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How to add timber trim to a door

white wall with timbers windows and pink feature door

Overview

Make an entrance by transforming a plain internal door with trim and paint. We’ve used half-round beading, but you can use moulding with a wider, more detailed profile. Most doors are in high-traffic areas, so choose a hard-wearing, chip-resistant paint and have it tinted in a favourite feature colour.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1 Plan the trim design

Remove the door from its hinges. Lay out a drop sheet and place it on a pair of sawhorses; place the door on this workbench. Mark out the feature trim design with a pencil, using a level as a straightedge.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Check that the moulding won’t impede the handle and is far enough from the edge to avoid the door jamb.
A person marks a measurement on a door. A pencil, measuring tape, level and rubber are shown.

2Measure and mark onto the moulding

Transfer the measurements onto lengths of moulding, using a combination square to mark the mitred ends.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: We set out three panels with 18mm x 6mm half-round fly beading, but you could choose any design and profile for the moulding.
A person marks a wood door trim

3Cut the moulding and smooth the edges

Cut the moulding, long sides first, using a mitre box with a handsaw. Smooth the ends using 180-grit abrasive paper with a sanding block to remove breakout.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Secure the box to the workbench with screws through existing holes in the base.
A person uses a mitre box and handsaw to cut a wood door trim

4Attach the moulding

Check that moulding fits as you cut each piece. Position it using construction adhesive, pressing down firmly. Remove the excess adhesive with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
A person wearing disposable gloves uses Selleys Liquid nails construction adhesive to install moulding on a door

5Apply primer

Apply primer, using an angled brush to cut in over the moulding and a mini roller over the rest of the door. Wash out the brush to use again later.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: We are using a new door. If you’re using an existing door, remove the handle and hinges, or mask around them with tape prior to priming and painting.
A person holds a paint tray while using a microfibre roller to paint primer onto a door

6Apply two coats of paint

Apply two coats of water-based enamel using an angled brush to cut in over the moulding and a mini roller over the rest of the door, leaving to dry after each coat. Reinstall the hardware or remove the tape and then hang the door.
A woman painting a door pink

7 Keep in mind…

  • Work in a well-ventilated area, wearing safety equipment when cutting timber, sanding, painting or using adhesive.
  • Always cut the long sides first; if you make a mistake, they can be repurposed for shorter pieces.
  • If you can’t remove the door, keep it closed while setting out the trim, then mask over the door hardware before painting.

8For more inspiration and ideas

Find out what factors to consider when choosing your perfect door.

 

Photo Credit: Michelle Holden

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.