Does My External Door Molding Need To Be Installed?

Door trim types range from simple flat designs to more decorative, molded styles. Mitered trim is a style with 45-degree angled cuts at the corners, creating a seamless look suitable for modern settings or homes with low ceilings. This type of trim is easier to install and faster than interior doors due to the need for weathertightness.

To replace exterior door trim, follow these steps: remove the old trim, cut the new trim to the right size, and nail it to the doorjamb. Trim an exterior door before installation, using PVC for intricate details. If rot in the existing door frame or the door opening is found, caulk the edges or put a bead underneath the trim.

The exterior door trim surrounding the front door needs to be able to hold up to years of use and gets closer scrutiny than the trim used elsewhere on the home. The new door will almost certainly not fit the old frame, so you’ll have to cut the edges to make it fit.

Decorative trim around a doorway can add curb appeal quickly and cost-effectively. The exterior trim on your door is usually applied over the top of the door jamb, typically 1 to 1 1/8″ thick, and stepped back about 1/2″ from the wall. Avoid using flat bottom gables with scissor trusses and ensure the door is flush with the interior drywall.

Installing trim to a door, especially intricate details, can be a tricky business. In this video, we offer advice on how to trim a new exterior door.


📹 How to Replace Exterior Door Trim | Ask This Old House

This video from This Old House shows how to replace exterior door trim. The homeowner wants to upgrade their vinyl siding with decorative trim, and the host shows how to remove the existing aluminum, install new PVC trim, and add decorative elements. The video includes detailed instructions and tips for cutting, installing, and finishing the trim.


Can I install a door without a frame?

Yes, it is possible to install a door without a door frame, commonly using a slab door. This is a standalone unit without pre-hung doors, hinges, and frames. Openings for hinges and handles are required, and a separate door frame may be needed if one is not already in place. Despite the effort and attention to detail, installing a door without a door frame offers greater customization options for homeowners.

Do all exterior doors come with brick molding?

Brickmould is a common type of moulding used in exterior doors and windows, typically pre-installed in building material stores. It can also be purchased as single sticks for self-installation. The most common brickmould is WM180, available in primed wood, stain-grade wood, PVC, or textured composite. The standard size is 2″, but it can be 1 ¼” and 1 ½”. The materials used are chosen for specific purposes.

Can you buy an exterior door without the frame?
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Can you buy an exterior door without the frame?

Replacing an exterior door without replacing the frame is possible, especially if the existing frame is in good condition but you still want to update or replace the door for aesthetic or functional reasons. This approach is beneficial as it allows you to maintain the authenticity and integrity of your home, especially in older buildings where the original frame complements the architectural style.

To install a new door without replacing the frame, assess the condition of your existing frame and ensure the new door is a perfect fit, considering factors like door size compatibility and the type of door (solid core vs. hollow core).

Can Brickmold be removed?

Brick moulding typically attaches to the door casing with an overlap, and removing it from a prehung door can make the opening smaller. However, the installation may differ. Photos can be helpful in understanding the installation process. The house is sided, and the old door’s measurement is 36-5/16″, while the widest is 35-3/4″. The homeowner prefers not to re-side the house and wants to use PVC brick molding on the new door.

Do I need brickmold on my door?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do I need brickmold on my door?

Brickmold is a popular choice for doors due to its numerous benefits, including a longer lifespan, curb appeal, and security. It protects the doorframe by preventing chipping and reinforcing its strength, making it resistant to weather and rotting. Brickmold also adds an elegance to the entrance of a home, making it a first impression on friends, family, and neighbors. It can also be decorated to suit personal tastes.

However, brickmold has its drawbacks. It can be bulky, which may not be suitable for some modern styles. Some modern styles prefer a sleek, thin design. Additionally, the installation of a pre-hung door and frame with brickmold can be more expensive than a pre-hung door and frame without brickmold. However, some door companies may offer financing options.

