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Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Siding & Exterior Trim

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How-To

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

By Justin Fink
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      Builder-at-large Justin Fink is in the Fine Homebuilding studio to demonstrate a clean, reliable method for trimming out the exterior of a window. For this project he’s chosen Kleer cellular PVC trim because of its durability, sharp profiles, and clean overall look, but he also discusses how to execute similar details using other common exterior materials, including solid cedar and poly-ash boards.

      This demonstration focuses on a preassembled casing, which gets built on a workbench and installed as one complete assembly. It takes about the same amount of work to preassemble window casings as it does to install the molding piece by piece, but it’s much easier to get flat, tight joints with a preassembled casing, making it the popular choice for most carpenters.

      Justin demonstrates every step in the process, including taking accurate measurements of your windows; working with different molding profiles; cutting and fastening the trim together on your workbench; and installing the assembled casing.

      More about exterior trim:

      Video: How to Install PVC Trim – See the unique methods that are needed to install this trimwork material

      What’s the Difference: Wood-trim alternatives – Fiber cement, cellular PVC, or wood composite

      Video Series: Install Exterior PVC Trim –  Learn all about the benefits and challenges of installing exterior PVC trim.

      Boxed-eave gable-end returns – How to take cues from classical architecture to design roof trim that matches your traditional home.

      FHB House 2017: Siding and Trim – Using Boral’s TruExterior Siding & Trim offers a sharp, clean look for the exterior of the house.

      Work Smart With PVC Trim – For good results with this rotproof material, you have to understand how it moves.

      More Shop Class videos:

      Shop Class: How to Install Nail-Fin Windows in 5 Common Wall Types

      Shop Class: Critical Deck-Framing Connections

       

      Previous: How to Reproduce a Corbel: Assemble, Glue Up, and Shape the Corbel Next: How to Trim an Exterior Window

      Guide

      Siding & Exterior Trim

      Chapter

      Installing Exterior Trim

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      View Comments

      1. b_ward | Nov 11, 2019 07:31pm | #1

        While the trim is classic (such as I grew up with over 60 years ago) the window sticking out beyond the trim takes away from their curb appeal. When will window manufacturers make it easy to get the classic design? In neighborhoods that have beautiful old houses, homeowners are installing ugly windows since it is hard to find affordable paintable new windows that look like old windows.

      2. dominicfrost2 | Jan 02, 2020 02:28am | #2

        nice

      3. aaronbarry05 | Jan 14, 2020 01:20am | #3

        nice

      4. Dean_Sellers | Jan 15, 2020 06:57am | #4

        Amazing advice thanks

      5. BrianWilliams | Jan 20, 2020 12:59am | #5

        I like the design and explanation... Thanks!

      6. ThelmaBuckner | Feb 17, 2020 04:26am | #6

        Thanks Justin! It's very informative...

      7. niamhbooth05 | Feb 28, 2020 02:47am | #7

        nice

      8. Periodcraftsmen | Mar 23, 2020 12:59pm | #8

        Justin,

        Great video! I found it to be very informative. Especially since I still mainly use wood for exterior.

        Cheers!

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