We live in a 7 year old spec home and want to upgrade the trim. The existing trim is the entry level 2 1/4″ tall MDF trim found in most spec homes (in Canada anyway).
I plan to remove the base trim and replace it with a taller and deeper profile, using plinth blocks where the base trim meets the vertical casing of the door trim. At the top of the door, I want to install architrave trim above the doors. This would require cutting the casing at the corner of the existing mitre and the bottom. To do this I plan to use a Fein multimaster to get a quick and accurate cut.
Since the house is occupied and furnished the project is a little challenging. I have basic carpentry and trim skills, a mitre saw and the basic measuring and trim tools and have done a little trimwork before. I would invest in a nail gun /compressor.
Any hints or suggestions out there?
Replies
How wide is the casing?
If it's 2-1/4'' I would consider #### canning that too and go with something beefier to "support" this architrave moulding you plan on putting on top.
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I second the rip-it-out-and-start-from-scratch approach. That 2 1/4" casing is just going to look wrong with heavier base and an architrave.
Steve
I agree on 'starting over.'
You have to work out the entire scheme to make sure that all moldings work together - for instance if you are going to use chair rail in a room it should be factored for depth against the casings (as an example).
Also, use at least some trim screws, not just gun nails. I can't tell you how many times that casing 'relaxes' over time after just nailing, tearing through caulk and paint.
Use all hardwood - kiln dried poplar if possible. Biscuit joint/glue miters, or better yet use butt joints where possible.
Jeff
Edited 6/6/2009 12:01 am ET by Jeff_Clarke
I agree on the complete go for redo, but be carefull at doors at first. Some 'carpenters' hang doors with no shims and jamb nails, relying on the casing only to hold the jamb in place. It can be quite a su4prise to try taking off a single piece of casing to discover it was installed with only tiny pin nails and that the whole thing falls out of the rough openning.
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