EnInstallation

BASIC TOOLS, SIMPLE SKILLS

The beauty of mouldings is that with a few basic tools and some simple skills, ordinary rooms become showplaces. Whether your style is contemporary or traditional, mouldings add flair.

A few basic tools are all you need: Mitre box and fine tooth saw or power mitre saw, hammer, nail set, tape measure, fine sandpaper, clamps, drill, putty stick, finishing nails, snap line and level, adhesive tape, stain, varnish or paint.

A mitre box is all you need for 45° or 90° angles. C-clamps should be used to secure the moulding in the box for more accurate cuts. Alsways use scrap wood between the clamp and mouldings to prevent surface damage.

INSTALLING

We recommend pre-finishing the moulding before installation. In some cases you may need to pre-drill the moulding before nailing to prevent splitting. Locate a wall and stud and pre-drill the moulding the same centers as the studs (usually 16"). Drive a finishing nail in as far as possible without damaging the moulding. Countersink the nail just below the surface with a nail set.

MEASURING

Carefully measure where each length of the moulding is to be installed and round the figure up to the next foot. Add the figures to get the total length. But a little extra to allow for cuts.

Because the back of Crown and Cove mouldings is not always designed to lie flush against the wall or ceiling, cutting 45° mitres correctly is important.

Clamp two blocks to the mitre box to hold the moulding at the angle at which it will be installed. Once blocks are in place, the moulding pieces can be skid in and out, unsuring all angles are accurate for the entire job. For 90° cuts, this is not a concern.

INSTALLING DOOR CASING

Draw a line 1/4" back from the face of the jamb. The inside edge of the casing is place on this line.
Mitre the corners of the top casing first so that the top end extends to the outside of the side casing. Nail in position-nails should only be driven part way in.
Measure and mitre the top ends of the side casings (leave the bottom ends square). Temporarily nail in position. Countersink all nails and fill.

The procedure for moulding windows is identical to doors except that you may need to mitre the side casing of the bottom of the window. Mitred moulding is then installed along the bottom edge of window to finish the surround. Stool mouldings are designed to provide a finished surface over the rough-in sill.

Note: mark the required length on the back of the moulding. For an inside corner, cut the moulding so it is shorter on the face side. For an outside corner, cut moulding so it is longer on the face side.

JOINING MOULDING

When you need to join two pieces of mouding together on a long wall, make 45° cuts in both so that they will meet neatly. Glue and nail the pieces together. Make they join over a stud if possible.