*This post contains affiliate links*
I started by removing the door trim to add a more stylish trim that I liked better than what the builder added. I scored the caulk lines with a razor and then I removed the trim with a hammer and flat head screwdriver. But they make this tool that makes trim removal a lot easier.
I normally use 1×3, 1×4 and 1×2 primed pine for this but a neighbor had given me a bunch of strips of MDF so I ripped it down to the right dimensions I needed.
I wouldn’t recommend MDF because the edges are hard to paint and don’t look great, you really have to add a lot of coats to the edges to make them look decent, it just absorbs it too much. But I made it work. I primed and painted it before I installed it so I would only need to do touch ups later.
The 1x3s go on the sides of the door, overhanging the top casing by about 1/8 of an inch. I used my nailer to secure them to the wall. Be sure to measure each piece individually because some of them can be off by 1/4 an inch or more. Sometimes it’s the door casing that may not be level or maybe the floor.
The 1x4s go on top sandwiched between the 1x2s that go on their sides. I overhang the 1x2s by 1/2 an inch on both sides.
The closet door and the bedroom door weren’t at the exact same height and I didn’t realize this until I put the top trim on. I could have left it but it wasn’t too hard to remove and fix and I knew it would drive me crazy if I didn’t fix it.
Then I filled the nail holes, caulked and touched up the paint and then painted the doors in Accessible Beige by SW.
I just love the character I’ve added to this little hall with the faux beam casing I talked about in my last post and the color on the doors and new trim.
This is a fun weekend project that will really change the feel of your space. As I make over each room I’m also replacing the door trim as I go along. I still have several left to do, but it’s not overwhelming because I’m not doing the whole house at once. Is this a project you feel like you could take on?
Hallway links here.
Next up, I added a ceiling treatment to this little hallway and it was kind of a pain, but so worth it!
Leave a Reply