not exactly fine woodworking, but we are having our kitchen and some other rooms renovated and I wanted to do window and door casings w/ a craftsman style to them, so I was planning on very plain trim (square basically). Pretty much the traditional “no details, flat board as trim” kind of look w. the casing having an overhang/reveal across the top. However I am having to hand-hold my contractor and he wants to know exactly what trim/wood to use. He is concerned that something w/ out a relieved edge will be too rough.
Can anyone give me feedback on what stock to use for this?
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Around here (northern Cal), all "craftsman" style trim is the same; 1x4 (3/4" x3 -1/2") with a slightly thicker (7/8") headstock which stands proud and overhangs on the sides by anywhere from 1/8" to 1/2", depending on who put it up.
Your Contractor is right about the edges. Edges are always "eased" (slightly rounded over) for not only appearance, but to protect themselves (nature hates a sharp corner). Also, an eased edge will take paint.
Come to think of it, this "round over" is probably why the top trim is always proud of the sides. The eased edges won"t butt tightly anyway, so they made sure that it isn't even close.
As far as material goes, you can't go wrong with vertical grain fir for looks (if unpainted) and durability. Just be careful nailing, as the hard grain often makes the nails do unpredictable things near the edges.
If it will be painted, any material will do -just avoid "finger jointed" paint grade, it can separate and look bad. I've even trimmed whole houses with MDF 1x4 that we made on site with a table saw and router. Properly primed (oil based) it looks the same, plus is very stable and predictable. Good for window trim, less so for doorways because it's kinda soft. Anyone who insists on wasting beautiful wood when it's going to be painted is a snob.
One more thing. I've noticed that all the houses from that era start with the same trim, and if the budget allowed, a "picture rail" was added. This simple molding connects all of the doors and windows at the top height, and is often used selectively throughout the house My house has the classic "craftsman" molding only in the living room and front hall, and it only "connects" the trim - it runs across the walls but doesn't go over the headstock. That extra step took a lot of time but looks very nice.
ohcomeon ,
The species you use will depend on the finish , paint grade or stain grade . As was suggested VG Fir is awesome and an old standard , old growth Redwood has been used as well . I do a lot of Craftsman style cabinetry and trim . Another way for your door and window heads is to use a bead mold that sticks out proud of the casing by about 1/4" - 1/2" on the front and on each end . The way I typically do it is with an added 2-1/4 " crown molding on top as well . I use between 4 and 5" top including the bead . The bead can be 3/8- 1/2" thick , when you use the bead you don't need to make the top board thicker , the bead does that for you .
good luck dusty
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