
How can I install exterior trim around my windows?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Installing the New Trim
- Pre-drill nail holes in the trim. Drill the holes through the outside surface of the trim. ...
- Nail the trim to the wall. Get enough 2.5 in (6.4 cm) nails for all the holes in the trim. ...
- Apply caulk around the trim. Squeeze a bead of caulk between the trim and the building’s siding. ...
- Fill the nail holes with painter’s putty. ...
- Prime and paint the trim as needed. ...
What is the exterior trim around a window called?
The sash is inside the frame, called the jamb, which with operable windows has guides or a pocket for the sash to slide in. The trim around the window is the casing, the bottom is the stool, and underneath the stool is the apron.
How do you trim an interior window?
How to Trim Out a Window
- Trimming Out a Window. When installing window casing in old houses, Tom often has to contend with walls that dip and bulge, causing gaps between the trim and wall.
- Prep the Jambs. ...
- Cut and Rabbet the Stool. ...
- Notch and Install the Stool. ...
- Install Side Casing. ...
- Add Head Casing. ...
- Add Corner Blocks. ...
- Cut and Install the Apron. ...
- Finish up the Installation. ...
How to measure for putting trim around a window?
- Check the fit of the joint when the trim is placed along the reveal line. ...
- Change the direction of the miter saw blade for the opposite end of the trim.
- With the board still longer than needed, make a test miter cut and check its fit.

What is meant by exterior trim?
The finish materials on the exterior of a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim), siding, windows, exterior doors, attic vents, crawl space vents, shutters, etc. Also, the physical work of installing these materials.
What does window trim mean?
Definition of window trim 1 : window decoration. 2 : the moldings covering the jambs and head of a window.
What are the different types of window trim?
For this type, it has a unified look with the baseboards and door moldings while the outer casing matches the general style of the building....Types of Window CasingComplete Casing. This type covers all sides of your window. ... Low-Profile Casing. ... High-Profile Casing. ... Modern Casings. ... Traditional Casing.
What is exterior trim made of?
There are many different types of plastic trim materials on the market. These include polyurethane, vinyl, cellular PVC, foamed polystyrene, polymer composite resin, and polyethylene lumber. All of these materials are much lower maintenance than solid wood, because none of them require any painting, unless desired.
What is exterior house trim called?
Other Exterior Siding Terms Fascia, frieze, rake, barge, soffit, boxend and gutters are the most common exterior trim terms you'll hear.
How much does it cost to replace exterior window trim?
Exterior trim is protective and decorative, as it bridges the gap between the siding and the window. The cost to install exterior trim is $1,790 for the average home. It costs around $4 per linear foot for low-end materials and $7 per linear foot for high-end ones, including $88 per hour for labor.
What is the best exterior window trim?
Cedar Trim Cedar is probably one of the most frequently installed wood trim products. Wood has a natural appeal and appearance that looks good with nearly every type of siding. And cedar naturally resists things like insect activity and moisture, so it outlasts most other types of wood.
Should exterior windows have trim?
Window trim is necessary to every exterior. Because trim helps cover the edge between siding and the window frame, it helps to keep out the elements and protect your home. Additionally, trim helps complete the look of your home, regardless of what it's style, or the material you're siding it with.
What is the difference between window trim and casing?
What is the difference between trim and casing? Trim is the term applied to the finish material that goes along all the edges of a home. Trim refers to the baseboard, the casing, the crown molding, and more. Casing specifically refers to trim that goes around openings such as windows or doors.
How do you replace exterior trim?
0:477:31How to Replace Exterior Door Trim | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor any of our cuts that we make returns or outside miters i picked up this two part pvc glue whichMoreFor any of our cuts that we make returns or outside miters i picked up this two part pvc glue which is going to mix in the tip is going to create a really strong bond.
What type of wood is used for exterior window trim?
Doug Fir is one of the most widely used of all the exterior wood trim materials. Doug Fir is affordable and has a minimal number of knots which are usually tight and don't fall out.
How do you install exterior house trim?
0:025:29How to Trim an Exterior Window | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we start with a piece of flat stock that will go around like that okay and then you take yourMoreSo we start with a piece of flat stock that will go around like that okay and then you take your side piece your side casing and you'd slide it up tight to it and have what is called a butt cut yep.
What is the difference between window casing and trim?
