Alternative to Wood Moulding
Wood mouldings, especially on the exterior of a home, are subject to wood rot, weather damage, termites and other insects. Many people look for other materials to use for their trim work instead of wood. The most widely available alternative to wood mouldings are PVC, foam and composite mouldings.
PVC Mouldings
Rigid polyvinyl chloride mouldings are perfect for the exterior of a home because they do not rot and can really take a beating from the weather. This moulding does not expand or contract with changing outdoor temperatures (which leads to splitting of wood mouldings), and caring for them is as easy as spraying them off with a garden hose when they get a bit dirty.
Rigid PVC installs just like wood mouldings, and there is no need for special tools. Even though these mouldings are plastic you can paint them just as you can with wood. Rigid PVC mouldings aren't just for outdoor use; there is no reason you couldn't use them inside your home as well.
Polystyrene and Polyurethane
Polystyrene and polyurethane manufacturers make these great alternatives to wood moulding to look exactly like intricate wood crown moulding. Both types of mouldings come pre-primed from the manufacturer and can take any type of paint or stain. Polystyrene and polyurethane mouldings are so lightweight, the only thing you need to use to install them is a bit of construction adhesive.
Rigid Foam
Rigid foam mouldings come in a number of intricate designs and are available in a variety of different crown moulding styles and as ceiling medallions. Because the foam is rigid, designers can mimic some of the most intricate (and expensive) wood crown mouldings and . As with other alternatives to wood moulding, rigid foam is easily painted or stained to match the décor of your home.
Tags: wood mouldings, , alternatives wood, alternatives wood moulding, ceiling medallions, crown moulding