Dining Room Project: Moulding Types

There are several things you should know about moulding: the kinds of moulding and what material the molding is made out of.

First? The kinds of moulding.

(Rona.ca)

For my project I will be using a chair rail, baseboard, shoe, plinth, and casing.

Next? The materials: hardwood, pine, and MDF.

MDF is Medium Density Fiberboard. It is the cheapest and least durable. It looks like compressed cardboard. If you are on a budget you will be very tempted to grab MDF. But I caution you against it.

Next is Pine. Pine costs a little more than MDF, looks very similar to MDF, and is more durable. Even though it is more durable it will easily get banged up. And ten years of wear and tare, I am replacing  the pine baseboards.

Finally is hardwood. This is the most durable and expensive. It is common for hardwood to cost three to four times more than pine. While both MDF and pine come pre- primed and ready to paint, hardwood usually comes bare. Bare hardwood gives you the option of preserving the wood look by applying a finish, or painting on primer so it can be painted whatever color you would like. Also hardwood often comes with special designs or patterns carved into the wood.

For this project I am using pine for the casing, baseboard, shoe, and plinth. I am using hardwood for the chair rail.