Quarter round is a popular trim option that can add a polished finishing touch to your door frame. If you’re looking to install a quarter round around your door trim, you may be wondering where to start and what tools and materials you’ll need.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to put quarter round around door trim, along with some tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional-looking result.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to tackle a simple home improvement project, this post will provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to get the job done right.
How To Put Quarter Round Around Door Trim?
The process of installing quarter-round trim around door frames is quite similar to that of baseboards.
However, it is important to be more precise with measurements to ensure that the door can still function properly, opening and closing without any hindrance.
1. Measure The Area Around The Door
Although most doors in a house have a standard size, it is still crucial to take precise measurements for each door as even the slightest difference can make a significant impact.
Begin by accurately measuring the dimensions of the door from all sides, which will serve as a guide for cutting the quarter trim.
Using a measuring tape, measure the lengths of the inside and outside corners, as well as the sides. If the inside and outside corners are approximately 3/4 inches, it is recommended to add an extra 1/2 inch to the actual measurements.
2. Choose The Molding Material
To achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance, it is advisable to select a quarter-round molding color that matches the color of the surrounding area near the door.
3. Cut The Quarter Round
Using a saw, cut the corners of the quarter trim at a 45-degree angle. A miter saw is a suitable tool for this purpose, but a handsaw can also be used.
Additionally, there is a specialized tool available for cutting quarter-round trim and moldings, which is a preferred option.
Alternatively, you can purchase quarter trim in your desired measurements and then cut it to fit accordingly.
4. Stain And Paint Quarter-Round
For a seamless finish, use semi-gloss paint to stain the quarter-round to match the color of the door-frame.
Semi-gloss paint not only provides a beautiful finish, but it also dries rapidly. Additionally, painting the quarter-round is an excellent way to conceal any visible nails used during installation.
5. Mark Spots For Nails
Next, position the quarter-round above the door and mark the specific locations where you will need to drill the nails.
6. Drill A Hole
Use a pencil to mark the spots where you will need to drill the nails, and then drill a hole at each mark. It is advisable to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the nails to ensure a snug fit.
Drill the pilot holes at a downward angle between 35 to 45 degrees. Although an electric drill is recommended for optimal results, a manual drill can be used as well.
7. Nail The Quarter Round
Position the quarter-round against the wall and then hammer the nails through the pilot holes you have drilled.
Alternatively, you may use a nail gun and compressor for a more efficient and refined finish, although we understand that not everyone may have access to this equipment.
8. Give Finishing Touches
To achieve a flawless finish, consider the following steps:
- Fill any gaps or uneven areas on the quarter-round using caulk, filler, and 180 grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
- Once the filling and sanding are completed, clean up any debris using a damp cloth.
- To conceal the nails, use wood putty to cover them up.
What Is Quarter-Round Trim?
Utilizing quarter-round trims is a widely accepted technique to add a polished finishing touch to any room. These trims are typically installed onto door frames that measure 1/4 by 1/4 inches.
Quarter-round trim moldings are obtainable in a variety of wood types such as fir, oak, alder, and mahogany. It is relatively simple to fit the quarter-round around the woodwork in your home.
The quarter-trim has a smooth curved front on one of its three sides, while the other two have a 90-degree angle. It is designed to be flexible enough to fit into corners and conceal gaps between doorjambs and doorstops.
By using quarter-round trims, you can give a door with square sides a smooth and seamless appearance on the exterior. Some doors may already come with a pre-installed quarter-round trim.
Can You Put Quarter Round Around Door Trim?
To enhance the appearance of plain door frames, quarter-round trim moldings can be added to provide a final touch. This is a cost-effective and straightforward method that can be accomplished with only a few hand tools.
Along with its usefulness for baseboards, quarter-round trim can also be applied to your door trim for a tidy finish. It neatly conceals the gap between the door trim or baseboard and the floor.
Quarter round and shoe moldings are similar in nature and offer affordable and straightforward installation. You can customize the color of the quarter round by painting or staining it to match the overall aesthetic of your room.
Is It Better To Use Glue Or Nails For A Quarter-Round?
It is advisable to use nails to attach the quarter-round to the baseboards as it allows for easy removal in the future if needed.
Avoid using glue for this purpose. However, when attaching the quarter-round to the floor, it is recommended not to use nails but instead, secure it into the brick.
It is crucial to leave some space between the quarter-round and the floor to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the flooring material.
What Angle Should You Cut The End Of The Quarter Round?
Using nails to attach the quarter-round to the baseboards is a good option as it provides the flexibility to remove it in the future if required.
Glue should be avoided for this purpose. However, when it comes to attaching the quarter-round to the floor, using nails is not recommended. Instead, it is better to secure it to the brick.
It is essential to leave some space between the quarter-round and the floor to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the flooring material.
This space should be sufficient to prevent the quarter-round from buckling or warping over time.
Is A Shoe Molding The Same As A Quarter Round?
The quarter round and shoe molding serve the same purpose, which is to cover up the gaps between the flooring and the baseboard or wall.
However, they are different in terms of their shape and size. A quarter round has a quarter-circle cross-section and is generally smaller than a shoe molding, which has a more flattened oval shape.
Final Words
In conclusion, putting quarter round around door trim can be a simple and straightforward process with the right tools and techniques.
