How to Install Corner and Plinth Blocks
with Door and Window Casing
Rosettes/Corner Blocks and Plinth Blocks add decorative detail to door and window
casings. When Corner blocks are installed, the casing used in conjunction with the blocks,
does not need to be miter cut. Square corner blocks are installed at the corners of wood
casing and trim, especially in the top corners of doors and windows. Plinth blocks are
usually installed at the bottom corners of doors, where the baseboard meets the casing.
Instructions
1. Position the corner or plinth block on the corner joint of the window or door casing. (top
corner for corner block, bottom corner for plinth block.) Make sure it is flush with the
edges of the casing. Mark the position with a pencil for later reference.
2. Apply wood glue to the back side of the corner block. Position the rosette against the
casing, along the pencil marks.
3. Drive a finish nail through each corner of the rosette block. Position the nails
approximately 3/8 inch from each corner.
4. Set the nail 1/16 inch below the surface of the corner or plinth block using a nail set.
Place the narrow end of the nail set over the head of the nail, then strike the other end
with a hammer.
5. Apply wood putty to each nail hole with a putty knife. Fill the hole so that it is slightly
raised, to allow for shrinkage as the putty dries. Allow the putty to dry completely.
6. Sand the putty with fine-grit sandpaper until it is flush with the surface of the wood. Rub
the sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain, or primer.
7. Apply stain or paint to the block. Allow the finish to dry.
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