Craftsman Door Trim: A Complete Guide to Adding Warmth and Style to Your Home

When you walk into a room, your eyes might not first land on the door trim, but it plays a huge part in the overall style. And when it comes to simple, solid, and beautiful details for your doors, few styles compare to the classic Craftsman door trim.

Known for its clean lines and timeless look, Craftsman-style trim can bring warmth and charm to any home—whether you’re remodeling an old house or updating a modern one. The best part? It’s easy enough for DIY beginners and stylish enough for design lovers.

So if you’ve ever wondered what makes Craftsman door trim so special, how to install it, or where to find the best options, this guide is here to help!

What Is Craftsman Door Trim?

Craftsman door trim is a type of door casing with a simple and bold look. It typically has flat, wide boards with sharp, clean lines. The top piece (called the “head casing”) is usually wider or taller than the sides, often with a ledge or small overhang.

Unlike fancy or curved trim styles, Craftsman designs keep it straightforward. They don’t use a lot of curves or deep grooves. That’s what makes them feel cozy, strong, and classic. You’ll often see this style in Craftsman homes, bungalows, or even updated farmhouses.

It’s the kind of trim you can notice and appreciate, but it never looks too fancy or overdone.

Why Choose Craftsman Door Trim for Your Home?

There are many reasons to love Craftsman door trim. First, it’s timeless. Whether your home is 100 years old or brand new, this trim never goes out of style. It also adds a hand-crafted feel, which makes your space feel cozy and welcoming.

Here are some other great reasons:

• It’s easy to install and paint.
• Works in any room, from hallways to bedrooms.
• Can match with Craftsman window trim and baseboards.
• Fits many color styles, from natural wood tones to painted white.
• Adds visual height with its strong horizontal top board.

If you want your home to feel solid, grounded, and full of character, Craftsman door trim is a beautiful and smart pick.

The Basic Parts of Craftsman Door Trim

Before jumping into installation, it’s good to understand the parts. Craftsman trim usually includes:

1. Head casing – the horizontal board across the top.
2. Side casings – two vertical boards running down each side.
3. Cap or stop – a small flat board placed on top of the head casing (optional but popular).
4. Backband or edge molding – an extra detail added around the outside edges (optional for a fancier look).

All parts are typically made from wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and they sit flat against the wall.

When properly measured and installed, the trim looks confident and balanced. It frames the door nicely and becomes a part of the room’s look.

Materials You’ll Need to Build Craftsman Door Trim

Creating your own Craftsman door trim doesn’t require expensive tools. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

Tools:

• Tape measure
• Miter saw or circular saw
• Hammer or nail gun
• Level
• Wood filler
• Sandpaper
• Caulk gun
• Paint or wood stain
• Safety glasses

Materials:

• Flat trim boards (usually 1x4s and 1x6s)
• Wood glue (optional but helpful)
• Nails or finish nails
• Primer (if you’re painting)

Most DIYers choose MDF or pine because they’re easy to cut and affordable. Some people pick oak or maple if they want a natural wood look.

How to Install Craftsman Door Trim: Step-by-Step

Let’s make it simple! Here’s how to install Craftsman trim around your door in seven easy steps.

Step 1: Measure

Measure the space around your door. Decide how wide and tall you want your side and top pieces.

Step 2: Cut Your Boards

Cut the two vertical side pieces first. Then cut a longer horizontal board for the top. If adding a cap, cut that last.

Step 3: Attach the Side Casings

Use a level to keep them straight. Nail them to the wall with small gaps at the top for the head casing.

Step 4: Add the Head Casing

Place the top board across and make sure it slightly overhangs both sides. Nail it down.

Step 5: Add the Cap (Optional)

Install the narrow board above the head casing to finish the classic look.

Step 6: Fill, Sand, and Paint

Use wood filler on your nail holes. Sand everything smooth. Then apply paint or stain as you like.

Step 7: Caulk the Gaps

Use a caulk gun to fill small seams between boards and wall. This gives a clean finish.

And that’s it—you’ve got a custom Craftsman door trim that looks professional and polished!

Best Paint or Stain Colors for Craftsman Trim

One great thing about Craftsman trim is how flexible it is with finish options. You can either paint it for a clean look or stain it for warmth.

