Fabricating Door and Window Casings on Site A versatile, easy-to-make casing that can solve tough problems.

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By Mark Clement Photo 8 Installation Installation is gravy. Unlike mitered moldings (I pre-assemble those on a work table before installation), I can get very accurate, quick joints installing this system piece by piece. Measure the jamb legs from the head jamb location to the floor (Photo 8). Cut each jamb leg and install. Leave the top 24 inches or so un-nailed to allow for any micro-adjustment. Photo 9 Squeeze the head jamb down to mate with the jamb legs. If necessary, tweak the jamb legs to tighten up the butt joint. Nail (Photo 9). Even if the butt joints don't line up dead-on (they should be all but dead-on,by the way), the shape and grain change combined with a large but graceful shadow line tricks your eye into seeing furniture grade joinery. Windows and Other Openings A window is the same scenario as a door, except the bottom jamb is a mirror image of the head jamb. This system is great for basement windows, casing utility boxes, access panels and other oddball openings. I even designed it into the case work of an outdoor bar. Payback This trim trick has paid me back in spades over the years. It's no colonial casing and isn't intended to be, but it fits the need when the forces of chaos and customer dissatisfaction are between you and a primo performance. I've used this technique in basements and bathroom remodels where new window jambs meet lumpy old plaster — where there's little likelihood a wimpy little miter joint will stay closed over time. I've made it from solid sawn stock and MDF sheet stock for paint grade packages. I've even modified it. Instead of making it of 1-by on the flat, I made it out of 2-by on edge to add molding and nailing (in a single piece) for an exterior door installation in a brick opening. It even works as a chair rail. The Clement Profile, if I say so myself, looks good and the customer is always pleased. And when the customer is pleased, the forces of chaos have to try again next time. Mark Clement is a remodeler and author of The Carpenter's Notebook and The Kid's Carpenter's Workbook, Fun Family Projects! Find out more at www.TheCarpentersNotebook.com. PREVIOUS  1 | 2 | 3