Trim & Finish Carpentry Training

Trim: The Finishing Touch That Defines Space

Interior Trim:

• Baseboard:

  • Function: Covers the joint between the wall and floor, protecting the wall from damage and concealing gaps.  

  • Types: Flat, sculpted, and various profiles.

  • Materials: Wood (pine, oak, MDF)

• Vinyl Cove Molding:

  • Function: Covers the joint between the wall and the floor, protecting the wall from damage & concealing gaps.

  • Types: Generally flat with a lip.

  • Materials: Vinyl & polyurethane. 

• Shoe Molding:

  • Function: hides the space between the baseboard & hard flooring systems.

  • Types: Quarter round & shoe molding

  • Materials: (pine, oak, & PVC)

• Crown Molding:

  • Function: Adds a decorative transition between the wall and ceiling, enhancing the room's visual height.  

  • Types: Simple to ornate, including cove, ogee, and built-up designs.  

  • Materials: Wood, MDF, plaster, and polyurethane.

• Chair Rail:

  • Function: Protects walls from chair backs, adds a horizontal decorative element.  

  • Placement: Typically placed about 30-36 inches from the floor.  

  • Materials: Wood, MDF, and polyurethane.

• Window and Door Casing:

  • Function: Frames windows and doors, covering the gap between the frame and wall.  

  • Types: Flat and profiled designs.

  • Materials: Wood, MDF, and PVC.

• Wainscoting:

  • Function: Decorative paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall, adding texture and visual interest.  

  • Types: Beadboard, raised panel, flat panel.

  • Materials: Wood, MDF, and tile.

Exterior Trim:

• Fascia:

  • Function: Covers the ends of rafters, providing a surface for attaching gutters and protecting the roof edge.

  • Materials: Wood, vinyl, and aluminum.

• Soffit:

  • Function: Covers the underside of the eaves, providing ventilation and preventing pests from entering the attic.

  • Materials: Vinyl, aluminum, and wood.

Materials and Considerations:

• Wood:

  • Pros: Naturally attractive, versatility, and ease of working.

  • Cons: Moderately susceptible to water damage, requires painting or staining.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard):

  • Pros: Smooth surface, a very economical option, and resistant to warping.

  • Cons: Very susceptible to water damage, requires sealing.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

  • Pros: Low maintenance, moisture-resistant, and durable.

  • Cons: Can fade or crack over time.

• Polyurethane:

  • Pros: Lightweight, moisture-resistant, and easy to install.

  • Cons: Less durable than wood, can look artificial.

• Plaster:

  • Pros: Durable, can create very ornate designs.

  • Cons: Labor intensive install, can be costly.

• Aluminum:

  • Pros: Very durable, rust proof.

  • Cons: can dent, less design options.

Residential vs. Commercial Trim:

• Residential:

  • Emphasis on decorative details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  • Variety of styles and materials, tailored to homeowner preferences.

  • Higher focus on interior trim.

• Commercial:

  • Focus on functionality, durability, and ease of maintenance.

  • Due to metal framing, most commercial trim is either installed with trim screws, or adhesives.

  • Simpler and more streamlined designs.