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How to Install Craftsman Trim: Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions

Read an overview of how to build stylish Arts-and-Crafts woodwork from simple oak boards.

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1. Rip narrow strips for the cove, base and casing using the setup shown. Leave blade guard in place and use the push block to complete the cut.


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2. Plane the cut edges to remove saw marks. Then plane some of the strips to 1/2 in. thick as needed.


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3. Position and predrill the window stool. Then add glue and nail it to the window frame. Snug the 1x4 apron up under to the stool and nail it in place.


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4. Mark the jambs to allow a 3/16-in. reveal. Cut side casings about 1/2 in. too long and fit them to the sill. Then mark and cut the top of the casings and tack them in place.


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5. Measure to the outside edges of the side casings and cut the top casing to this length. Add 1 in. for the cap and fillet and nail these pieces to the top and bottom of the casing.


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6. Center the completed assembly in place over the side casings. Predrill 5/64-in. holes through the fillet and nail it to the window frame with 2-in. finish nails. Nail along the top of the 1x4 into the wall framing with 2-1/2 in. finish nails.


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7. Butt the baseboard at inside corners. Adjust for a tight fit by scribing a line and cutting to it. Nail the 1x4 to the wall studs, the lower cap to the 1x4 and the cap to the wall.


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8. Notch the lower cap to overlap the casing by 1-1/4 in. Cut the notches a little undersized with a handsaw and file and sand to the lines.


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9. Hold outside corner pieces in place, mark and miter them. Complete the baseboard by cutting the baseshoe and nailing it to the baseboard.


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10. Mark the studs, then butt the 1x4s to the ceiling and nail them. Butt and scribe inside corners (see Photo 7) and miter outside corners.


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11. Use a pair of 2-ft. long test boards to establish an accurate miter saw setting. Then cut and fit the ceiling boards and nail them to the ceiling framing.


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12. Along walls without ceiling framing, use construction adhesive and temporary braces to attach the boards.


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13. Cover gaps by fitting and nailing the 3/4 x 3/4-in. piece and the 1/2 x 1/2-in. edge pieces. Butt the inside corners and miter outside corners.


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14. Draw horizontal marks around the room and add the plate rail following the details in Figure A. Notch the ends to overlap the casing as shown.


Comments :
By Kim Brayton, 09/10/2009, 6:35 PM EDT

I would have liked to see some finished photos of the bottom edge corner of the baseboard area, as well as, the completed window.

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