Top 10 Crown Molding Materials by: Patricia Tomaskovic

Decorative crown molding changed for centuries. Crown molding has a rich history that dates back to the second millennium BC and was often found in the palace. Has grown from Greece to the beauty of the simple curves of the Roman era;'s interest and Vines of Gothic lap to return to a simple form for Renaissance Rome. Today, crown molding can be found in almost all types of materials. So what exactly? Where should you use? Very many, can be a little intimidating. So let's take a brief look different types of materials that are often crafted from the crown molding.

Traditionally, have been milled crown molding made of hard wood and plaster. Wood crown molding can be found and made from several hardwoods such as Hickory, ash, Poplar, alder, cherry, maple, mahogany and oak. Wood crown molding enriches the character of each of the interior ceiling and frame such as you complement your decor. There are many styles available, and you can find many of the traditional style, such as acanthus, grape and oak leaf motifs and shell. Wood crown molding will add detail to the classic room.

On the down side, hardwood moldings can be quite expensive. Forest resources are limited. Softwood moldings that require more attention and time to install and finish, although slightly more expensive than hardwood. Wood moldings shrink and swell with humidity, they can be damaged by water, it's easy, can be damaged by rot and insects, can crack, it requires mitering and coping skills, may be split and split when nailed or cut, and wood molding must be primed and sand before finishing. May this weakness is more wood for many of the points.

Renewed interest has been growing in decorative ornamental plaster. Decorative plaster molding can be found in all styles. Ornamental plaster crown moldings do not shrink, burn, warp or produce toxic fumes. Decorative plaster can be formulated in a variety of compositions to produce finished products that include various properties. They are versatile, secure, and stable economy. Decorative plaster, even though the product is very good, can be expensive to install. Although no longer required to be produced in place, skilled craftsmen in short supply and has become the almost lost art.

MDF crown molding, wood-based composite materials that use wood fiber with a synthetic resin, is one example of how a building or decorator can accent any room or space. MDF is a safe environment and require less preparation. This often primed to a smooth surface can then be painted with high quality latex or oil paint. MDF will not split when cutting, which is resistant to warping and consistent in size and shape. However, during the installation of MDF, which will create good blemishes need improvement, with the hands, before finishing. Although it is less expensive alternative to other materials that are used, most professionals do not recommend their use.

Polyurethanes found in many items. They are used in Resins, Adhesives, fiber, and insulation foam padding. They come in many forms, such as rods, sheets and liquids. Polyurethanes are often used as alternative materials such as such as wood, plastic, metal and rubber. And for good reason. Polyurethanes are resistant 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, carpet underlay and sealants. Items such as domed ceilings, moldings and ceiling medallions are easier to build than from Polyurethane foam timber. In fact, Polyurethane is considered as the best replacement for plaster. There are low cost, lightweight, and what you can do to wood, you can do to Polyurethane. Easy to install, can be used either interiorly or on the outside and is available in wide variety of products.

In the form of the most flexible, polyurethanes found in upholstery fabrics, while the more rigid foams used in the plastic and metal walls of the refrigerator and freezers. They are typically used to form paints, varnishes and glue. Your computer mouse-pad down is usually made of Polyurethane foam.

Flexible molding, which is one type of Polyurethane, making it a win to decorate around curved walls and arched doorways and windows. Flexible molding is made of polymer resin compound that has been engineered to bend or curve around more challenging forms. Can be bent or twisted without breaching or splintering. Flexible molding can actually be purchased in various classes, from very flexible to totally rigid.

One of the best features of flexible molding is superior to that of wood. Flexible molding can be stained, painted, sealed or molding as usual, but without having to first major surface. It also resists warping, wearing, splitting, or mildewing, so great for outdoor use as well.

Installing crown molding can not be made more easily than any peel and stick. Peel and permanent entry kit plastic molding pieces which have self-adhesive backs and four outside corners. Peel and remain available for really low-tech, low cost way to decorate. No power tools, SAWS, nail or a hammer is needed. No mitering of corners that is required. One person can install it in the not the problem.

Peel and stick, though, mainly because of low technology and low cost, does not arise. That is, does not have the depth or thickness, and will look even.

Styrofoam, also called the expanded Polystyrene., Has been used for many years by architects on buildings, homes and in museums. Styrofoam crown molding light weight, durable and versatile, inexpensive, and adhesive for most types of paint. Benefits and other reasons to get in popularity is that he does not need to install special equipment, and can even be installed in less than a day the average homeowner. Styrofoam does not rot, crack, decay or insect damage to die. But this can be burned or melt when exposed to fire and must be encased, as it would remove the toxic fumes when burning.

Other materials that find a way into popularity is vinyl. Vinyl crown molding to give the look of old plaster. While traditional plaster and wood crown molding require a lot of experience, the benefit is simplicity to use vinyl. It is low maintenance, does not peel or blister, swell or shrink when used in extreme conditions, humidity, and will not rust, rot, corrode or pit and will not be attacked by insects.

Aluminum, stamped metal, crown molding a strong all aluminum construction is also available for use as decorative accents. Preformed in the corner and out of the miter cuts, making installation easier. It's easy to cut, and install them as usual moldings. This is hard and durable. Aluminum is a tremendous bang for the buck. Use stamped metal for industry, factories, offices, retail spaces, workshop, garage, kitchen, and trade shows.

Styrofoam, aluminum and vinyl moldings are primarily used for decorative exterior.

Each material has advantages and disadvantages and each homeowner must weigh these options based on the needs and desires. I hope this article will help to make the job a little easier. Happy decorating!



About the Author

Patricia Tomaskovic

On http://www.gocrownmolding.com GoCrownMolding, we offer many styles of crown molding, and other decorative ceiling accents made of Polyurethane. We also offer a variety of flexible moldings when your decorative molding installation requires a curved or arched products. All our products can be custom ordered from different groups of crown, cornice, chair rail, frieze, and panel moldings. So please see our catalog and do something new to enhance your home.