Oak Park, Illinois Interior Trim

Types of Oak Park Interior Trim

Interior trim styles can vary based on design trends, architectural influences, and regional preferences.

In the Midwest, where a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics often coexists, several types of interior trim are popular. Keep in mind that preferences may change over time, and individual choices can vary.

At ProMillwork, we focus on five main types of Oak Park interior trim:

Directions to ProMillwork from Oak Park, Illinois

Fastest Way to get to ProMillwork from Oak Park:

• Get on I-290 W in Forest Park from Washington Blvd and Harlem Ave
• Take I-88 W to IL-31 S/State Rte 31 S/S Lincolnway St in North Aurora. Take exit 117 from I-88 W
• Follow IL-31 S/State Rte 31 S to Albright Rd in Montgomery

Please click here for more detailed driving directions.

Oak Park Door Casing

Door casing, also known as door trim or door molding, is the decorative and functional molding that surrounds a door, covering the gap between the door frame and the adjacent wall. It serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, enhancing the overall appearance of the doorway while concealing any gaps or imperfections.

Here are some key points about door casing:

Materials:

There are several different materials that can be used for door casing, including wood, MDF, and Plastic (PVC).

Wood:

Traditional door casings are often made of wood, providing a classic and warm look. Wood casings can be plain or intricately designed with various profiles and details.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard):

MDF is a common alternative to wood. It’s a composite material made from wood fibers and resin, providing a smooth and uniform surface. MDF is often used for painted casings.

Plastic or PVC:

These materials are durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. They are often used in bathrooms and other high-moisture areas.

Profiles:

Door casings come in various profiles or shapes. Common profiles include:

Flat or Square:

A simple, straight profile without much detail.

Colonial:

Features a slightly rounded edge for a classic look.

Rustic or Craftsman:

Characterized by a more substantial and squared-off profile with detailed edges.

Ogee:

Has an S-shaped curve, adding a touch of elegance.

Installation:

Door casing is typically installed with nails or adhesive along the perimeter of the door frame. It may be further secured with finishing nails for stability.

The corners of the casing often meet at mitered joints for a seamless appearance.

Function:

In addition to its aesthetic role, door casing helps cover gaps and transitions between the door frame and the wall, providing a finished and polished look.

It can also help protect the edges of the wall and the door frame from damage.

Painting and Finishing:

Door casings are often painted or stained to match the overall interior design. This allows for customization and coordination with other trim elements in the space.

Matching Styles:

It’s common to choose door casing styles that complement the architectural style of the home. For example, Victorian homes might have more ornate casing, while modern homes may have sleek and simple profiles.

Door casing is an important element in interior design, contributing to the overall style and cohesion of a space. It’s available in various styles and materials, allowing homeowners to choose options that suit their preferences and the overall design aesthetic of their homes.

Oak Park Base Molding

Base molding, also known as baseboard or skirting, is a type of trim that is installed at the bottom of a wall where it meets the floor. Similar to door casing, base molding serves both aesthetic and functional purposes in interior design. Here are some key points about base molding:

Aesthetic Enhancement:

Base molding provides a finishing touch to a room, covering the joint between the wall and the floor. It enhances the overall appearance of the space and adds a decorative element.

Material Options:

Similar to door casing, base molding can be made from various materials, including:

Wood:

Common for a traditional and classic look.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard):

Provides a smooth surface and is often used for painted applications.

Plastic or PVC:

Durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making them suitable for areas with higher humidity.

Profiles and Styles:

Base molding comes in different profiles and styles to match the overall design theme of a room. Common profiles include:

Flat or Straight:

A simple, straight profile without much detail.

Colonial:

Features a slight curve or rounded edge.

Cove:

Has a concave profile, creating a gentle curve.

Ogee:

Characterized by an S-shaped curve, offering a more decorative look.

Height and Proportion:

The height of base molding can vary, and the choice often depends on factors like the ceiling height and the desired aesthetic. Taller base moldings can add a sense of elegance, while shorter ones may be more subtle.

Installation:

Base molding is typically installed along the base of the walls using nails, screws, or adhesive. It can be installed flush with the wall or extend slightly beyond for added visual interest.

Inside corners are often mitered for a clean and seamless appearance.

Protection and Concealment:

Base molding helps protect the bottom of the wall from damage caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, and other potential sources of impact.

It also conceals the joint between the wall and the floor, covering any gaps or imperfections.

Painting and Finishing:

Base molding is often painted or stained to match the overall color scheme of the room. It can be coordinated with other trim elements, such as door casing and crown molding.

Versatility:

Base molding is versatile and can be used in various settings, including residential and commercial spaces. It is common in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other interior areas.

Base molding in Oak Park, Illinois is an essential element of interior design, providing a polished and cohesive look to a room while also serving practical purposes. The choice of material, profile, and installation style can be tailored to complement the overall design theme of a space.

Oak Park Primed Boards

Primed boards, including primed MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), primed finger-jointed pine (PFJ-Pine), and primed finger-jointed poplar (PFJ-Poplar), are types of building materials commonly used for trim work and other interior applications.

The term “primed” indicates that these boards come pre-coated with a primer, a preliminary layer of paint that prepares the surface for further finishing. Here’s some information about each type:

Primed MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard):

Material:

MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers and resin, compressed into dense, stable sheets. It is known for its smooth surface and uniform density.

Priming:

Primed MDF comes with a factory-applied primer, which provides a smooth and even surface for painting.

Advantages:

MDF is less prone to warping or splitting compared to natural wood. The primed surface allows for easy painting and finishing.

Primed Finger-Jointed Pine (PFJ-Pine):

Material:

Finger-jointed pine is made by joining short sections of pine wood using finger joints. This process creates longer and more stable boards.

