Isla Bennett
Installing door trim is a relatively simple process, but it's important to know where to nail the trim to ensure a secure fit and a neat finish. While there are standard practices for nailing door trim, the specific method and number of nails used can vary depending on personal preference and the type of door and trim. Let's explore the different approaches to nailing door trim and the factors to consider when deciding on the best technique for your project.
Where to Nail Door Trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation method | Nails or glue |
| Nail type | Brad nails, finish nails |
| Nail spacing | Every 8 inches for brad nails, every 16 inches for finish nails |
| Number of nails | 75 nails per door (50 brads and 25 finish) |
| Nail placement | Close to the inner edge to nail into the jamb |
| Trim placement | 3mm past the corner where the door jamb meets the header |
| Trim angle | 45° angle |
| Adhesive type | All-purpose construction adhesive |
| Filling gaps | Caulk the gaps between the trim and the wall |
| Hiding nail holes | Sand, prime, and paint the nail holes |
| Trim type | Window trim, door trim |
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What You'll Learn
How to nail door trim
Installing door trim is a relatively simple process. You can attach the trim with nails, glue, or a combination of both.
First, place the trim on the hinge side of the door. Position it so that about 3mm of the jamb is showing. Ensure that the reveal is even from top to bottom so that the trim will be straight. Do not place the trim too close to the hinges, as this may impede the operation of the door.
Next, mark the trim about 3mm past the corner where the door jamb meets the header. Cut the trim at a 45-degree angle at the marked spot. After cutting the piece, you can glue it, nail it, or do both. If using glue, apply a bead of construction adhesive about 1cm from the edges of the trim. Wipe away any excess glue immediately with a soft cloth.
If you are using nails, the number and type of nails you use may depend on the material of the door jamb and trim, as well as how much you are depending on the casing to hold the door in place. For standard tract-house-grade doors that are not heavy, you can use more 18-gauge nails to hold the casing tight to the jamb and 16-gauge nails to secure it to the trimmer. For MDF, use 18-gauge nails, and for wood, use 15-gauge nails. You can put 6-7 18-gauge nails in each jamb and 4-5 16-gauge nails in each trimmer, with a few more nails up top.
Finally, stand the last side piece of trim upright and mark it where it meets the bottom edge of the header trim piece. Cut the side piece to size and install it as you did with the previous pieces.
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How to hide nail holes
Installing door trim is a relatively simple process, but it will always result in nail holes that need filling. These holes can be tiny pinpricks caused by power brad nailers or finish nailers, or larger holes made by thicker nails.
There are several ways to hide nail holes, and the best method for you will depend on the location of the trim, the type of wood, and whether you plan to paint the trim.
If you are installing trim that will be painted, you can use any colour of wood filler, as it will be covered with paint. If the trim will not be painted, carefully select a filler that matches the colour of the wood. Water-based wood fillers are adequate for most interior applications, while solvent-based fillers are better for exterior wood as they dry rock-hard and are far stronger. However, they are sticky and oily and difficult to clean up if you wait until they dry, so it is best to wear gloves when applying them.
To fill the nail holes, put a small dab of filler onto your finger and press it into the hole. Repeat if necessary to fill the hole completely, and leave a slight, smooth ridge over the area. Use a damp cloth to occasionally wipe drying filler off your finger to ensure a consistent application. Once the filler is dry, sand the area gently with 180-200 grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.
Another option is to drive the nails at an angle so that the boards will hide them. You can also hide the nail holes within the knots of the wood. If you are painting the trim, you can simply spread a little spackle over the nail head and then paint over it.
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How to cut door trim
Installing door trim is a relatively simple process, but it requires careful measuring and cutting to get tight, accurate corners. There are several methods for cutting door trim, and the tools you will need will depend on the method you choose.
One popular method is to use a power miter saw, which can make accurate and clean cuts with minimal mess. However, this method can create a lot of sawdust, so some people prefer to use a manual miter box instead. With a manual miter box, you can make the cuts closer to the work area, which is faster and more convenient.
Another important consideration is the type of trim you will be using. Finger-jointed trim, for example, is made up of smaller pieces of wood that are glued together to make longer lengths. This type of trim is cheaper than whole pieces of trim, but it may not be as strong or durable.
- Measure the width of the door opening at the top, where the top piece of door trim will be installed.
- Add 3/8" to this measurement, which will give you a 3/16" reveal around the door frame.
- Cut the top piece of trim to size, making a 45-degree cut at each end.