What is the difference between trim and casing? Trim is the term applied to the finish material that goes along all the edges of a home. Trim refers to the baseboard, the casing, the crown molding, and more. Casing specifically refers to trim that goes around openings such as windows or doors.
Is window trim necessary?
Window trim is necessary to every exterior. Because trim helps cover the edge between siding and the window frame, it helps to keep out the elements and protect your home. Additionally, trim helps complete the look of your home, regardless of what it's style, or the material you're siding it with.
How do you measure for window trim?
Interior TrimMeasure from inside corner to inside corner across the bottom of the window. Add 1/2-inch to the measurement for the bottom piece of trim. ... Measure up from the bottom, inside corners of the window on both sides. ... Measure across the top of the window. ... Install the bottom piece first when you're ready.
What is window trim width?
Standard door and window trim is typically 2 1/4 inches in width, baseboard is about 3 inches, and crown is about 4 1/2 inches. Standard measurements typically vary 1/16 inch or more.
What is the best way to approach exterior window trim?
When working with a mixed-media exterior, the best way to approach exterior window trim is to consider it a bonding element that can provide visual structure for the otherwise complex dimension of the surrounding exterior. Selecting a simple design and classic color is often the best bet.
What are the elements to consider when selecting exterior window trim?
There are essentially three elements to consider when selecting exterior window trim options: design, color, and trim style.
How to make interior and exterior feel more connected?
Blending the interior and exterior can be a top priority for homeowners who like to spend time outdoors. One way to boost this seamless connectivity is to frame windows with trim that helps the space feel airy and expansive. For example, smaller, segmented window panes above can help the larger frames on the bottom appear more open, creating a unique effect that makes the interior and exterior spaces feel more connected.
Why use two colors for exterior trim?
For some homes – especially those that feature additional ornamentation and detailed trim – sometimes using two colors can help embolden the overall look and impact of the home. Consider the surrounding details, like soffit, banisters, railing, door frames, etc., when choosing a double color design for exterior window trim. 6.
What is a classic window look?
This classic look is made up of a thick, smooth border that visually frames windows in the same style as door frames, letter boxes, and other architectural details. Match the exterior window trim with other elements, like porch banisters and ceiling paneling, for a clean, put-together look.
What are the factors that determine the window size of a home?
After all, windows play a big role in the way a home looks and feels – both inside and out. Spacing, layout, size, and shape are factors that are typically considered when designing the windows on a home. But just as all these elements play a role in the overall aesthetic, window trim can add just as much excitement and energy to the finished look of a home.
What is brown wood trim?
A brown wood trim works particularly well in homes that have exposed beams on the interior.
Outdoor Window Trim Ideas
While most window replacements are required due to a practical issue, such as a leaky window, fogged windows, or cracking windows, there are several chances to improve the looks of your home with new windows. Choosing the right kind of outside window trim is one of the most important decisions you will make when purchasing new windows.
No trim
Outdoor window trim styles for the first time include nothing at all, which is both minimalist and modern in its appearance. Enticing yet simplistic is the appearance of siding flush with the window frame. This style is commonly found in mid-century modern homes. But, it may be used on any structure.
Wood Trim Around Windows
The natural beauty of wood trim styles complement the white siding well. Wood is prone to deteriorate when exposed to the outdoors, so this option requires regular upkeep. Priming and painting the wood can help extend the lifespan of trim that has been exposed to the elements.
Vinyl Outside Window Trim
The most common type of outside window trim styles is vinyl. It can withstand high temperatures and humidity with ease. This choice is also known to be a good one. You won't have to worry about regularly replacing them, unlike specific wood trimmings. Vinyl has a sleek aesthetic that complements contemporary architecture perfectly.
Composite Exterior Window Trim
This is one of the exterior window trim styles constructed from a blend of fibers, resins, and wax. You may want to consider this option as an alternative for wood trim. Because it's been painted and primed, it usually has a longer lifespan.
Flat Exterior Window Trim
This is one of the most common window trim styles of exterior window trim that is used with the majority of new windows since it is the most affordable. This outdoor window trim design is thin and straightforward, and it is usually utilized to match the color of a home's siding.
Shutters and Outdoor Window Trim
When done correctly, this is one of the outdoor window trim styles that may infuse your home with a sense of history and elegance. Shutters are an excellent way to bring a splash of color to a home's exterior. A set of shutters that is wide enough to cover the entire window frame is considered authentic-looking shutters.
What Is the Purpose of Exterior Window Trim?
