House Trim Tip: Fitting that tough board under a door

If you’ve ever trimmed out an exterior door you know that the skirt trim [board under the door] needs to be tight and secure to help support the threshold.  the problem is betting it to fit under a slightly beveled threshold and the porch or deck below it.

Here’s an easy tip that I use, it also works well in other trim and carpentry situations.

1.  Measure your exact with from top to bottom.

2.  Rip a board to your measurement with a 10 – degree bevel on one side.

3.  Insert your board, by tilting the  flat side up and under the door threshold.  Make sure your beveled edge is at the bottom with the point of the bevel away from the house.  [see photo]

4.  Push your board into the house.  You may need to use a scrap block and hammer to tap it into place.  The bevel point should be in contact with the deck, porch or ground.

The reason this tips works is the bevel allows the board to pass by the masonry landing until the board is almost against the house with only minimal contact.

Using this tip you will be able to get a super tight super tight  fitting trim board every time.

Concord Carpenter

Who is Concord Carpenter?    ~ Robert Robillard is editor of A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he also hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!":

More Posts - Website