Moldings

BASEBOARDS

Baseboards are decorative moldings that serve as visual transitions between the wall surface and the floor. Their purpose is to cover the expansion gap that is needed between the wall and the flooring surface. It can also be used to cover uneven edges of flooring next to the wall; and protect the wall from kicks, abrasions, and furniture.

Baseboards are comparable to having a crown molding at the top of the wall toward the ceiling. With a molding at the top and the bottom, the structure looks much more solid and complete. Baseboards separate walls from the ceiling and the floor and this can help highlight wall decorations, colors, and patterns.

For rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting, the carpet is usually tucked under the baseboard. For rooms with hardwood or other hard surfaces, baseboards are ususally placed on top of a base shoe between the floor and baseboard.

CASINGS

Casings are decorative moldings (also spelled mouldings in the United Kingdom) used to finish trim around the sides of interior door or windows openings. They cover the gap between the finished wall and the jam (jamb) or frame it is attached to.

Casings are usually the last part of the window that is installed, just as baseboards are for a wall and floor. It’s typical to see baseboards, door moldings, and casings of the same material and design used for consistency. On the outside, the casings will match the exterior design of the home.

As with baseboards, casings can vary based on the style of the home.

CROWN MOLDINGS

Crown moldings are designed to gracefully flare out to a finished top edge. Crown molding is generally used for capping walls, pilasters, and cabinets, and is used extensively in the creation of interior and exterior cornice assemblies and door and window hoods.

Crown molding is mostly utilized for decorative purposes in a variety of areas including:

• Cabinets: Crown moldings make ceilings look higher and kitchen areas look more spacious.
• Bookshelves: Helps to accentuate the shelves by adding both height and dimension.
• Entryways: Creates a focal point and adds an element of design to openings.

Crown moldings can also be used a clever way to hide wires and cables.

QUARTER ROUNDS

Quarter rounds and Base shoes are small gauge and relatively flexible molding profiles. They’re typically used at the lower edge of the baseboard to hide any gaps between it and a floor. It can also be used as a decorative build-up element in mantels and other architectural features.