Video Series: How to Install Interior Extension Jambs and Window Trim

Remodeler Mike Sloggatt: I’m here to trim out this window, so the first thing I need to do to get started is remove this foam.

I have to add extension jambs to the window to trim it out. I need the jambs because this window was built for a 2×4 wall with drywall. This wall is plaster with ¾-inch sheathing on the outside. I need to figure out what the distance is between the window and the edge of the plaster, and will check it in a number of places since the thickness of the plaster may differ. It looks like ¾ inch is the right size for the extension jambs.

I made a little mockup so that I can see exactly how this stool is going to sit in relation to the window. That will give me a good idea of where to start the extension jambs. I’ll cut them first before I start trimming out the window.

Measure from the top of the stool to just about the top of the window. This is a long measurement and doesn’t have to be that precise. The width of the window at the top is a really important measurement. Hook the tape in the groove on one side and bring it over to the other side. That’s going to be 28 and 7/8.

Extension jambs and measurements

I’m going to start with the vertical jamb extensions. I personally like to use an interior glue for that. I set the adhesive first for the left side. The jamb should be just slightly higher than the stool. I pin the jamb in place. Next, I use a combination square to set the offset. This way, I get a consistent reveal around the entire window. Do the same procedure on the other side of the window. Then do the head jamb using the same method.

Then I start cutting and laying out the sill. I mocked up the trim for this bottom corner for the ¼-inch offset for the jamb. I tack it in place with a brad, then set a mockup of the stool. I like the miter to break at the outside edge of the casing; it looks really sharp. If I mark the mockup of the stool here on the wall and on the other side, then I know exactly how long the stool needs to be. I can cut the casings, cut the stool, and everything will fit and come together.

I like to mark off the reveal first, so I can get very accurate measurements and only have to cut the casings once. I mark the reveal on each side of the window, at the top.

I need to measure for the casing now. I hook the tape on the bottom of the extension jamb I just installed and bring it right up to the line at the top. I’ve got 50 inches here. Now check the other side—I’ve got the same measurement, 50 inches. Measuring from side to side is critical. I’ve got 29 and 5/16. A lot of guys like to burn an inch to get a real accurate measurement, but I think that’s dangerous. I’d probably cut the wrong mark. If anything, I’ll burn 10 inches. So, the measurement is 39 and 5/16—and I can tell it’s 10 inches too long. One inch I can’t see.

Before I put on the casings, I take my foam gun and touch up the areas where the shims were, creating a good seal.

Cutting the stool and apron

I’m going to mark up the stool now. To do that, I take the marks I made on the wall and register them to the window. Mark the outside of the miter and also mark where you’ll have to make a relief cut to fit over the plaster. I mark the other end of the stool the same way. Next I have to figure out how much to take out—it should be ¾ inch, the size of the extension jamb. An easy way to do this is to slide the stool back and make a scribe line at the edge of the plaster. That’s how much you have to take off so that the stool clears the plaster.

I remove the stool from the window and, using the combination square, extend the lines across the stool. Then, when I take it outside, I will cut the correct lines. I’ll do a self-return on the miter. I also measure ¾ inch in from the back edge of the stool and mark it. I’m going to remove all the material behind that mark.

Once the stool is cut, I dry-fit it. It looks good. I use some adhesive and tack it into place. Then I can make the apron underneath and finish it up. I cut a couple of self-returns for the window stool. Just put a little glue on them and clamp them into position. I want a good solid surface to nail to, so I put a filler in below the stool.

To mark out the apron, I like to have an even overhang or reveal. I put up a sample piece and measure 7/8 inch to the nosing cove and make a mark on the wall. Do the same on the other side. Measure between the two lines; it’s not an accurate measurement, but I’ve got 34 and ¼. I go outside to cut the apron with self-returns on it. I need to mark on the base of the apron where to cut the full self-return. I lay the piece flat on the circular saw. When I bring the blade down to cut it, I let the blade stop first. If I pick it back up before it stops, one of the teeth will catch the piece and throw it. You’ll lose the piece.

I like to put the self-returns on before I install the apron. You could clamp it, but I’ll use a 23-gauge pinner instead.

I put a little glue along the bottom of the stool to make the connection really good. The lines I used to measure from are the lines I use to register the apron. Push it up nice and tight against the stool, and keep it level.

Finishing the casing

The last thing I need to do is finish the casing. I’ve got the two side casings that were precut and the top casing. Just tack the two side casings into position. Use the combination square to check the offset. I have to final fit that top miter; I’m not sure if it’s going to be real good or not. Make sure the casing is tight to the stool. Finally, I place the top piece. The miters look good. I’m just going to apply glue to the miters of the top piece and set it in place. Clamp it at each end and pin it in place.

There’s a little dip in the plaster at the left top corner, so I want to make sure the molding will remain in plane. I put a little shim under there temporarily until I get the casing set. Pin along the length of the top casing, and pin the corners, too.

Before I call it a day, I take the stops out and operate the window to make sure it functions properly.

Narrator: After he confirms the window operates correctly, he nails off the casing with a 15-gauge finish nailer. The larger nails will hold better long-term.

Mike: We downsized this window deliberately so we’d have room for all the flashing on the exterior, and also for the exterior trim to blend in with the house. We’re done. We’ll leave it to the painter to patch the holes and finish it up.

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Master Class in Moldings – An illustrated guide to the profiles and proper proportions of casing, crown and baseboard.

Well-Proportioned Trim – Interior trim is such an important element of a room’s design that it deserves more than the little bit of thought it often gets. Proportion is a key consideration — here’s how to get started.

Craftsman-Style Casing – The simple elegance of the Craftsman style has fueled its popularity for more than 100 years. Finish carpenter Tucker Windover outlines his method for installing Craftsman-style window casing.

Perfect Minter Joints Every Time – Veteran trim carpenter Jim Chestnut shares his time-tested process for installing miter joints. The trick is to assemble the trim with biscuits first, then nail the assembly in place.