Most Popular Paint Colors:

• Bright white
• Cream or off-white
• Soft gray

These colors give modern vibes and match most walls and doors.

Classic Stain Colors:

• Dark walnut
• Golden oak
• Natural pine

Stained wood fits perfectly in homes with vintage or earthy styles. It offers warmth and lets the grain of the wood shine through.

Whether you go painted or stained, your Craftsman door trim will pop. Just choose colors that match your door and walls.

Matching Craftsman Trim with Other Elements

Want a fully styled room? Try matching your Craftsman door trim with other types of trim:

• Baseboards: Use chunky baseboards with the same simple lines. 1×6 boards work well.
• Window casings: Frame windows to match your door, using the same flat trim.
• Crown molding: Go for a flat edge or small shelf-style crown to keep the style consistent.
• Built-in shelves or fireplace mantels: Craftsman style shines on custom woodwork.

Choose the same material, color, and square edges to keep everything consistent. It brings harmony to your space.

How Craftsman Door Trim Fits in Modern Homes

Old homes and new builds can both benefit from Craftsman trim. Even if your space is modern, this simple style can work wonders.

Here’s how to blend it into newer homes:

• Painted white Craftsman trim looks sleek in modern homes.
• Pair with shaker cabinets, flat doors, and simple floors.
• Use across all doors to provide a clean, unified look.

This bold but gentle framing gives a grounded feel in modern spaces. It helps doors feel more special without being flashy.

Whether your style is traditional or minimal, Craftsman door trim adapts with ease.

Cost of Craftsman Door Trim Installation

Doing it yourself? Expect to pay $10 to $30 per door depending on materials.

• MDF boards: Cheapest, starting at $5–$10 per door
• Pine wood: Mid-range, $15–$20 per door
• Hardwood (maple, oak): $25+ or more per door

Hiring a pro? Installation might cost $100 to $300 per door, especially if you’re using solid wood or upgrading all trim in a home.

If you’re handy, DIY is a rewarding and budget-friendly way to get custom Craftsman charm.

Where to Buy Craftsman Trim Kits or Supplies

You can find ready-made Craftsman trim pieces or raw boards at most local home stores.

Top places to shop:

• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Menards
• Local lumberyards
• Online retailers like Amazon or Woodworker’s Supply

Look for flat-edge boards marked 1×4, 1×6, or “Craftsman style casing.” Some suppliers also offer full trim kits, so everything comes pre-cut and ready to install.

Always check for straightness, especially with real wood.

Craftsman Trim Adds Value to Your Home

People love character in a home. Adding custom trim—especially Craftsman door trim—can increase the feel and value of your space.

Real estate agents often mention “custom woodwork” or “classic Craftsman charm” in home listings. These small details help set your home apart from builder-grade finishes.

Updated trim can impress potential buyers and bring a smile every time you walk into the room. For such a simple project, it makes a big difference!

FAQs 

1. What makes Craftsman door trim different?

Craftsman door trim uses flat, bold boards and square lines. It’s simple but strong with a timeless look.

2. Can I use MDF to build Craftsman trim?

Yes, MDF is affordable and easy to paint. It’s great for interior use and helps give clean lines.

3. Should I paint or stain Craftsman trim?

Either works! Stains highlight wood grain for warm styles. Paint gives a modern or clean look.

4. Is Craftsman trim expensive?

Not really. If you DIY using pine or MDF, it’s one of the most budget-friendly upgrades you can do.

5. Can I update old trim to Craftsman style?

Yes! Just pull off the old trim and install Craftsman boards. It’s a fun weekend project.

6. Does Craftsman trim work in modern homes?

Definitely. Its clean design fits both old homes and new ones. Just use paint or stain to match the vibe.

Conclusion: 

Adding Craftsman door trim is one of the simplest ways to boost the beauty of your home. It’s easy to build, easy to love, and adds a cozy feel to even the plainest doors.

Whether you’re remodeling an old space, building new, or wanting a fun weekend project, this trim style never goes out of fashion. It’s bold, clean, and timeless. And best of all, you can do it yourself—even with basic tools and a little patience.