Replace Damaged Door Trim

Tools:

utility knife
hammer
pry bar
hacksaw
combination square
pencil
safety goggles
carpenters square
circular saw
galvanized nails and nail set
nippers
power drill
wood shims
chisel
caulking gun
new trim pieces

1. Cut paint and caulk seam with utility knife to avoid damaging paint on adjoining walls (figure A).

2. Remove old trim with a pry bar and hammer, and cut away nails using a hacksaw. Place a piece of cardboard between the trim and the wall to avoid damaging the wall (figure B).

3. Line up the top piece of trim first. Remember to line it up so that the paint line or reveal shows. Mark where the excess needs to be cut off on the bottom of trim (figure C). This is easier than marking on the front as there is no contour.

4. Clamp trim firmly to the sawhorse and cut with a circular saw. Be sure to wear safety goggles when working with power equipment. Use a carpenters square as a guide to make a nice clean cut (figure D).

5. Hold trim in place and mark where pilot holes will be drilled (figure E). Place nails about every six inches along trim.

6. Take a power drill with a nail inserted as a drill bit and drill a pilot hole. Clip the nail head off first before using as a drill bit. Follow the same procedure with other trim pieces.

7. If trim doesn't line up flush, take some wood shims, insert behind trim and tap down with a hammer until trim is flush (figure F). Use a chisel to cut away excess shim.

8. Once all trim is lined up, tap nails down with a nail set. Apply a bead of caulk between the trim and siding.