We’re tackling three great interior, do-it-yourself, home improvement projects using stock molding found at most building supply centers.
Add Wood Casing to Windows
Framing drab drywall returns around windows with stock wood casing molding can really improve the look of your home. Here’s how to go about it.
If the windowsill doesn’t extend far enough out on each side of the window for the casing, remove the sill and replace it with a longer board, notching the ends around the opening. Next, miter the top, horizontal window casing to length, and nail it in place leaving a 1/8” reveal between the casing and drywall corner.
Miter the top end of each of the vertical side window casings. Measure from the windowsill to the top of the horizontal casing, and cut each side casing to length.
Position the side casings so the miter at the top fits snugly and there’s a 1/8” reveal between the casing and drywall corner, then nail the casings in place.
Cut a piece of casing to fit under the sill with 22½° angles on each end. Set and fill any nails holes, then prime and paint the casing to match the woodwork in the room.
Watch this video to see how to Add Window Casing.
Apply Faux Wainscoting to Walls
Stock base cap molding can be used to give the space below a chair rail the look of real paneled wood wainscoting.
Start by measuring the height and width of each section of wall, then subtract 9” to find the length to cut the molding.
Cut each end of the molding on a miter saw at a 45° angle, and assemble each section of wainscoting into a four-sided frame with glue and finishing nails.
Paint the molding before attaching the frames to the wall with construction adhesive. Use equal length scraps of wood to position the molding on the wall at the right height.
Use finishing nails if needed to help secure the molding to the wall studs. Fill any nail holes and touch up with paint.
Watch this video to see how to Install Faux Wainscoting.
Build a Floating Wall Shelf
Add a decorative touch to a room with a floating shelf made from scrap lumber, plywood, and crown molding.
Start by building a 6” x 6” x 28” three-sided box out of 3/4″ plywood with mitered corners and a groove cut around the sides for a plywood bottom. Next, rout a decorative pattern around three sides of a 1” x 10” x 3’ board for the shelf, and attach it to the box with nails and glue.
Miter and attach pieces of 3” crown molding around three sides between the box and shelf. Prime and paint the shelf.
Rip a piece of 1” x 6” lumber down the middle at a 45° angle to create matching cleats to attach the shelf to the wall. Attach one of the cleats to the back of the box, and screw the other to the wall.
Hang the shelf on the wall with the two beveled wall cleats interlocking to hold the shelf in place without visible attachments.
Watch this video to see how to Build a Floating Shelf.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Cleaning Spray Paint Can Tips
To clean the tips on cans of spray paint, turn the can upside down after using and spray until no more paint comes out. Soak the tips in mineral spirits to soften any paint residue, and use the thin wire from a twist tie to clean any remaining paint out the holes in both ends of the spray tip. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations
Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations kits contain everything you need to refinish the cabinets in your house. Each kit includes enough deglosser, base coat, decorative finish, and protective topcoat to cover approximately 100 square feet of cabinets. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
Installing Tile Over Vinyl Flooring
Tile can be laid directly over vinyl flooring on a concrete slab, if the vinyl in good condition and glued down securely. Before tiling over vinyl on a wood subfloor, glue and nail a layer of 1/2″ cement backer board on top of the vinyl using thin-set adhesive. Apply more thin-set, followed by fiberglass mesh tape, to any joints in the backer board before tiling. (Watch Video)
