How to Replace Door Casing for Beginners | Easy Door Trim Replacement

In this video, I show you how to replace a piece of bedroom door trim. Replacing trim is an easier project than you might think and you can do it with a small amount of tools. If you have a household or apartment tool kit, it will have most of the items you need. I hope this is helpful and helps you replace your damaged trim.
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Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer Thanks for watching! 😃

[@sredgate35]

We appreciate the multiple options for those that dont have access to as many tools. Thanks!

[@johnrazor8720]

If you cut too long, don’t try and cut the 45 degree angle to shorten the trim. Cut it from the opposite end which is a 90 degree cut. It will be a the bottom and less noticeable.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Very good tip! Why didn’t I think of that!?

[@skitzochik]

omg great tip

[@Thumbsdwn]

And if you cut too short, make sure you brought your board stretcher to the job, they always come in handy

[@robynw6307]

I was thinking that too, when he was talking about this.

[@BStride]

A board stretcher is much needed at times 😂

[@Mr.PoopyDoobertPants]

Secret option #3: Automatically watch any Fixer video regardless of topic simply because he’s awesome and helpful!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😃 Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@williammoore4101]

I like the whole "expert take on simple tasks" idea, and the talking through the thought process. Don't get me wrong, I dig the more complex work, but this is good too. Great content!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!!

[@lpconserv6074]

Even if I have done this a dozen times... Watching a different person with possibly a method or 2 that is different than the one I did before, it is good to know your options and be able to choose from the methods the best to suit each and every trim condition. Great in the detail level!!

[@JDGillis]

I highly recommend never using caulk to fill nail holes, because it will always shrink just a bit making the nail holes pop again after painting (yes I learned the hard way). Spackle/nail hole fillers such as DAP DryDex do not shrink and can even be found in 5.5oz squeeze tubes for about 7 bucks.

[@smarthome2660]

I really enjoy watching you fix things even though I don't need to learn. I used to do punch lists for Century 21 homes that went on to the market. I mostly did trim & door repair, but holes in walls and floor repairs too. It is quite satisfying to repair 80 to 100 year old homes and match trims you can't buy anymore.

[@shadegarden7375]

You are such a great teacher, and so thorough!!👏🏻👏🏻. Thank you!

[@chasityhamilton2998]

glad I came across this video. I purchased a house where the bathroom closet was closed a little aggressive from the hinge side and damaged the trim. This entire time(16 years) lol i thought i had to replace the entire frame. I talked to a lowes employee who told me different. I was excited when a come across this video in great detail and i feel lil better about fixing it myself. Thank you!

[@sweet_pea]

Omg thank you! Idk why the hell I've had such a hard time finding answers on Google on how to replace door trim. The terminology alone was getting me confused when I searched! Door casing? Door trim? Door frame? LOL. This was very helpful. Much appreciated!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Happy to help!!

[@avivat3010]

Thanks for this video - you're a great teacher! Your descriptions are clear and the demonstrations include everything for someone who has no idea how to do things. You've shown everything clearly in your video as well. I especially like that you showed how to perform "the operation" with fewer tools. That is soooo helpful. Very much appreciated.

[@rubenvillarreal1845]

I LIKE THE WAY YOU EXPLAINED RUBEN SAID GRACIAS .

[@doncapo732]

Always enjoy your videos and even though I personally have most of the tools shown, I always appreciate you showing alternative ways of dong things with basic tools. Thank you for such excellent content, keep up the great work!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it! 😃

[@timothysebo-glenn864]

I love watching your videos. You’re always very informative and give options for all levels of knowledge. I’ve been binge watching all your episodes and it’s helped me learn so much!!!

[@BStride]

Yes totally agree make sure you have the same exact trim, on an older house you may not be able to find exact match from experience 😊

[@kelsyfish]

This is fantastic, I love that you showed so many different ways to do things without the specific tools

[@edspengeman3407]

VERY THOROUGH , WELL DONE VIDEO.

[@nodumpling1484]

7:26 going to be a little more particular than most people would even be concerned with, but you will notice that you learned the hard way during this process not to pry channel locks against drywall... wall went from not dented to dented during the splice followed directly by your advice not to pry against the drywall. One additional tip, if you place the wood/trim that you are prying against flat against the wall rather than angled like you did, you shouldn't get that corner dig in the drywall like you did. Again, not a big deal, yoy were able to quickly adjust and finish the job, but newbies might have a more difficult time if not being mindful of this. Especially if you have the prywood outside of the covered area. Good luck!

[@abaricevic]

Besides the actual builds and fixes, bhe best moment of your entire KZbin channel can be easily found at the 23:32 mark. You're welcome.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@hanwoolcho7]

I’m a complete beginner but I feel much better after this video! Thanks mate!

[@ca6177]

Thanks again for a good tutorial! You always explain everything very consicely! Take care.

[@shanaproctor100]

Very informative video. Love the idea of using another nail as a nail set!

[@SUWSteven]

That was damn good. Great way to explain for a DIYer who will 99% of the time not have any power tools at all and then get themselves into trouble doing their own work.

