Design & Installation Tips

Finishing:

  • Most wood species darken over time and with exposure to light. Cherry, walnut and mahogany are some of the most light-sensitive, but all species change. When puttying nail holes after installation, use putty that is as dark or slightly darker than the finished wood.
  • Closed-grain species that result in the smoothest, most filled finishes are maple, cherry and poplar
  • Porous species that result in a somewhat textured finish are walnut and mahogany
  • Open-grain species that result in the most defined, deepest-grain finish are red & white oak, ash and hickory
  • Some species, including birch, maple and pine, are prone to grain movement resulting in “end grain” in the surface of the lumber and/or veneer. End grain typically accepts stain more heavily than the surrounding wood and produces a blotchy or dirty end appearance. If finishing in the field, apply a sealer to (and lightly sand) these species before staining – called a “wash coat” – to help even out the stain absorption.

Period home design tips:

While Algoma Wood Products can easily grind a knife for any custom trim profile, we may already have what you need in our vast profile library!  Browse our online catalog to see the full selection, or get ideas to narrow down your choices by using the suggestions below.

 

  • Victorian: wider, ornamental trims and mouldings in dark stains and opaque paints (base: BA-3, BA-4, BA-16, BA-19; crown: ; chair: CHR-30, CHR-35, CHR-43; casing: CA-19,CA-28, CA-54)
  • Prairie: clean and angular trims, medium stains on oak (usually quartered or rift) (crown: CR-5, CR-7, casing: CA-9, CA-56, CA-59)
  • Craftsman: wider trims, less ornamental than Victorian (chair: CHR-29, casing: CA-15, CA-61
  • Mid-Century: low-profile and simple designs in lighter, natural finishes (CA-1 – CA-8)
  • Traditional: mid-sized crown, base and casing with moderate design, often painted (chair: CHR-6, CHR-13, CHR-44; casing: CA-16 – CA-18)
  • Modern Farmhouse: mixture of simple painted (white) trims and natural wood accents (casing: CA-15, CA-51)

Installation:

  • Use a scrap piece of crown or other moulding to practice your mitre angles first, then cut and verify the angle before cutting the rest of your piece for length.
  • When measuring lineal feet of trims on a project to place an order, allow 10% additional for trimming.