- Measure and mark the trim about 3mm past the corner where the door jamb meets the header.
- Cut the trim at a 45-degree angle.
- Install the trim piece by gluing it or nailing it into place. Use an all-purpose construction adhesive and put a bead of glue about 1cm from the edges of the trim.
- Continue with the next piece of trim, cutting it at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction to fit with the first piece.
- Install this piece in the same way, keeping an even 3mm reveal on the header jamb.
- Mark and cut the final piece to size, standing it up in place and marking where it meets the bottom edge of the header trim piece.
- Install the final piece, nailing or gluing it into place.
It's important to note that the number of nails and their placement will depend on the type of door, the weight of the casing, and other factors. Some people prefer to use more nails to secure the trim tightly, while others use a combination of nails and adhesive. It's always a good idea to sand the backside of the trim to ensure a tight fit against the wall.
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How to glue door trim
Gluing door trim is a relatively simple process, but it requires precision and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glue door trim effectively:
Prepare the Trim and the Surface:
Before you begin gluing, ensure that the trim and the door surface are clean and free of any obstructions, such as nails or staples. If there are any gaps or cracks on the door, use an appropriate filler to create a smooth surface for the trim to adhere to. Measure and mark the door where the trim will be placed, and cut the trim pieces to the required length.
Choose the Right Adhesive:
Select a strong adhesive suitable for the material of your trim and door. For wooden surfaces, choose a wood glue or an adhesive specifically designed for wood. If you're gluing lightweight casing, a hot melt glue gun can be a good option, but be aware that it dries quickly, so work with small sections at a time.
Apply the Adhesive:
Smear a sparing amount of glue onto the rear of the trim or onto the marked areas on the door, following the instructions on your adhesive of choice. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can be difficult to remove later and may cause discoloration.
Position the Trim:
Line up the trim with the marks on the door, using a spirit level to ensure it is straight. Tape the trim securely in place, allowing the glue to dry. If you're using hot melt glue, hold the trim firmly in place immediately after gluing, as it dries quickly.
Secure with Additional Fasteners (Optional):
Consider using a few nails or clamps to provide extra security while the glue dries. This is especially useful if you're gluing heavier trim or if you want to ensure a strong bond. Place the nails in strategic locations, following best practices for nailing door trim.
Clean Up and Adjustments:
Once the glue is dry, remove the tape and any clamps or vices you may have used. Wipe away any excess glue with a soft cloth. Make any necessary adjustments, such as countersinking nail heads or filling and painting over any visible holes or imperfections.
Remember to work carefully and methodically, taking your time with each step. With the right adhesive and precise placement, your glued door trim will look neat and professional.
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How many nails to use
The number of nails you should use for door trim depends on several factors, including the type of door, the weight of the door, and the type of trim. The most important factor, however, is that the trim is securely fastened to the door.
One source recommends using a brad nail every 8 inches through the casing into the frame, and a finish nail every 16 inches through the casing into the buck. This amounts to about 75 nails (50 brads and 25 finish nails) for every door, just for the casing. However, many people responding to this recommendation state that this is far too many nails and that it is unnecessary to use so many. One responder notes that they typically use 7 nails in the door jamb and 4-6 in the framing per side, with spacing on the top equal to the sides. Another says they use 10 nails in a door casing leg, 5 in the jamb, and 5 in the framing.
The gauge of the nails is also important. One source recommends using 18-gauge nails for nailing into the jamb and 16-gauge nails for the trimmer, with another noting that they always use more nails in the bottom so that the base doesn't move the jamb. However, another source notes that 15-gauge nails pull the casing tighter than 16-gauge nails, but they do leave larger holes, especially in MDF.
It is also possible to attach door trim using adhesive, with or without nails. If you use adhesive, you may still want to put in a couple of nails to keep the piece in place while the glue dries.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to nail the trim close to the inner edge so you can nail into the jamb. It is also important to locate the studs and mark them before nailing the trim.
The number of nails depends on the type of door and your preference. Some sources recommend using a brad nail every 8 inches and a finish nail every 16 inches, resulting in about 75 nails for each door. Others suggest using 18-gauge nails for nailing into the jamb and 15- or 16-gauge nails for the trimmer. Ultimately, you should use enough nails to securely fasten the trim without overdoing it.
Yes, you can use glue or adhesive instead of nails to attach door trim. However, it is recommended to use a couple of nails along with the glue to hold the trim in place while the adhesive dries.
