Knowing the basics of crown moulding and trim before you hire an installation contractor can help you make a wise decision when choosing a contractor and upgrading your home’s moulding and trim.
apron
The apron is a horizontal piece of window trim, sash or casing that is installed on a wall immediately underneath the window. The apron hides the joint between the window frame and wall.
Also known as: apron moulding, window apron, window trim
astragal
Astragals are interior pieces of moulding attached to doors or door sashes to prevent the doors from swinging through and keeps the doors tightly together where they meet.
Also known as: door astragal, t-astragal, flat astragals
band moulding
A flat strip of moulding that is raised or flush against a surface and is meant to be protective or decorative. Band moulding is usually used to trim mantels or cabinets.
Also known as: band molding, band wall molding, decorative band molding, fireplace mantel molding, cabinet molding, cabinet trim
base board
Base board is moulding that is fitted at the base of the wall around the perimeter of a room between the wall and a finished floor. Baseboard is sometimes used in conjunction with base shoe to finish off the floor.
Also known as: mop board, baseboard, base skirt, wall base
base shoe
Base shoe is a narrow piece of moulding that transitions between the floor and walls or cabinets. Base shoe protects the base of the wall from damage and can cover gaps or uneven spaces where the base meets the floor.
Also known as: shoe mould, floor mould, shoe moulding, floor moulding
bead moulding
Bead moulding is a moulding strip that’s attached where two surfaces come together, such as where the walls and ceiling meet.
cased doorway
A cased doorway is a doorway opening without a door, but finished with a casing and jambs.
Also known as: cased opening
chair rail
Chair rails are pieces of moulding or trim affixed to walls about 1/3 of the way up the wall. They are usually parallel to the base board and crown moulding, and they encircle the room. Originally, chair rails protected walls from damage incurred when chairs were pushed back and into the wall. Now, they are usually installed for decorative purposes.
Also known as: chair moulding, decorative wall moulding
crown moulding
Crown moulding is a piece of trim that is installed to cover the space where the walls and ceiling meet. Crown moulding can provide a decorative effect in rooms with tall ceilings or modern homes.
Also known as: cornice moulding, crown molding
jamb
Jambs are the perimeter around the frame of a door or window. Jambs can be decorative and installed with matching moulding and trim.
Also known as: door jambs, window jambs
moulding
Moulding is narrow strips of wood that are installed to accent, emphasize or decorate a home or business. Moulding also serves a functional purpose of concealing joints, angles and seams between walls, ceilings and floors.
Also known as: crown moulding, floor moulding, molding, trim, coving
picture rail
A narrow railing installed on walls near the ceiling line that holds hooks with which to hang pictures is known as picture rail. Picture rail can also be used to create decorative shapes on walls.
Also known as: picture noulding, frame moulding, frame rail
quarter round moulding
Quarter round is a piece of moulding that’s a quarter of a full rod. Quarter round is often used as base shoe or inside-corner moulding to protect surfaces and cover flaws.
Also known as: ¼ round, quarter-round molding
rosette
Rosettes are decorative wood squares that are affixed to walls, stair rails, and window and door frames to provide decoration. Rosettes are usually made of wood and affixed in or alongside crown moulding and trim.
Also known as: rosette detailing
wainscoting
Wainscoting is an interior wall surface that is usually attached to a wall to a height of three to four feet. Wainscoting is often finished at the top with a chair rail.
Also known as: wainscot, decorative wainscoting
Read moreRead less