[@PennySue]

Great video! Thanks so much and don't return the saw....as soon as you do, you will need it again. 😅

[@arthendrickson4860]

Great job explaining and offering alternatives.

[@chrisw443]

I can see you showing up at a parking lot after my wheel has somehow been stolen saying, "That ain't good, and I'll show you how to fix it right now". hehehe.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@lola8423]

Thank you so much for going step by step! So helpful

[@lcook0825]

Great informative video.

[@Tony-gl6bc]

Man i love your videos, you cover every aspect and give all opinions 👍🏼

[@SteveOnTheEastCoast]

Great content

[@febeleven]

You did great!

[@MultiRugman]

thank you!

[@michaelmathews295]

I had the same situation on our family farm house with some ranch casing from 1956. It was an odd shape as the face wasn't flat but curved. There wasn't anything like that in the Big Box stores so I went to a local lumberyard that's been there for eons. I brought the piece with me back to the millwork section and there must have been 200 varieties of trim. I found the exact piece I needed. Most larger cities have these places still. You could also have it custom milled or check out an architectural salvage place if it's from an older home.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That must have been a cool lumberyard! 😃

[@jimk5307]

Yes, and most styles can also be custom ordered at the big box stores too. Takes longer but if there is no access to the style locally it’s better than nothing.

[@alastairdallas]

Love the closing sentence.

[@brianwarner308]

slick tricks! thanks!

[@henrysboy2]

Great video. Thank you.

[@fredstutske3129]

Good Video!

[@jennifermartinus4929]

Great video, thanks. 👍🤩

[@TheBourneBlogger]

Great video of something that's been irking me around my house, too. Thanks bro

[@m.pav.8397]

Good job

[@nxreliant1864]

Great video!!! Thx u

[@jumper233]

I'll usually replace whole piece,that's what I prefer.I have however used water putty for quick & dirty fixes.easy to work,dries quick and less messy than bondo in my opinion.

[@herbaltea3181]

Thanks you so much you just saved me a couple of thousands

[@mrhristv]

Nice!

[@Canadianbatgirl62]

Very nicely done! 😁

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! 😃

[@maleanewborn9073]

I left my dog while i ran to the store literally 3-4 minutes away. Came back to my bedroom door trim completely trashed. My son just bout us all this home! Saturday! He already hates having pets in the home but i begged and now this. lol i pray your video helps me save the headache and heartache of my son finding this damage lol

[@chanelporter8227]

Dog has human eyes. Love your videos!

[@kbozzful]

Beau travail... parfait.

[@SpringRubber]

I've got 2 miter boxes, a plastic Stanley one and a vintage Craftsman metal one. The one you showed looks pretty sweet.

[@cantgetright742]

I think also if you get it at a local hardware/lumber store some will cut it for you. All you need is the measurement

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Could you do a video showing me how to do tub caulking or any caulking without making a mess of the caulk and how to clean up the mess on my hands and adjoining areas after. It makes me cry just talking about it.😂

[@NickyC-g2n]

I second this! Me and caulking are not friends at all

[@texasproud3332]

Good video

[@Yackhammer75]

Not an expert but pretty handy and have done this repair before. Still managed to learn a couple of tricks so thanks.

[@wendycorral4206]

OMG Thank you !! Can you please do the door next? My dog scratched the bottom of the door… not sure how I can fix it? Some one said sand it ?

[@charlii5917]

I'm the 3rd type of people. One who just likes watching your vids

[@robynw6307]

You call it a nail set. My Dad always called it a nail punch, and so do I because of that. Same, same, but different. Thank you for showing the non-fancy-tool method.

[@chefgoldielocs]

Or the 3rd person that says, " I'm watching this video because I love The Fixer's content. It's me, I'm the 3rd person. ❤ 0:43

[@phenglee6084]

Great video to show other methods as most of us novice does not own all the crazy tools. 😂

[@romansXIII]

Thanks for the finishing nails bit. I have some baseboard work to do and I don't have access to a nailer. I was wondering how I was going to get the nails in without damaging the wood. Duh, makes sense now! Great channel.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks so much!

[@Vegasevents]

Thank you for this video! My dog ate my door frame lol

[@LY_456]

I think your dog and my Kaia are related! Did you get him in VT a few years ago? Also, great video. I now have the courage to face my agonizing door frame repair project!

[@hackiehackerson]

even when it's not exactly the same, it's not so noticable at the top corner, especially when smoothed out with a little painters caulk. the last option is the best if you can find a similar match for sure

[@evelyn_r]

The naughty smile at the end lol

[@Badenhawk]

You should do the same style video but for a door jamb that has been damaged, either pets or from getting kicked in. I have an interior door jamb that was bad when I bought the house. Exterior one was also bad, but I just replaced the whole door with a one piece jamb and door set.

[@binnsbrian]

Very good video. I would be interested how you are going to address the transition piece on that door you were working on.

