Wood is one of the most popular materials used for interior trim. It comes in many different species, but what kind should you choose for your homes trim? Read on to find out!
At Riverside Millwork Group we offer both commodity wood trim and custom wood trim, we have multiple different species of wood trim and hundreds of styles to choose from. Trim is one of our specialties and something we have done since we first began operation in 2005 so we consider ourselves well versed on the topic. We want to make sure we can offer you the best interior trim for your project, starting with the material that is going to give you the design you want to see and the function to make it last for as long as possible. Although we are able to make any type of trim style in any material you want, our most popular wood trim options are MDF, Poplar, Red Oak and White Oak so we are going to focus on discussing those in this article.
Trim is often thought about last in a project, but when the project is done, it is one of the first things people will see. This is why it is important to take the time to consider what trim is right for you so that you don’t have any regrets at the end of your project. In this blog we will outline the different materials we offer for interior trim and help you determine what the best material is for your project.
MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)
Medium-density fibreboard, or most referred to as MDF, is a common material of our interior trim options that we offer to our customers. MDF trim is an engineered wood product that is created by breaking down hardwood into wood fibres, combining it and forming it into panels.
Unlike real wood, MDF trim has no knots, warping or grains and it has a smooth surface. MDF can be popular when it comes to light cabinetry, shelving and interior trim like baseboard and casing. MDF is user friendly and works great with the saw, it leaves no splinters, burns or tear outs. Not only is MDF user friendly but it is also budget friendly.
Is MDF the best option for your trim material?
If you are on a budget and don’t want to break the bank on the trim in your home, MDF trim would be a great option for your project. MDF comes primed white already, so it is a great fit for you if you plan on painting the trim, MDF is the perfect material to be painted. MDF for baseboards is a simple option for anyone.
Below are some images of MDF for baseboard, this style is called our Step Baseboard.
Poplar
Poplar is another one of our very popular wood trim materials that are purchased by our clients. Poplar wood has a light brown to creamy yellow colour. It is considered a hardwood but is still easy to work with like other soft woods, it is one of the softest hardwoods available. Poplar is an easy choice and something we often recommend to our clients for wood trim and interior work. Poplar is a great wood material for any type of creative wood moldings that you are planning to include in your home. This includes, but is not limited to, unique ceiling millwork, wood trim accent walls, wall panelling and much more.
Is Poplar the best option for your trim material?
If you are looking for something that is durable and solid, poplar would be a great option for you. While our poplar wood trim does not come primed white like our MDF does, poplar is a great wood material for painting your trim a solid colour. All you need is some primer and paint and your trim will look top notch!
When looking at the image below, specifically the ceiling, you are looking at Poplar tongue and groove ceiling with a coffered ceiling on the left and faux beams on the right. While looking at the poplar in the image you may not be able to tell its poplar because it is painted white and may look like any other mouldings in a home or building. If you see poplar in person, you can easily tell the difference between poplar and MDF and will be able to recognize the quality and durability that poplar has when compared to MDF trim.
Below is another image of poplar contemporary baseboard with poplar contemporary shoe mould.
Red Oak & White Oak Trim
Oak is a hardwood that is a popular wood choice for any interior moulding application. Red oak or white oak is a beautiful option for interior wood trim, it not only looks amazing but it is a strong durable material that should last a very long time inside your home or building. Whether you choose to have your oak trim a decorative item like crown moulding or trim accent walls, or a basic baseboard, it can be a great option for you. While white oak is a strong material and great for exterior accents, red oak is best for interior trim as it can decay overtime if exposed to certain weather conditions. We offer both red oak and white oak and are happy to accommodate whatever your heart desires on this new project ahead of you!
Is Oak the best option for your trim material?
If you are building a home or working on a project and your style is more geared towards a traditional style, then oak trim might be the best option for your wood trim. It is a great wood material for staining and gives off a unique and one-of-a-kind appearance. Oak trim boasts character and will help increase the character you are looking for in your project. Therefore, if you are planning on staining your trim, Oak is the best option for you. If you are looking for a natural, lighter look in your stained wood trim, white oak would be best. If you want a darker and more of a red appearance, red oak would be your pick!
In the image below from Clark and Aldine, this oak trim looks stunning against the light walls. The wall colour helps the oak trim truly stand out and make a statement.
Clarkandaldine.com
Now that we have listed some of our popular trim materials that we offer our customers, visit one of our three showrooms to learn more about what style of trim you would like to go with. Keep in mind that if you have your heart set on a specific wood material that was not listed in this blog, we can still make that happen! Talk to your Sales Representative to find out what options