In conclusion, brickmold is a versatile and cost-effective option for doors, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Is exterior door trim necessary?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is exterior door trim necessary?

The exterior of a house is designed to protect it from elements, pests, noise, and potential intruders. Exterior trim is crucial in this process, as it is weather-resistant, preventing water damage and preventing leakage. Proper installation of trim around windows helps prevent leakage and water damage. Additionally, exterior trim reduces the risk of wood rot, which can spread quickly and cause serious internal problems. If a problem occurs, the trim will be the first to show warning signs, allowing for early intervention and preventing deterioration from spreading to other parts of the home.

Updating exterior trim can also enhance curb appeal, with styles like Azek, James Hardie, and low-maintenance options like PVC. By paying attention to your home’s trim, you can address any signs of damage early and prevent deterioration from spreading to other areas.

Do you need trim around doors?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do you need trim around doors?

This guide provides a step-by-step guide on installing door trim, which can enhance the appearance of interior spaces. Trimming a door involves bridging the gap between the door jamb and the wall using molding called casing. There are various types of door trim, including mitered trim, which features 45-degree angled cuts at the corners, and butted trim, which has square-cut ends that meet at 90-degree angles.

Mitered trim is visually simpler but more challenging to install, while butted trim offers more customization options with larger head casings. Both types of trim can be used in modern settings or homes with low ceilings.

Is it necessary to have a frame on a door?

Door frames are crucial for a door’s usability, providing a comfortable space, preventing draughts, hiding gaps, and improving mobility. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and types, making it difficult to determine the exact need for a door frame. However, replacing a damaged door frame is not always necessary. If the frame has become damaged due to foot traffic, rot, warping, or cracking, it is likely that only the frame will need to be replaced. This guide will help you become a door frame pro in no time.

What kind of trim goes around exterior door?

Matching your home’s style with your door trim is crucial. Trim comes in various styles and materials, such as wood, engineered wood, fiber cement, PVC, and MDF. Some trim is sold as a set, allowing you to select your style, size, and material at once. However, many door trim is sold in pieces, allowing you to mix, match, and customize the look of your front door. Typically, door trim consists of two distinct segments: pilasters on either side of the door, and the top piece, called a lintel. The entire unit may be referred to as the door casing, with the top piece, known as the header.

Do exterior doors come with trim?

Pre-hung doors come in two types: one-piece jamb doors without a trim and two-piece jamb doors with trim applied to the frame. The installation process takes 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the carpenter’s expertise and correct framing. Interior doors take less time due to no weather-stripping, and the time taken to remove the existing door is less. The cost of installing a pre-hung door ranges between $400 and $1500, including material and labor, and is a national average, but can vary depending on the region and door type.

Do you need trim for a Prehung door?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do you need trim for a Prehung door?

It is common for prehung doors to include the frame, though it should be noted that not all such doors are supplied with the casing, a trim or molding that covers the gap between the frame and the wall. In the event that a door with casing is not purchased, it is necessary to procure and install the casing separately.


📹 Installing Vinyl Door Trim on the Entry Door – Detailed Instructions

This video provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to replace old door trim with vinyl trim. The presenter explains the process of removing the old trim, preparing the door frame, installing the new trim, and finishing with caulking and new hardware. The video is ideal for those who want a comprehensive guide to this home improvement project.


Does My External Door Molding Need To Be Installed?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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10 comments

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  • A little stuck on the part where you put the 4-1/2 and 4-3/4 face trim over the old board. How come you didn’t have to remove the old board? In the beginning of the article, what you were removing was the inner trim, the furring trim, right? I didn’t see you remove the old face trim. Or, you did but it wasn’t in the article?

  • If you could, I’d appreciate some clarification. Around the 1:50 mark of your article you state the trim will be REPLACED (the pieces you end up measuring to be 4 1/2″ and 4 3/4″ wide.) But, further on in the article you don’t replace them, you only put the vinyl over the rotted wood. I saw your answer to another person asking “Why cover up the old trim instead of replace it?” but wanting it to look better doesn’t explain why you’d cover up rotting wood instead of replacing it. Thanks in advance!

