How To Use Wood To Trim Windows Outside?

This article provides tips for installing exterior window trim, including measuring, cutting, fastening, and caulking window casings made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. The guide aims to create a professional finish by understanding different types of window trims and components. The process begins with assembling the trim first, then installing it as one piece. Then, the window is measured, cut the trim, install and nail the trim, fill nail holes, and paint with exterior-grade paint.

The right wood for exterior trims is redwood for exterior trims and cherry for cherry trims. A miter joint is a 45-degree-angle trim cut that covers the wood grain as it meets other sections of trim. A quality miter saw is recommended for miter joints. A rosette is an optional square piece that can be shaped and primed with a high-quality exterior primer.

Window trim is basically just four pieces of wood, but some methods are fancier than others. Tools for installing trim include a drill/driver for screwing the trim to the house, a pry bar for pulling apart the existing trim, and a circular saw for cutting the trim to size. The top and bottom trim can be nailed or screwed to the house.

What to use to trim exterior windows?

Window trim materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, PVC, and composite materials. Belco XT® Trim is a durable preservative-treated SPF wood trim that undergoes a proprietary 2-step treatment process to protect it from damage from rot, decay, or insects. With an industry-leading, non-prorated 20-year warranty, it is long-lasting and durable. Window trim design styles can be creative, with options for a standard, clean frame or a unique style. Belco XT® Trim is designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal. To see Belco XT® Trim in action, check out these exterior window trim ideas.

Does window trim go on top of siding?

The installation of vertical siding is typically executed in a manner that adheres closely to the window, with the trim material utilized to cover the window area. This can present a challenge when replacing windows in the future, as the siding must be trimmed back to gain access to the nail fin. One potential solution is to maintain a minimal distance between the siding and the window, approximately a few inches, and then create a rabbet in the back of the trim to provide coverage for the vertical siding. A distance of five inches is to be maintained.

What is best for exterior trim?

Wood trim is a popular choice for homeowners due to its natural beauty and versatility. However, it is susceptible to environmental damage, such as rot, warping, and insect infestation, which requires regular maintenance. PVC trim is a low-maintenance alternative, as it is impervious to rot, moisture, and insect damage. Its easy-to-clean surface and absence of painting or staining reduce upkeep efforts. However, some may find its appearance less appealing than natural wood, and its reaction to extreme temperature changes can pose challenges in fit and finish over time.

Fiber cement trim combines the benefits of durability and aesthetics, withstanding rot, termites, and fire, offering an impressive lifespan. It can mimic the look of wood, providing a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style. However, its weight and brittleness require professional installation and may require periodic painting to maintain its appearance. Overall, wood and fiber cement offer different options for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s exteriors.

How do you seal the gap between windows and frame?

To seal windows and doors, fill small cracks and gaps with caulking, then use foam backer rods to fill larger gaps. Expandable foam can be used for larger gaps. After cured, trim the foam flush and stain or paint it to match the house. For more information on weatherproofing windows, doors, and trim, refer to our detailed guide on caulking doors and windows. Sealing window frames is crucial for maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Should you use pressure treated wood for window trim?

Pressure-treated wood is not suitable for finish work due to its greenish tone and need for priming and painting before use. This adds time and expense to the project, and can cause splitting and patching issues. Chemical leaching from the chemicals used in pressure-treated wood can affect soil, plants, and landscaping. Although new compounds used in pressure-treated wood are not as hazardous as earlier ones, the heavier treatment can cause environmental concerns.

Many homeowners are becoming more environmentally conscious and prefer preservative-treated wood like XT Trim produced by Belco Forest Products. This non-toxic material resists moisture and insect activity, making it attractive, easy to work with, and comes pre-primed and ready for installation. It is faster to work with, eliminates the priming step, and is produced responsibly. XT Trim products also look great longer than pressure-treated wood, making it a more environmentally friendly option for homeowners.

Where should you not caulk around exterior windows?

Caulking around windows is crucial for energy efficiency, preventing drafts and heat loss, and preserving their integrity. However, it’s essential to avoid caulking directly onto the window sill, as it can prevent proper drainage and potential leaks. Caulking around windows is essential for weatherproofing and preserving their integrity, preventing drafts and moisture trapping, which could lead to window damage over time. Experts offer tips for sealing gaps, cutting energy bills, and soundproofing windows without replacing them, ensuring that caulking is done correctly and efficiently.

Should exterior trim be flat or satin?

A satin finish is versatile and suitable for exterior surfaces like siding, doors, and trim, offering a balance of aesthetic appeal with durability and easy maintenance. Flat finish, often less discussed than glossier finishes, offers unique appeal and practical advantages. It provides a non-reflective, matte finish, giving the exterior a classic, sophisticated look, especially suitable for historical or traditional-style homes. Flat paint maintains a consistent color tone under different lighting conditions, ensuring a uniform appearance across the exterior.

Should you roll or brush exterior trim?

The spraying method can produce a uniform finish with today’s substrates, provided a quality painter is hired. However, it is still recommended to brush and roll the trim since it is typically wood. A trustworthy painter can recommend the best method for your specific home, so research and communication with the painter before hiring can help.

The longevity of paint depends on the quality of paint, the quality of prep work done, and the painter’s skill. If the painter is not experienced, the brush and roll technique can cause the paint to fail faster, as continued brushing or rolling can thin out the paint, increasing the risk of earlier failure. Trusting your research and hiring a skilled painter can help you make an informed decision about the best method for your home’s painting needs.

What kind of wood should you use for exterior window trim?

Solid wood trim, a traditional material, is becoming increasingly popular due to rising costs and availability. Common woods like cedar and redwood are preferred due to their resistance to moisture and insect activity, making them longer-lasting. However, other woods may not have the same rot resistance, resulting in lower longevity. Preparing cedar and redwood for painting is crucial to prevent extractive bleeding and compromised surface appearance, which can be time-consuming and lead to higher labor and material costs.

Engineered wood, a blend of wood, glue, and resins, is a growing alternative to solid wood. It is typically less expensive and comes in various forms, some of which may already be stained or painted, making installation faster.

Does exterior trim go on before siding?

The siding installation process can be done first and then, with the trim placed first and then the siding butted to it. This method requires an eighth of an inch gap, which requires adding caulking to prevent cracking and failure. However, this method is not suitable for older houses with existing garage door framing, as it can be tied into the existing framing.

The existing garage door jamb is thicker, so putting the siding on first and then covering it with the trim would create an exposed siding edge. This is not desirable, as it would stick out too far and create an exposed siding edge.

In older houses, working on an older house without framing it from new can result in being tied into the existing framing, causing the exposed siding edge. To avoid this, it is recommended to install the trim first and then the siding, leaving an eighth of an inch gap. This will prevent the siding from causing any issues and ensure a secure and functional installation.

What is the trim around exterior windows called?

Window trim, also known as the casing, is a crucial part of a window, covering the area where it meets the wall. It provides a decorative appearance, hides any untidiness, and acts as insulation, creating a barrier between the window and the interior of the home. The trim usually covers all four sides of the glass window, matching the trim around the door for continuity. It can be as ornate as you like, with options like twirls or sleek lines. Occasionally, the door and window trim may also match the baseboards. The choice of trim depends on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.