[@NickyC-g2n]

My dog has never chewed or scratched up any trim, but he did shit up the wall when he was a puppy, it was actually quite impressive 🤣 Great stuff as usual Matt. hope you and the fam are all good x

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I can't say that Koda has never done that! Haha 😂

[@emiller7040]

Great job! Where is the quarter round in that room? I watched someone else's video recently & they didn't have any either. I've never seen a house without it. Love the dog!

[@5Iron]

When using caulk I always put on a pair of those cheap nitrile gloves. That way when I'm done I can peel them off and not risk getting caulk from my fingers in unwanted places.

[@shadegarden7375]

Smart! Set the nails with a nail!!

[@stevet5238]

You forgot the very first step -- -- Opening a big cold bottle of cold beer .

[@bv3706]

How about that for a dustpan? 😂

[@thomasfinley7754]

I think you need a transition video lol...just playing keep up the good work!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Here's one, just not for this bedroom. 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/laOmZKKFYrFrfq8

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@0MIDO1280]

There is another type of people watching this, the one who only want to watch your videos like me ☺

[@bettyrubble2628]

For the cutting part, can yo get them to cut it for you at home depot or lowes? I think i can handle the rest, but sawing stuff scare me 🙈

[@jimk5307]

For the paint, agree take the old piece (or at least 5-6”) for a color and sheen match. New to this? 1. Most stores have paint samples that they will tint, that reduces the cost of the paint significantly. Keep the rest for other small trim touch ups that are bound to be needed. The samples are small but go a long way if you are only doing touch ups. 2. Cheap brush is needed too, just get the $4 basic brush (NOT A CHIP BRUSH) Clean it after and it’ll be there for those little touch ups too.

[@ryanomac27]

Love it Matt. Thanks as always!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryanomac27]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I know you did this with limited tools, but have you thought of doing rundown of the tools you own? Maybe you could give recomendations of tools you own and why others should or shouldnt buy similar tools?

[@GrannyFilmingAgain]

Let's catch up over here too.

[@matthewashworth6530]

Can I do the same thing with the frame panels without removing the trim panels.

[@Orikix]

My dog actually dug through the door, making a big hole. She is a dachshund after all😂

[@wldmike223]

One point about using calk to fill nail holes is that it will shrink and show the hole & calk can't be sanded. Better to use spackling unless you really don't want to buy it.

[@vashon100]

caulk vs calk

[@randalwc]

Or use a paintable flexible caulk like dynaflex 230 if you're worried about shrinkage. I've had spackling shrink or crack more often than caulk on a one and done application.

[@DT95978]

Next video. Put a transition on that floor. Haha

[@fromikea8562]

puppy!!

[@95dodgev10]

I have this exact issue but it also gets into the door jamb not just the outer trim. My problem is not replacing or fixing the wood. My issue is the finish my house has on all the original trim. Its this very glossy orangey laquer looking finisb that I'll never be able to match.

[@wendydix5534]

❤

[@udalimb384]

I now want to upgrade my miter box. I use clamps as my hand strength is not ideal.

[@falinost]

I am the 2nd person, thank you!

[@lcook0825]

Hi Matt. Hope all is well with you and family.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! Everyone's doing great, thanks for asking. 😃 Hope the same goes for you and your family!

[@lcook0825]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair we’re good thanks.

[@elizete2776]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@darciaridenour5296]

My house was built in the late 60’s, I can’t afford to buy all new door trim, all the trim is banged up, could I sand each one then fill with bonded then sand again and prime and paint?

[@bobellison2547]

Say your dog has a relapse and forces you to do this again. Will adding that wood glue cause you more headaches? I mean, when you pull the trim off won't the glue have the possibly of ruining the top trim?

[@ivanwill]

Making it look easy as always. But, there are 3 types of people that will watch these videos. The third being, those like me, that watch all your videos. 😂😅

[@januzi2]

I wonder ... is it possible for the new trims to look almost the same as the previously bought, but have different shape that would make them stick out when placed next to the old ones? I'm asking, because I've got new cabinet hinges for the replacement of the old ones and for some reason the screw holes were moved to the different position. Just a tiny bit, but enough to make the replacement a harder task than it should be.

[@smarthome2660]

If they are painted, just glue in wood, smooth, paint and drill new holes. If wood is un-painted, you will need to get closely matching grain and color wood, then use a bung hole cutter & glue in bungs with grain lined up to old, then drill new holes. A trick to hide these repairs is fine artist brushes and different colors of artist paint to mimic the grain for un-painted wood. There are KZbin videos on this.

[@user-gw3ef9nn5j]

darling dog

[@goat9199]

I used to have a dog like that. Emphasis on used to.

[@nolongeramused8135]

Destroyed trim and doors is a good reason to not get a cat. When I had a length of trim replaced I kept the old one just in case I had to do future repairs.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Good idea! 😃

[@eric4brs]

Hope I’m not repeating but for those who struggle painting, paint the trim first before nailing in place. Then touch up the nail holes.

[@dylanfraley227]

Any chance you know the mix of your dog? I have one that look exactly like yours!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

We were never told but we are thinking a Lab/Shepard mix. 😃

[@grazful1]

yeah ..that's way too difficult for me.. I need a contractor 😕