  • Thanks for the info. I think we’ll use vinyl for finishing an outer door on our raised ranch. Previously there was aluminum sheeting bent in to fit.. This looks much nicer and we don’t need a sheet metal brake! The door was a couple hundred so splurging on the outer trim a little more makes since because we are doing it ourselves.

  • Your content is spoiled by terrible camera work and whipping all over the place.. Very difficult to watch. You need a camera person and you need to plan your movements ahead of time. Nail gun cam is pointless. I have to give you credit though for not dragging out your content like 95% of other websites do to monetize on the ad time. Your demeanor is good and you could have a great website if you paid attention to your production details.

  • You should do a article about security door installation. But when you run into the door trim problem. I have a molding around my door that needs to be removed and replaced before a security door can even be installed because the security door won’t install flat. Anyways I couldn’t find any security door install articles explaining how to deal with this for guys how to do know better than to foresee these problems. It would help and probably give you a lot of views

  • Question: I was looking at PVC brickmold to replace damaged would brickmold. Like yours, the PVC has a “trough” area in the middle of the back surface unlike wood which is completely flat. The time lapse during nailing was kind of fast, but I think you ran nails on both sides of that trough. Is that the case? Is that PVC brickmold the 1 1/4 X 2? Also, do I need a particular tooth style on a saw blade for PVC? I don’t have a table saw. Thanks…..

  • i just replace the brickmold on my 50 year front door with miratec trim. and after installing, painting etc, i am just realizing that i have no clue on the screw holding capabilities of this trim if i want to add a storm door. i was looking at the larson doors which are quite heavy and are attached to the brickmold. you installed a screen door on this pvc trim but that door is much lighter. does anyone know of the screw holding power of miratec trim. i can’t find info on their website. I’m thinking i may have to replace the molding i just put up with wood brickmold.

  • Good job. You added a furring strip in case you need to replace the door in the future without the need to remove the whole panel; however, I would take that to the next level by integrating the furring strip into the board and making it even more weather tight without the need for extra caulking. Do the following: 1) Make the panel the full width from siding to the door. This includes the width of the panel including furring strip. 2) Measure on the backside of the board near the edge of the door, the width of the furring strip along the whole length of the board. 3) Run the board through the table saw with the blade 1/8 inch shy of cutting through to the other side. This makes for a face side of the board that is seamless from end to end, and two separate sections on the backside. 4) Now you can install the full board with the end nearest to the saw cut groove right next to the door and seal around it. If you ever need to replace the door in the future … 1) You can score the length of the board along the face side with a blade to cut through into the website you created with the table saw, and remove only integrated furring strip side of the board nearest to the door. 2) Reinstall the furring strip pieces after installing the new door and seal with caulk the way you did in your article. The integrated furring strip is available in the future only if you need it and it allows for a better weather seal and solid installation while you don’t yet need to use the furring strip.

  • Great Job….Thanks for providing both detailed and overview options for both types of viewers….excellent idea 💡 ! Also, nice of you to point out to those with less tools that home improvements don’t NEED more advanced tools and can be done with some basics. Keep up the great content, new viewer and subscriber.

  • Great vid.. I have an issue, any help would be much apprech…. Ordered new storm door for front but was waiting on contractor (now fired) to install. Gave 36″ for order based on measurements from old contractor; storm door frame is about an 1.5″ too wide???? What’s best way to make it work? Returning is not really an option now, plus I don’t have access to the pick up the contractor used to pick it up with me. New contractor says he’ll try to retrofit by cutting back some on each side. Is that best way? Can I use same molding as interior, if I paint with exterior paint?? Thanks so much for any answers, I tried to project manage this but things are getting out of my control and never been down this road before.

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