Wood trim and molding has a natural appeal that can liven up your home. With many different types of wood to choose from, learning a bit about the differences between each can be helpful for making a final purchasing choice.
Softwoods versus Hardwoods
Several types of hardwoods such as cherry and walnut are commonly used for stain grade moldings and trim because of how well they absorb the stain. Softwoods such as fir or pine are regularly used for paint grade trim and moldings since it is generally less expensive and easy to work with. There are exceptions to this of course, and you can contact John’s Lumber for more information on a particular type of wood and its suitability for staining or painting.
Durability
Consider the durability of the type of wood that you are using for your interior trim as well. Durability is a major consideration because interior trim can undergo a lot of wear and tear, especially in a home with children and pets.
Hardwoods are more resistant to damage from children, scratches from pets, and collisions, which is why they are commonly used for floor or door trim. Softwoods can be a good choice for painted window trim or crown moldings where they are less likely to be impacted and physically damaged.
Dimensional Stability
Dimensional stability is another factor that influences durability and it refers to the amount of expansion or shrinkage that the wood will undergo when exposed to humidity. Several types of oak, redwood and pine have high dimensional stability.
Call us or stop by to learn more about interior wood trim.
