Get a Professional Door Trim Look with Pre-Cut Mitered Kits
Installing door trim can transform the look of a room by adding an elegant, finished frame around each doorway. But for DIYers, creating neat, professional-looking corners on trim molding can be tricky without the right tools and skills. That's where pre-mitered door trim kits come in - they provide an easy shortcut to achieve flawless results.
Pre-mitered door trim kits come with mitered seamless corners cut precisely at 45 degrees, eliminating the need to measure and cut miters yourself.
The Advantages of Pre-Mitered Door Trim
Pre-mitered door trim kits provide several advantages over buying plain trim boards and trying to cut precision miters yourself:
- Save hours of preparation time cutting miters - the trim pieces come ready to install right out of the box.
- Avoid wasting material on incorrect miter cuts.
- Get clean, neat 45 degree angles every time for a professional finish.
- Eliminate the need for miter saws or other specialty tools.
- Reduce the learning curve - no miter cutting skills required.
- Create consistent, matching frames for multiple doorways.
- Spend less time prepping means faster project completion.
For DIYers looking to upgrade interior doors without the carpentry skills, pre-mitered kits offer an easy path to flawless results. Even experienced carpenters can benefit from the time savings and convenience of pre-cut kits for volume projects like new construction homes.
Different Trim Profiles and Kit Options
Pre-mitered door trim kits come in a variety of widths, depths, and trim profiles to suit any decorative style. Choose from delicate picture frame trim moulding to wider more substantial casing styles. Profiles like colonial, ranch, Williamsburg, and contemporary provide options for traditional to modern looks.
Kits are available pre-primed or with a bright white painted finish ready for installation. For a custom look, choose bare wood kits that can be stained, painted, or given other wood finishing treatments. Pine, poplar, oak, and composite wood materials give you options for different looks and budget points.
When shopping for the right pre-mitered kit, look for ones specifically designed for standard-sized interior doors, French doors, bifold doors, pocket doors, or pantry doorways. Consider ordering a sample to compare profiles before purchasing kits for the whole home.
Measuring Existing Frames and Selecting Kits
Since door frames come in standard sizes, most manufacturers size pre-hung door trim kits accordingly. First, carefully measure the existing door frame opening:
- Measure width across the top header.
- Measure height along the door jamb side pieces.
With the opening measurements, find the closest corresponding kit size. For example, a 35" x 82" door frame would use a 36" x 84" pre-hung kit. Allow extra height and width in the kit size to provide a little room for adjustments.
For out-of-standard sized openings, some kits can be special ordered or custom trimmed onsite to fit. Contact manufacturers to check custom sizing options. Otherwise, buy a larger kit and cut excess material off the header and side trim boards to fit smaller openings.
Installing Pre-Mitered Door Trim Kits
One of the key benefits of using a prefabricated door trim kit is the simplified installation. Here are some tips for smooth DIY installation:
1. Pre-drill Trim Pieces
Be sure to pre-drill holes in the header, side legs, and any overlapped corner areas to prevent splitting when nailing. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the nails. Position holes about 4-6 inches apart.
2. Apply Adhesive for Strong Hold
In addition to nails for fastening the trim, apply a quality wood glue or construction adhesive. This creates a super strong bond and prevents any gaps between the trim and framing from developing over time.
3. Carefully Nail Trim in Place
Use finish nails to secure the trim pieces. Nail the side legs first, keeping the bottom edge aligned with the top of the door frame. Then install the header piece. Set nails and fill any small holes with wood putty.
4. Fill Gaps with Paintable Caulk
Despite a tight fit, small gaps may remain where trim pieces meet. Fill these with a paintable caulk matching the trim color. Wet a finger and smooth the caulk for an invisible look when dry.
5. Finish Sand Before Painting
Lightly sand trim with fine grit sandpaper to smooth any rough areas. Ensure surfaces are clean and ready for painted or stained finishing.
Customizing for a High-End Look
To take your pre-mitered door trim kit to the next level, consider these easy customizations for a refined upscale appearance:
Add Crown Molding at Top
Frame the top of the door casing with a coordinating crown molding profile. This adds height and elegance to the trim detail. Use construction adhesive and finish nails to attach.
Use Decorative Trim Profiles
Choose wider styles, deeper dimensions, or decorative profiles like fluted, rosette, grapewood, or egg & dart. Ornate trims highlight doors in formal spaces.
Extend Trim Past Frame
Letting trim extend about 1-3 inches past the door frame adds a subtle upscale detail. Square cut the leg extensions for a clean finish.
Match Baseboard Profile
Using a door trim that complements the room's baseboard trim ties the styles together seamlessly. Matching profiles and dimensions keep everything cohesive.
Stain and paint trim to match existing woodwork in the home. Or make doors pop with trim that contrasts the wall color. Whichever direction you take, a finish coats protects and completes the trim.
The right techniques elevate a basic pre-mitered door trim kit to create an interior door style worthy of a luxury custom home. Well-installed trim framing doors as the jewelry of each room. Follow the tips in this article to take advantage of the convenience of pre-cut kits while still achieving high-end results.