The interior walls of a home or office are often not complete without application of a moulding type. These mouldings (sometimes spelled moldings) are primarily for aesthetic purposes but also allow a building’s walls to combat wear and tear over time. By installing appropriate mouldings throughout a home the finished look will be significantly improved by adding highlighted features in important areas depending on the particular type of moulding selected.

While a majority of individuals often focus on the larger components of a construction project, it is attention to these details which can make or break the desired outcome. By understanding what each type of moulding is and the purpose it serves then a homeowner can begin to make informed decisions which will not only improve the look of their home or office but also lengthen its livelihood.

The most common types of mouldings used are Base, Base Shoe, Case, Crown, Chair Rail, Header, Plinth, and Cove. Following is a review of each, including use and benefits derived from inclusion during a project.

Base Moulding

A common component in almost all construction design, base moulding is known by a variety of names. Skirting board, skirting, floor molding and the most widely accepted baseboard is the accent found along the bottom of most walls.

Serving to cover the joint between wall and flooring, baseboards not only are aesthetically appealing but also help to keep these joint adhesions protected.

Base Shoe Moulding

Another lower moulding, base shoe serves a particular purpose and is often implemented in conjunction with hardwood flooring. A small gap occurs when installing hardwood floors between where the floor begins and the wall ends, even with a base moulding, the need for a base shoe fit is often necessary.

One of the most important factors to consider when installing base shoe moulding is to remember that the moulding nails into the wall and not the flooring.

Case Moulding

While trim is a general term which covers all types of mouldings, casing is a particular variety. Case moulding is used to enclose doorways and surround windows, covering the connections and cut outs between openings. These mouldings are similar to base mouldings and often both will emulate one another although one may be different in size.

The matching mouldings and rise from base moulding to case moulding where connected at doorways or pass through openings help rooms and hallways to maintain a specific flow and pleasing appearance.

Crown Moulding

Opposite of base moulding, crown moulding covers the connection between where walls meet the ceiling. Of similar circumstance, crown moulding is often more eccentric than base moulding and can be comprised of unique designs and angles in addition to varying widths or sizes.

Crown moulding has a rich history dating back to the Greek Empire having been used throughout time in similar fashion. Unlike base moulding, crown moulding is often used to draw the attention of viewers eyes upwards and can appear to make the room larger than reality.

Chair Rail Moulding

Widely believed to serve the purpose of protecting chair backs from causing damage to walls, the chair rail has evolved into more of a useful tool. While the original implementation of this particular type of moulding may have been for just that, the architectural aspects now associated with the use of a chair rail moulding can be extremely beneficial.

The chair rail moulding can help to separate a room and add dimension within an open concept. However, the railing should be appropriately applied, typically at about one-third of the wall height. If the railing exceeds this height then a room can look and feel shorter than in actuality while a perfect height will add substance and purpose.

Header Moulding

This moulding type is utilized for creative flair and can add eccentric accents to any room by providing unique concepts atop windows and door frames. Header moulding is the top piece of case moulding and can easily be considered as the crown moulding for windows and doors.

While serving the purpose of outlining these figures within a room, header moulding often differentiates from the normal pattern used to match baseboards or room crown moulding. The header moulding is a unique design drawing attention to the doorway or window for which it is utilized.

Plinth Moulding

Another trim covering which serves to cover adjoining components, plinth moulding is often utilized where baseboards meet the case moulding of a doorway or cut out inside a home or office.

The plinth moulding is used as a decorative function while adding a layer of protection for joint adherences of two different types of moulding.

Cove Moulding

Finally, cove mouldings are implemented where walls and ceilings meet much like crown moulding but more similar to base shoe moulding. The cove moulding not only provides an aesthetically appealing texture to a room but also serves to cover joints needed for construction.

For decades, Sears Trostel has been at the forefront of the lumber and millwork industries. Having proudly served this community with quality and integrity has created multiple repeat consumers, which has also benefited all of our customers by implementing faster turnaround times for all. Providing custom wood floors, wooden countertops, cabinets, John Boos Blocks, and many other wooden assessments, we are proud to offer the best value without compromising any of the quality you would expect and deserve. Our business has a storied history of doing all things the right way, the first time. Our manufacturing processes are unique in this industry and allow for unrivaled flexibility in custom profiles. Also, our commitment to quality has earned us the trust of our customers through Colorado, Wyoming, and many other surrounding areas.

Feel free to contact us today with your needs or visit our retail sales and showroom located at 1500 Riverside Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado. For commercial and residential sales please call 970-482-1928 or for wholesale and manufacturing, 970-482-0222 or 800-950-1928 with any other general questions about our products and services. We can also be reached by email at Sales@sears-trostel.com as we look forward to showing you the effects quality beautiful natural woods can have.