Carpentry & Building Construction

Chapter 26: Molding & Trim

Chapter Summaries

Section 26.1 Molding & Trim Basics
In wood construction, molding and trim are used both as decoration and for practical purposes, such as to protect walls. They are available in many patterns and shapes. Most are made of solid wood, but some are made from short pieces joined together or from synthetic materials. Cost varies depending on style and type of wood. Curved molding and trim can be made in various ways.

Section 26.2 Interior Door & Window Details
Casing refers to all the trim around doors or windows. Square cuts and miter cuts are commonly used for joints. Window trim may consist of the casing alone or of the casing plus a stool and apron. Shutters may also be added.

Section 26.3 Baseboard, Ceiling, & Other Molding
Baseboard moldings may consist of a base, a small cap, and a shoe. Walls that are not plumb may make scribing a joint necessary in order to achieve a tight fit. Joints are coped when one member is trimmed to fit against the face of another. Cutting a return is done to create a finished look when one member is thicker than another. Molding may also be placed along the ceiling, used for a chair rail, or used to trim a closet.