Pro Handyman Blog

Here is a simple carpentry job that is actually easier than the alternative. If you are replacing trim molding around a door, you typically would cut the ends of the two mating pieces at a 45-degree angle to turn the corner. These angles when put together make a 90-degree corner. Most door trim is done this way as it is fast and miter saws all cut a 45-degree angle.

Rosettes are an alternative to mitered corners. Rosettes are basically square blocks with a decorative finish. Most rosettes are used with fluted trim, but you can use whatever style trim fits your taste.

In place of a mitered corner, you install these rosettes. You can take a level line along the top of the door and install the them on this line. In that way, you can run the vertical trim up to the bottom of the rosette and then install a horizontal piece in between the two corner rosettes at the top of the door.

A nail gun works best, and even putting one nail at the center of each rosette works well while you line up the molding pieces. When you are done you can fill in any holes and then touch up the paint or stain it.