Priming:

PFJ-Pine comes pre-primed, simplifying the finishing process. The primer enhances paint adhesion and provides a consistent base for the final paint coat.

Advantages:

PFJ-Pine combines the natural beauty of pine with the stability provided by the finger-jointing process. The primed surface ensures a professional and durable finish.

Primed Finger-Jointed Poplar (PFJ-Poplar):

Material:

Finger-jointed poplar is similar to PFJ-Pine but is made from poplar wood. Poplar is known for its straight grain and light color.

Priming:

PFJ-Poplar is pre-primed, making it ready for painting. The primed surface helps achieve a consistent and high-quality finish.

Advantages:

Poplar is a hardwood that is easy to work with and has a fine, uniform texture. The finger-jointing process adds stability, and the primed surface simplifies the finishing process.

Primed Board Common Features:

Convenience:

The pre-primed feature of these boards saves time and effort during the finishing process, as the boards are ready for painting once installed.

Paint Adhesion:

The primed surface enhances the adhesion of the final paint coat, ensuring a smoother and more durable finish.

Versatility:

Primed boards are versatile and can be used for various interior applications, including baseboards, crown molding, door casing, and other trim work.

Consistency:

The factory-applied primer provides a consistent base, reducing the risk of uneven paint absorption and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

When working with primed boards, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for painting and finishing to achieve the best results.

Proper preparation and attention to detail during installation and finishing will contribute to a polished and long-lasting appearance in your interior spaces.

Oak Park Interior Finish Boards

Interior finish boards refer to a variety of materials used for the final touches in the interior of a building. These boards serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, adding visual appeal while covering joints, transitions, and edges.

Here are some common types of interior finish boards:

Baseboards:

Purpose:

Baseboards, or base molding, cover the joint between the wall and the floor. They protect the bottom of the wall from damage, add a decorative element, and help create a finished look.

Materials:

Baseboards can be made of wood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), PVC, or other materials. They come in various profiles and heights to suit different design preferences.

Crown Molding:

Purpose:

Crown molding, or cornice molding, is used at the junction of the wall and ceiling. It adds an elegant and decorative touch, visually enhancing the transition between the two surfaces.

Materials:

Crown molding is commonly made of wood, MDF, or polyurethane. It comes in different profiles and sizes, allowing for customization based on the architectural style.

Chair Rail:

Purpose:

Chair rail molding is typically installed horizontally on the wall at the height where chair backs might come into contact. It serves a protective function, preventing chairs from damaging the walls, and also adds a decorative element.

Materials:

Chair rails are available in various materials, including wood and MDF. They come in different styles and sizes to complement the overall design.

Wainscoting:

Purpose:

Wainscoting involves covering the lower portion of a wall with decorative paneling. It adds a classic and sophisticated look to interiors and also protects the wall from scuffs and dings.

Materials:

Wainscoting can be made from wood, MDF, or other materials. Beadboard and raised panel wainscoting are common styles.

Panel Molding:

Purpose:

Panel molding is used to create decorative wall panels or frames on the wall surface. It adds dimension and visual interest to plain walls.

Materials:

Panel molding is often made of wood or MDF. It comes in various designs and can be used to create intricate patterns on walls.

Window and Door Casings:

Purpose:

Casings are used to frame windows and doors, providing a finished look and covering gaps between the frame and the wall.

Materials:

Window and door casings can be made from wood, MDF, or other materials. They come in different profiles and styles to match the overall design theme.

Picture Rails:

Purpose:

Picture rails are installed near the top of the wall to hang pictures or artwork without the need for nails in the wall itself. They add a decorative and functional element.

Materials:

Picture rails can be made of wood or other materials and come in various profiles.

Quarter Round:

Purpose:

Quarter round molding is used to cover gaps between baseboards and the floor. It provides a seamless transition and adds a finishing touch.

Materials:

Quarter round molding is typically made of wood, MDF, or PVC.

These Oak Park interior finish boards come in various materials, styles, and profiles, allowing for customization to match the overall design theme of a space.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or eclectic look, choosing the right Oak Park finish boards can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your interior.

Oak Park Hardwoods

Hardwoods are a type of wood that comes from deciduous trees, which are characterized by broad leaves that typically fall off in the autumn. Hardwood is renowned for its durability, strength, and attractive grain patterns.

Common hardwood species used for interior trim include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and mahogany.

Here are some considerations for using hardwoods in terms of interior trim:

Baseboards and Crown Molding:

Hardwoods are frequently used for baseboards and crown molding due to their ability to withstand wear and tear while providing an elegant finish to a room. Oak and maple are popular choices for these applications.

Hardwood baseboards and crown molding are popular choices for interior trim, offering a classic and elegant finish to a room.

Door and Window Casings:

Hardwoods are well-suited for door and window casings, offering a refined and timeless look. The hardness of these woods helps prevent dents and damage in high-traffic areas. Cherry and walnut are often used for a rich, warm appearance.

Wainscoting and Paneling:

Hardwoods can be employed in wainscoting and paneling to enhance the visual appeal of walls. The fine grain of hardwoods contributes to a polished appearance, making spaces feel more luxurious. Mahogany and cherry are commonly chosen for this purpose.

Hardwood wainscoting and paneling are interior design elements that enhance the visual appeal of walls, adding character, warmth, and texture to a space.

Chair Rails:

Hardwood chair rails are decorative and functional elements installed horizontally along the wall at a height that typically corresponds to the backrest of a chair. They serve both aesthetic and practical purposes in interior design.

Hardwood chair rails are often used in dining rooms, hallways, and other areas where furniture may come into contact with the walls. They offer a practical solution for protecting the walls while simultaneously contributing to the room’s design and style. As with other hardwood elements, professional installation is recommended for the best results.

Oak Park, Illinois FAQ