In this do it yourself post, we will cover in detail how to install a Boston Header Moulding.
The tools you will need to complete this job is as follows:
- chop saw
- brad nailer(optional)
- air compressor(used with brad nailer)
- hammer
- pry bar
- nail punch(optional)
- tape measure
- pencil
- caulking gun
- damp rag
The steps involved are as follows:
Installing the Casing
Installing the Side Casing Trim (Moulding) is the simplest part of the whole process. To do this, you must take your up right measurement from the floor to 1/8″ above the header portion of the door jam. Most interior doors will measure 80 1/4″, but that is not guaranteed.
Transfer this measurement to the Casing Moulding, and cut. Ensuring that your saw is set to a 90 degree angle, (with the power off) place the casing on the saw base and bring down the blade to make sure that the blade is going to cut on the correct side of marked line. Once done, press the trigger and cut the casing. See the pic below for a better understanding.
Once the casing is cut, it needs to be placed and secured to the wall and door jam. The casing needs to be installed approximately 1/8″ on the right or left side of the jam, and evenly placed the along the whole side of the jam. See the pics below to see the installation of the casing.
Install Boston Header
The next step, Installing the Boston Header Moulding is a little more complex than the casing install. The Boston Header needs to be cut at a 45 degree angle on both ends, with the center portion of the header being inline with the outside casing. This means that the top and bottom of the Boston Header will be longer. Make your first cut as close to the factory edge as possible, to make the most of each piece and get a better idea of the exact measurement for the opposite side cut. If this piece is cut too short, the Boston Header will be unusable. See the pic below.
Once the main Boston Header length is installed, you must fill in the gaps on either end. This must be done very carefully, and is extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with working with a chop saw. These pieces are cut out of the remainder of the boston header and are an exact 45 cut, designed to fit perfectly onto the end. See the pic below for a better understanding.
In order to secure this piece, it is suggested that you glue and tape it in place, until the glue sets. See below.
After the glue is dry, you can now fill the nail holes with Painters Caulking. Apply from the Caulking Gun onto your finger pushing it into each hole and along outside Header Corners, wiping off flat with a damp rag. This process may have to be done a few times once dry, due to the caulking shrinkage. Once the painters caulking is dry, it is ready for paint. Shown below is the finished project.
