How to install trimming on walls

This post contains affiliate links, which allow us to continue providing you lots of DIY ideas at no cost to you. Learn more here. When I first opened the instruction manual for a compound miter saw, all I saw were warnings about the appendages one could lose if the saw was used improperly.

I was so frightened and so intimidated that three months went by before I tried to use the saw again. Unfortunately, power tool manuals are written for people who already know how to use the tools, not for DIY newbies like me.

It took me nearly an hour just to figure out how to do that! Once I decided what I wanted to do, I measured all the walls and calculated how much wood I would need. Word to the wise, give yourself plenty of overage. The lumber yard also delivered for a fee , which, given the size of my project, was enormously helpful. I drew every last piece of trim on my wall before making any cuts or nailing anything in place. I measured from the floor to the top of my chair rail molding, making a mark on the wall about every 18 inches.

I then used my level to draw a straight horizontal line connecting all the marks so I would know exactly where to place the trim. Same thing for shadow boxes. I measured then marked where they would go and used my level to draw straight lines connecting all the markings. Also, when I drew the lines, I measured them right then and wrote the measurements on the walls I double-checked the measurements before cutting any wood. The shelves and mantel around the fireplace in the family room were built by a carpenter, not me.

I did every last bit of the job entirely by myself. I had a general contractor come by to take a look at all of the trim work I did. Thank you so much for sharing your tips and your gorgeous home with us, Jenny! Originally published Jenny enjoys making life more beautiful in the details. For her, there's nothing more satisfying than figuring out how to get it done DIY-style!

She dabbles in a little bit of everything. We hired a contractor to do it in our DR yrs ago in a home we lived in, but plan to do it ourselves now in our new home…BUT have not been able to find the lumber to make the picture frames. We looked Home Depot and a lumber store. You will also need to caulk all of the seams. This is somewhat time intensive, but it makes a huge difference in the final appearance. Run a line of caulk along any place where board meets board, as well as wherever board meets wall.

Wipe off excess as you go, and let dry. The final step is painting. We chose to paint the wood trim the same color as the wall, which made this part very easy. I am loving the way it turned out.

I do want to get a headboard for the bed someday, as well as new furniture for the room. But for now, this wood trim accent wall provides some interest in lieu of a headboard. Be sure to pin this for later, and follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration! How to Build a Birdhouse from Kippi at Home. Wow, that accent wall is stunning and makes such a huge difference in your room!

Plus, you make it look so easy. Thanks for the easy directions! Thanks so much, Niky! I, too, am amazed at what a difference it makes in the room. Thanks so much for letting me know about it! Great instructions and it turned out beautiful. I was actually wondering if that would work if you walls are not perfectly square, but you answered that question. Really clear tutorial. It was great hopping with you today.

Thank you! And yes, walls are rarely perfectly square, but this is totally doable even if they are not. Wow what a fun wall, and gives the room such texture. I love it and how it is nice and bright in your room. Thanks for sharing! Thanks so much! We love how nice and bright it is in the room now, too. One of our favorite parts of the house. What a difference! This turned out so beautifully Amy! You explained the process so clearly. Now you have me thinking about where I can do this project in my house.

Start by installing the trim on all outside corners, such as those formed by an alcove or bay. When installing mitered door and window casings, hold the pieces temporarily in place until everything is aligned, which will probably take a number of small adjustments. Next, place the head casing in position and trim it so that it fits against the mitered side casing.

Finally, cut the other side casing a little long and keep trimming it until you get a good fit. Once all the pieces fit, take them down, glue them, and then nail them in place. Attaching Interior Trim Securely. How to Install Crown Molding. Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips.