During a recent home renovation which included two new additions, the carpenters used a different technique when installing the door and window casings. Instead of relieving the jambs to allow the casings to sit flush against the drywall, they left them square which resulted in gaps varying from 1/8″ to almost 1/4″. When I questioned them about this, they explained that they drywall taper would return and build-out the walls to eliminate the gaps. I would be interested in finiah carpenters comments on this method.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners weigh in on Brian’s haunted showerhead and ask questions about covering overhangs with trim coil, sealing air leaks, and how to partially finish a basement.
Featured Video
Related Stories
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Haha! Why would the drywall tapers will come back for free to fix the sorry trim the carpenters screwed up? They might come back some day but you'll be getting your wallet out. If you haven't paid the trim guys don't do so until they cut down the door jambs and repair the casings.
Hi there, I am a general contractor with 20 plus years specializing in high end interior finish and millwork. I would say 1/8" is the absolute max for casing to be away from the wall surface.... A 1/4" is not really something the painter or plasterer (drywall guy) should be asked to take care of. In that case the extension jambs should be planed to match the wall surface. The jamb can taper but still needs to be straight over it's length however. So if you have a very lumpy/bumpy wall there will undoubtedly be gaps that the casing will not conform too and the wall will need to be mudded to flatten the egegious sections. Good luck.