- 1). Measure the width of each wall where you'll install trim. Add ten percent to this number; this is the length of trim you'll need. Do this for your baseboard, crown molding and chair rail.
- 2). Locate the wooden studs behind your wall with a stud finder. Marl their location at the top, middle and bottom of the wall with a pencil. Most studs are 16 inches apart.
- 3). Cut the pieces of trim as you go, cutting the first piece with the miter saw for the longest wall. Cut the ends of baseboard and chair rail trim pieces that will meet in a corner with the miter saw at a 45-degree angle.
- 4). Cope the ends of the crown molding pieces that will meet in a corner. This is a different cut than you made for the baseboard and chair rail. Set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle, positioning the crown molding upside down and against the vertical fence on the saw so you can cut a hollow area behind the molding. This way the pieces will fit tightly and precisely into the corner.
- 5). Place the longest edge of the cut trim into the corner when you abut the ends. Crown molding is placed on the top; baseboard on the bottom and chair rail in the middle.
- 6). Hammer finishing nails through the trim and the wall where the studs are Install your trim around the room in this manner.
- 7). Use the nail set to recess the nail heads; place the point of the set on the nail head and tap with the hammer until it sinks just below the surface.
- 8). Fill the nail holes with wood putty with the putty knife; sand when it is dry. You are ready to paint or stain your trim.
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