How To Remove Interior Door Trim

Replacing or updating a door is an essential home improvement project, but removing the trim can be a bit tricky. The following guide will walk you through the steps involved in removing interior door trim, ensuring a smooth and successful project. ### 1. Gather Your Tools To get started, you will need the following tools: - Pry bar - Hammer - Utility knife - Tape measure - Pencil - Safety glasses - Gloves - Vacuum cleaner - Dust mask ### 2. Prepare the Door Before removing the trim, begin by inspecting the door for any signs of damage or rot. If you find any issues, address them before proceeding. Next, remove the door stop molding using a pry bar. Insert the pry bar between the door stop and the door frame and gently pry it off. ### 3. Measure the Trim Measure the width of the door trim using a tape measure. This measurement will be used to determine the size of the replacement trim. Mark the measurement on the trim using a pencil. ### 4. Score the Paint Use a utility knife to score the paint along the edge of the trim. This will help to prevent the paint from chipping when you remove the trim. Be careful not to cut into the drywall or door frame. ### 5. Pry Off the Trim Insert the pry bar between the trim and the wall. Gently pry the trim off the wall, working your way around the door. Be careful not to damage the wall or the trim. ### 6. Remove the Nails Once the trim is loose, use a hammer to remove the nails that are holding it in place. Be careful not to hit the wall or the door frame. ### 7. Clean up Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any sawdust or debris. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the area around the door. ### 8. Install the New Trim Once the door trim is removed, you can install the new trim. Cut the new trim to the correct size, then nail or screw it into place. ### 9. Paint the Trim Once the new trim is installed, you can paint it to match the door and the wall. ### Safety First When removing interior door trim, always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the door frame or the wall. If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional.