Trim Work Services in Modesto, CA

It's not just for decoration, but that's a fair question because there are quite a few decorative elements, particularly on the interior of a building, that are mostly there to enhance the appearance of the room.

Interior trim installation is usually more decorative because they aren't generally located in an area that could suffer pest infestations or water incursion. Interior door jambs and window frames are an exception to the rule because they do have a part to play in protecting your home or commercial property.

Decorative components like baseboards or crown molding mainly exist to conceal the unattractive joint where two materials like drywall and flooring meet, or where the ceiling connects to a wall. Some parts like chair rails and wainscoting are totally decorative in nature and can go a long way toward giving your home a sophisticated, elegant design aesthetic.

Exterior trim installation components block off cracks and gaps between different materials, keeping out pests, water and other potential problems that could cause major problems for the safety and stability of your home, not to mention make it far less clean and hygienic. That's why trim installation for the outside of your home is so important and should be taken care of promptly by an expert handyman.

If your current trim is in rough shape, you may be wondering if it's time for a replacement. Here are some of the biggest signs that indicate your house needs new exterior or interior trim installation in Modesto:

• Fading from sun exposure
• Peeling paint or flaking wood stain
• Holes, dents and scuffs
• Gouges or cracks
• Missing sections
• Bird, insect or rodent nests
• Bulging, cupping or other signs of warping
• Moisture stains
• Rust and corrosion
• Closed windows or doors letting in air drafts
• Dangling or sagging pieces
• Excessive dirt build-up that can't be easily wiped or dusted off.

When considering which type of trim would work best for your residential or commercial property, it makes sense to take a look at some of the pros and cons for the most common options. Solid wood is likely the most popular, but there are other possibilities that may be a better match for your household and the room in question.

Here is a closer look at some trim installation options:

Solid Wood: This is the most popular choice, and it typically comes in either hardwood like ash, walnut or oak, or a paint-grade pine. It's easy to work with and with adequate maintenance and occasional refinishing it can last for generations, which means there's no need to worry about replacement costs.

Engineered Wood: Engineered wood looks just like the real thing because it has a veneer of genuine hardwood that is bonded to a premium plywood backing. That gives it better moisture resistance than solid wood and it's also treated with chemicals to help prevent insect infestations. It's a good choice for water-prone areas like a bathroom, but on the other hand, it can't be refinished multiple times the way solid wood can.

MDF: Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is made from wood particles that have been bonded with wax and resin under high pressure. It's got a low upfront cost, but is relatively absorbent so it can be warped by moisture from humidity and leaks. That means MDF trim installation is not the best choice for parts of a house such as the kitchen or mudroom, if it's going to be near the floor or countertop.

Polystyrene: This is the least expensive choice in most cases, but it's not as long-lasting and durable as other types and can break down under pressure. It also has a texture that makes it look like Styrofoam—because that's what it is—but the texture can be concealed and smoothed out with a couple paint layers. If your house has older, rippled walls that aren't level and even, polystyrene is a great choice because it's a lot more flexible than other options and can be molded to fit exactly into the space available.

No, not necessarily. It makes sense for a trim installation on the outside of your house to match other similar components—for example, all the exterior window trim should look the same for most styles of buildings. Inside, there's more leeway for creative choices because the trim doesn't necessarily need to carry through from room to room. For example, you may have a large, elaborate style of crown molding in your living room or dining room, but a smaller, more subtle design in bedrooms and other smaller rooms of the house.

When it comes to trim installation, Modesto, CA interior designers will tell you that size does matter. If it's too large, it will look clunky, overbearing, and out of place. But if it's too small, it won't be noticeable or it will just look comical.

There are three methods for determining what size will work best for your house:

• Use the purpose and size of the room for inspiration. Large, elaborate trim installation is typical in large family areas such as living rooms and dining rooms, while smaller, more simple trim installation is usually used for more intimate rooms that are smaller in size, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Consider the proportion of other trim components in the room. Your new installation doesn't need to be the exact same size, but it should look like it fits in with other elements. For instance, a cornice will typically be about as tall as your baseboard, or possibly a little taller.
• Focus on ceiling height, especially for crown molding. As a general rule, eight foot ceilings should have a trim of no more than six inches in height, while nine foot ceilings can feature a trim up to 7.5 inches tall and it could be as much as eight inches high for a 10-foot ceiling.