You can safely forgo some exterior design elements, but window trim is not one of them. Window trim covers the seam that is left between the edge of the siding and the window frame.
Does Exterior Window Trim Impact Home Value?
Any addition to the home that adds aesthetic value and structural enhancement will naturally add value to the property, so it goes without saying that exterior window trim will do the same.
How Much Does Window Trim Cost?
The average cost of residential window trim is around $100 per window. However, prices can vary a lot, depending on the materials selected, custom designs, the window shape and size, and the fluctuating costs of labor.
The Best Material for Window Trim
Taking into consideration durability, low-maintenance needs, price, style, and potential value, fiber cement is an easy pick for the best window trim material.
What is exterior window trim?
Depending on your personal preferences, your modern exterior windows can be framed to blend in or stand out from the rest of your home’s exterior. The size, color, and material used in manufacturing should all play a part in modern window design.
What is window trim?
Windows are the eyes in and out of your dwelling and deserve a finishing treatment that makes them look their best. The way you execute your exterior window trim ideas will determine how polished your home’s exterior appears to everyone who visits.
What is the best trim for stucco?
White window trim is just as popular on stucco homes as it is with other exterior finishes. Simple white window molding paired with wooden shutters and a wrought iron flower box add old-world charm to a stucco home. Using brick or stone to frame windows is also a classic treatment on stucco exteriors, and adds a great deal of texture to these solid walls.
What goes with black exterior trim?
They say that black goes with anything, and this is true for exterior window trim ideas, too. If basic white won’t work with your design, black almost certainly will. Its ability to fade into the background or make a bold statement cannot be underestimated. Black exterior window trim can be made from wood, metal, fiberglass, vinyl, or other materials.
How to make your windows stand out against gray siding?
Make your windows stand out against gray vinyl siding by painting your front exterior door a deep barn red. Use the same color on your window grilles, then frame each opening with white window molding. Make the window sill a little wider than the rest of the window frame. If you prefer shades of tan or brown, pair a light vinyl siding with a matching soffit and make each window trim piece a darker shade of brown.
What is a bay window?
A bay window is a beautiful feature on any home and deserves a special treatment. Your exterior window trim ideas for the rest of the home will also work on your bay or double window, but you can add molding and other features to make it an architectural focal point.
What metal finishes are used in modern homes?
Bare metal finishes such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper add interest to the lines and angles found on a contemporary home. Metal can also be powder coated in nearly any color imaginable, allowing your modern home to feature the sleekness of a metal finish while adding a splash of color around each window. Use plain flat trim around windows and exterior doors, then choose an earth-toned paint color palette for a modern, desert exterior.
Why do you need trim around exterior windows?
Installing or replacing the trim around exterior windows not only adds a decorative look to the outside of your home, it also keeps the inside of your home dry by preventing water from entering between the wall and the window. While all exterior trims have a drip cap at the top and a windowsill at the bottom, the look varies greatly depending on ...
Can you use spackling compound on wood trim?
Either way, once you have installed the trim, use spackling compound on any nail holes before painting . Always use a stain or paint that is exterior grade, especially if your trim is made of wood. These products protect the wood from splitting and cracking over time.
What does window trim do?
New Arrivals. The window trim is a noticeable component of a vehicle which helps keep the window in place, protects auto glass from harsh weather conditions and dirt. If your window trim pieces begin to crack, flake or bend, your window won't close properly and let the wind and rain inside your auto.
What is windshield molding?
Windshield Molding by Fairchild®. Encapsulate the glass which allows for a tight fit to the frame of the car. These rubber seals prevent water, air, dust and noise from entering the car or vehicle.
Can weathered window trim ruin a car?
Weathered window molding can also ruin your vehicle's style. If you are tired of inconveniences caused by the worn out window trim, then may be the time for a replacement has come. At CARiD you can find a great variety of premium window molding pieces.
What type of wood is best for exterior trim?
Softwoods are usually favored for exterior wood trim, with Cyprus and redwood being popular choices. Hardwoods are typically more prone to slipping out of place and do not take finishes nearly as well as softwoods.
What is the best varnish for wood?
One good choice will be marine spar varnish, which is a softer varnish that will expand and contract well with changing weather conditions.
Is aesthetics a consideration when working with window trim?
Although aesthetics will always be a consideration no matter where your windows are located, function must also be taken into consideration when working with window trim outdoors. By keeping the following factors in mind, you will be well on your way to selecting the best wood for your individual purposes.
