Let’s talk trim. If you’re adding chair rail or any kind of molding to your walls, you’ll probably run into the question: how do I end it cleanly? Sometimes the molding wraps around a corner or continues into another space, but other times, you just need it to stop.

That’s where an end cap comes in.

It’s basically a little return piece that finishes the edge of your trim so it doesn’t look like it just… stopped mid-thought. And good news: it’s actually really easy to do with just a few cuts and a little patience.

I made a handy video explaining exactly how to do it, below!

In case you're curious, my hallway trim is actually two pieces layered together. The back board is 4.5” tall and 1/2” deep, and the rounded piece on top is 2.5” tall and 1” deep. The layered look adds a little extra dimension.

One more thing: always wear your safety goggles, even for quick cuts. It only takes a second and makes all the difference.

An end cap might seem like a small detail, but it really pulls the whole project together. It gives your trim a clean, finished edge and makes everything feel more polished and purposeful.

If you give it a go, let me know—I’d love to see how it turns out in your space!

Links At A Glance

Miter Saw

Paint Color - Reddened Earth by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams

Trim - Ace Hardware