Do this at the two top corners and another near the middle and bottom.

Measure from the crossing line at the top to the floor to determine the length of the casing. Since I’m doing this in my garage, the floor has a pitch. This means both casings have different lengths. If you are doing this on the interior, then you shouldn’t have this issue. To speed this up, consider clamping the casement and cut both at once.

Note: I used this prime board for the entire casement, so you will need to rip the boards down to size.

A. For the fastest results, you will need a nailer with 2in brad nails. Place the casement on the lines marked on the door frame, then nail the board to the door frame. I spaced the nails about 12 to 15 inches apart.

B. (Bottom Trimplank): Then, Add a trim plank. This will rest on the casement. Nail the plank to the top of the casement. Two nails on each side will do the job.

C. (Middle Trimplank): Now, add a plank at the top of part (B), this should be lined up with the casement part (C). Nail this to the framing and into the wall at an angle; you may need longer nails to reach a stud. Next, shoot a couple of nails through part (B) into part (A). Finally, nail part (A) To the framing, a

D. (Top Timpplank): Now, add the trim plank above the middle trim plank. Nail that to the top of the middle plank.

E. To finish this off, I’ll add some corner trim. This part will have a miter joint to give the cleanest appearance.

First, you’ll want to prepare the casement before painting.

a) Start by plugging the nail holes. I will use Bondo ® filler for this since it has a very tough finish. I have also used spackle, joint compound, and even caulking in the past.

b) Next, I will use Max Shield Painter’s sealant, a GE- branded sealant. This is perfect for windows, doors, trim, and molding. It’s waterproof, mold-resistant, paintable, and the best part it’s easy to clean up.

c) To apply the Max Shield, sealant, I like to cut the tip as small as possible first; this way, I can fill the joints that do not need much sealant first. Next, I’ll cut the tip wider to fill the bigger gaps around the casements.

b) For a smooth finish, use spray paint or paint in a sprayer, a foam roller is the next option for an excellent finish, and then you can use a brush.

a) Before applying paint, sand the trim carefully by hand. An orbital sander can be used for the large surface.