VIDEO SERIES: How to Deal With Awkward Interior-Trim Transitions
In this Master Carpenter video series, finish carpenter Tucker Windover shows how to make each interior detail look like it belongs. He’ll share tricks for getting clean lines every time on everything from stairs to soffits
We occasionally run into awkward or unusual trim situations that make us slow down and think about how to trim something out without drawing attention to that particular piece. We try to play down the unusual and keep the trim looking simple and purposeful.
These problem areas don’t have to look odd if the carpenter can keep certain principles in mind. The trouble comes when those situations are not planned for or thought through, and they can stand out or look awkward. Symmetry and balance are important.
I always try to avoid creating jagged and interrupted lines and maintain alignment. Try to avoid choppy lines and terminations which seem arbitrary or illogical. Establish continuous lines that display a convincing and sensible completion.
You must provide termination. We want to have a fixed spot which says this piece stops here, and eliminate the instances when the trim looks like some appendage hanging without purpose. I try not to let different profiled moldings meet and get smooshed into one place.
In the following videos, I’ll point out three opportunities to make common trim details look deliberate and show you how to get the job done.
