How To Install Trim On The Storage Shed

The sixth step in the How To Build A Shed series

Trimming the shed is what gives it its character. Most sheds that are sided using sheet siding like 4x8 rough cut plywood or T1-11 will require a trim piece to be installed around all doors and windows, corners and roof soffit and facia. This trim helps seal the corner and roof connections as well as make the shed look good. This article teaches you how to trim a shed with basic 1x4 trim pieces but any size trim pieces may be used.

Tip: When cutting and installing trim pieces it is important to hold them up next to each other and make sure there is a good fit before nailing them. Hold one in each hand, put them in their places and check for a good fit. When you are happy with the size and fit of the trim pieces you can nail them in place.

The steps to installing trim on a shed include:

1. Trim The Eve Facia And Soffit First

2. Trim The Rake Facia Second

3. Trimming The Corners Third

4. Trimming The Door Fourth

5. Hanging The Door

tools and materials

• Hammer
• Nails, 2" galvanized
• Chop saw, a circular saw will work but is not as accurate as a chop saw
• Framing square

step 1 Trimming The Eve Facia And Soffit First

Start trimming the shed by installing trim on the soffit and facia of the shed.

1. Cut two pieces of trim that are the same length as the 2x4 sub-facia.
2. Fit the pieces onto the facia and soffit with the facia board covering the end of the soffit board
3. You may need to rip down the soffit piece to get a good fit.
4. Nail the pieces to the 2x4 sub-facia with 2 nails at 16" o.c. Hold the nails at the end of the board 1" back from the ends.

Install trim on the soffit first

step 2 Trimming The Rake Facia (and soffit where applicable) Second

On simple sheds there is often not a overhang on the rake walls. If there is a overhang then apply the trim as described for the soffit.

To install trim on a rake with no overhang:

1. If there is no sub facia then you will install the facia directly onto the siding
2. Cut a piece of 1x6 trim so that it fits from the face of the eve facia to the peak of the shed and that the angle cut at the peak is tight.
3. Install the trim piece so that it covers the ends of the soffit and facia trim on the eve.
4. The two pieces of trim that cover the rake on the end of the shed should meet at the peak with a nice even joint. The gap at the joint should be tight.
5. Nail the 1x6 trim with 2 nails at 16" o.c. Hold the nails at the end of the board 1" back from the ends.

step 3 Trim The Corners Third

After the soffit and facia shed trim pieces are installed you are ready to install the corner trim pieces

1. Start by installing the trim boards to the sides of the shed first and then the ends second. This order of installation hides the joint between the two pieces of trim from view when you look at the shed wall from the most viewed side.
2. Measure and cut a piece of 1x4 trim board so it fits from the bottom of the soffit to the bottom of the T1-11 siding just below the shed floor.
3. Fit trim board onto the corner making sure that the edge that abuts the corner is flush with the face of the T1-11 siding so the second corner piece can cover it up.
4. Nail the 1x4 trim with 2 nails at 16" o.c. Hold the nails at the end of the board 1" back from the ends.

step 5 Trimming The Door and or Windows Fourth

Putting trim on the shed door(s) and windows is the last step.

1. Install the header piece of trim first. Align the bottom of the piece of 1x4 trim with the door opening, not the door stop. Make sure the door that you built will have a 1/4" gap between the door and the trim piece around the door.
2. Install the side pieces second. The side trim pieces should also be flush with the T1-11 so the door will have a 1/4" gap on both sides.
3. Nail the 1x4 trim with 2 nails at 16" o.c. Hold the nails at the end of the board 1" back from the ends.
4. Install trim on the door by putting pieces of 1x4 trim flush with the outer edge of the T1-11 siding so that it does not overhang. Put a single piece of trim horizontally at the center of the door, this will strengthen the hinge attachment.

step 6 Hanging The Door And Install The Shed Door knob

After the trim is installed you are ready to install the door

1. Place the door into its opening and check its fit.
2. You want to have a 1/4" gap between the door rails that are sandwiched between the T1-11 and the O.S.B on the sides and top.
3. Place shims under the door to adjust the height until you get the 1/4" reveal.
4. You can temporarily nail a shim to each of the trimmers to help center the door or you may need to have someone stand inside the shed with a flashlight to check the fit.
5. Install the hinges on the door. (quickly if someone is inside)
6. Open and close the door and check its fit.
7. Install the door knob or latch according to the manufactures instructions.

related articles

• Next Step How To Roof A Shed
• Previous Step How To Build A Shed Door
• Back to How To Build A Storage Shed