Installing Window Trim with Rosettes
Corner rosettes add visual interest to window casing—and also simplify the joinery.
Rosettes not only add visual interest, but they simplify the joinery, hiding minor misalignments beneath their overhanging edges. Unlike mitered casings, the reveal lines are not used to determining lengths—only indicate the side-inset. Instead, you size the casings to the inside edge of the jambs where they will butt to the rosettes. Rosettes must be sized to work correctly with a particular casing width (both are sold in standardized dimensions). Matched rosettes and casings will share the same profile centerlines. You must, however, set the reveal so that the rosette extends past the casing equally on both sides.
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Start installation by installing the two side casings. Fit the bottom joints tight against the stool, then mark the top cut at the bottom edge of the top jamb ❶. Cut and install to the reveal marks. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the first rosette ❷ and nail it in position tight on top of the first side casing ❸. Cut a piece of trim slightly longer than required for the top casing, align it to the reveal marks and butt it to the installed rosette. Trim to fit if necessary, reposition and mark the length to the edge of the opposite jamb. Make the cut 1⁄8 in. long to allow for trimming. Again hold the trim in place, place the rosette on top of the side casing and check the fit between the rosette and the top casing ❹.
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If it looks right, cut the top casing to exact length at the same angle—otherwise adjust the angle as necessary. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the second rosette and nail it and the top casing in place. Measure the apron to the length between the outsides of the side casings ❺. Miter cut the apron to length. For a more finished look, miter the returns. Glue a small section of mitered apron stock into the mitered end of the apron ❻.
To secure the glued section, nail the return into the apron ❼. Line the apron up with the side casing and nail it in place ❽. The finished unit ❾.
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Excerpted from Trim Complete: Expert advice from start to finish by Greg Kossow
Available in the Taunton Store and at Amazon.com.
