Finishing Phase|Step 31 of 33

Update Trim and Molding

Trim is the frame for your room. Damaged, painted-over, or dated trim undermines even the best renovation. Fresh trim completes the look.

Time Required

2-6 hours

Cost

$100-$500

Difficulty

Moderate

Types of Trim to Update

Where walls meet floor. Often damaged by vacuums, furniture, water. Most impactful trim upgrade.

Frames around doorways. Should match baseboard style. Replace if dated or damaged.

Frames around windows. Often thin and dated in older homes. Easy upgrade.

Where walls meet ceiling. Adds elegance. More complex to install. Optional but impactful.

Light rail under upper cabinets, crown on top. Gives built-in custom look.

Shaker/Craftsman: Simple, clean lines. Wide, flat boards. Modern farmhouse favorite.
Colonial: More ornate profiles. Traditional homes. Curved edges.
Modern/Contemporary: Very minimal. Square edges. Thin profiles.
Victorian: Highly detailed. Multiple layers. Historic homes.

Tip: Match your home's architectural style. Bring a sample to the store.

Pine: Traditional, affordable. Takes paint well. Can dent.
MDF: Very smooth, paints beautifully. Not moisture-resistant. Budget-friendly.
PVC/Vinyl: Waterproof. Great for kitchens and baths. Won't rot or warp.
Poplar: Smooth hardwood. Paints well. More dent-resistant than pine.
Primed finger-joint: Pre-primed, budget-friendly. Made of joined wood pieces.

Miter saw is essential: Rent or buy. Clean 45° cuts make or break the job.
Cope inside corners: Better than mitering. More forgiving of imperfect walls.
Pre-paint trim: One coat before install. Touch up nail holes after.
Use a nail gun: Brad nailer or finish nailer. Much faster than hand nailing.
Fill gaps with caulk: Paintable caulk hides gaps at walls and ceilings.
Fill nail holes: Lightweight spackle. Sand smooth. Touch up paint.

•Match existing trim: Take a sample piece to the store. Match profile exactly.
•Go bigger if replacing: Wider baseboards (4-6") look more substantial and modern than old 3" trim.
•Paint trim semi-gloss: Easy to clean, highlights the profile, contrasts with satin walls.
•Add shoe molding: Quarter-round at floor hides gaps from uneven floors.