Decorative crown molding has changed over the centuries. Crown molding has a rich history which dates back to the second millennium B.C. And was often found in palaces. It has evolved from the beauty of the Greek forms to the straightforward curves of the Roman era; from the flowers and vines of the Gothic rounds to a return to the straightforward forms of the Romans during the Renaissance. Today, crown molding can be found in just about any type of material. So what's appropriate? Which one should you use? There are so many, it can be a itsybitsy daunting. So let's take a brief look at the distinct kinds of materials that crown molding is often crafted from.
Traditionally, crown molding has been made from milled hardwood and plaster. Wood crown molding can be found and made from any hardwoods such as hickory, ash, poplar, alder, cherry, maple, mahogany and oak. Wood crown molding enriches the character of any interior as it frames your ceiling and complements your decor. There are many styles available and you can find many of the traditional styles, such as acanthus, grape and oak leaf motifs and shell. Wood crown molding will easily add classic detail to any room.
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On the down side, hardwood moldings can be quite expensive. Forest resources are limited. The softwood moldings wish more time and care to install and finish, although it is less costly than hardwood. Wood moldings shrink and swell with humidity, they can be damaged by water, it is combustible, it can be damaged by rot and insects, it can crack, it requires mitering and coping skills, it may split and splinter when nailed or cut, and wood molding must be sanded and primed prior to finishing. These disadvantages may outweigh wood's good points for many.
Renewed interest has been growing in attractive attractive plaster. attractive plaster molding can be found in all styles. attractive plaster crown moldings do not shrink, burn, warp or furnish toxic fumes. attractive plaster can be formulated in a wide range of compositions to yield terminated products which consist of a range of properties. They are versatile, safe, garage and economic. attractive plaster, although an perfect product, can be precious to install. Although it is no longer required to be artificial in place, skilled craftsmen are in short furnish and it has come to be practically a lost art.
Mdf crown molding, a wood-based composite material that uses wood fibers with a synthetic resin, is other example of how a constructor or decorator can accent any room or hallway. Mdf is environmentally safe and requires less preparation. It is often primed to a flat covering which can then be painted with any high capability latex or oil paint. Mdf won't split when cutting, is defiant to warping and is consistent in size and shape. However, during premise of Mdf, nailing creates blemishes that will wish repair, by hand, prior to finishing. Although it is a less precious alternative to other materials in use, most professionals do not propose its use.
Polyurethanes are found in many items. They are used in resins, adhesives, fibers, foam padding and insulation. They come in any forms, such as rods, sheets and liquids. Polyurethanes are frequently used as an alternative to such materials as wood, plastics, metal and rubber. And for good reason. Polyurethanes are defiant to wear and tear, weather, impact, scratching and erosion. They are also more cost-effective as an alternative as well.
Other uses for polyurethanes include: fibers, seals, gaskets, condoms, hard plastic parts, carpet underlay and sealants. Items such as domed ceilings, moldings and ceiling medallions are easier to make of polyurethane foam rather than wood. In fact, polyurethane is considered to be the best replacement for plaster. It's low cost, lightweight and anything you can do to wood, you can do to polyurethane. It is easy to install, can be used either interiorly or on the covering and is available in the widest range of products.
In its most flexible form, polyurethanes are found in cushion fabrics, while the more rigid foams are used inside the metal and plastic walls of most refrigerators and freezers. They are generally utilized to make up paints, varnishes and glue. Your computer mouse-pad bottom is most likely made of polyurethane foam.
Flexible molding, which is one type of polyurethane, makes it a cinch to decorate colse to curved walls and arched doorways and windows. Flexible molding is made from a aggregate polymer resin that has been engineered to bend or curve colse to more keen shapes. It can be bent or twisted without breaking or splintering. Flexible molding can easily be purchased in a range of grades, from very flexible to totally rigid.
One of the best features of flexible molding is it's superiority to wood. Flexible molding can be stained, painted, or sealed just as lowly molding, but without having to prime the covering first. It also resists warping, wearing, splitting, or mildewing, so it's great for outdoor use as well.
The premise of crown molding cannot be made any easier than with peel and stick. Peel and stick comes in kits of plastic molding pieces which have self-adhesive backs and four covering corners. Peel and stick is available for the easily low-tech, low cost way to decorate. No power tools, saws, nails or hammers are required. No mitering of corners is necessary. One someone can install it in no time with no trouble.
Peel and stick, though, especially due to its low-tech and low cost, lacks relief. That is, there is no depth or thickness and it will appear flat.
Styrofoam, also called wide Polystyrene., has been used for many years by architects on buildings, homes and in museums. Styrofoam crown molding is light weight, durable and versatile, inexpensive, and adhesive to most kinds of paint. Other advantages and reasons for its gain in popularity are that it requires no special tools to install, and in fact can be installed in less than a day by the average homeowner. Styrofoam does not rot, crack, decay or succumb to insect damage. It can any way melt or burn when exposed to flame and must be encased, as it will release toxic fumes when burning.
Another material that is looking its way into popularity is vinyl. Vinyl crown molding gives that old plaster look. While traditional plaster and wood crown molding wish comprehensive experience, the advantage to using vinyl is its simplicity. It is low maintenance, does not blister or peel, swell or shrink when used in extreme moisture conditions, and will not rust, rot, pit or corrode and will not be attacked by insects.
Aluminum, stamped metal, crown molding featuring heavy-duty all aluminum construction is also available for use as a attractive accent. It is preformed inside and covering corners eliminate miter cuts, manufacture premise easier. It is easy to cut, and installs like traditional moldings. It is durable and rugged. Aluminum is a big bang for the buck. Use stamped metal for industry, factory, office, retail spaces, workshop, garages, kitchens, and trade shows.
Styrofoam, aluminum and vinyl moldings are primarily used for covering attractive purposes.
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and each homeowner must weigh these options based on their own requirements and desires. I hope this description will help to make the job a itsybitsy easier. Happy decorating!
Top 10 Crown Molding Materials
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