Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
Depending on who you ask, millwork and trim (and even molding) can be used interchangeably. (If you ask us, we’ll tell you exactly that!) If we’re getting technical though, there are a couple of minor differences worth calling out.
Trim: This is a general term that’s used to describe the molding in a home. This can be baseboards, window casings, or door casings, to name a few.
Millwork: Millwork goes beyond what trim does. In other words, not every home has millwork, although every home has trim. It adds a level of extra detail and beauty to a room. Think about the dramatic crown molding you love in old, historical homes! Or those swoon-worthy curvy, custom staircases in your recently saved Pinterest photos!
When selecting trim for a room, you should consider the architectural style of the space, the desired aesthetic, and how much maintenance you want to deal with. Then, the devil is in the details! Your choice of material and finish of the trim should align with the desired feel/style of the space and the upkeep requirements. Ask your supplier for help figuring out all these details!
Depends on who you're asking! It's possible to do a millwork and trim job yourself, but it comes with trade-offs. We recommend doing your research to determine whether you’re up for the challenge. The benefit of hiring a pro is that they have the expertise, tools, and experience to ensure precise measurements and proper installation techniques.
The installation time for millwork or trim varies depending on the complexity and scope of the project. It can range from a few hours for smaller projects to several days or more for larger or more intricate installations. Some factors to consider are the number of pieces to be installed, the type of trim, and any necessary modifications or adjustments that can impact the installation timeline.
Yes to both! Trim can be painted or stained depending on personal preference and the desired look. Painting will give you more of a range of color options and finishes while staining showcases the natural beauty and grain of the wood. The choice will depend on the type of look you’re going for.
The limit does not exist! For example, crown molding can add height and elegance to a space, while baseboards can provide a finished and polished look to the bottom of walls. Chair rails and wainscoting can introduce visual interest and divide the wall into distinct sections, creating a sense of architectural detail and sophistication. The possibilities are endless!
Yes, trim can be used to make a small room appear larger. By selecting trim in lighter colors and avoiding heavy or ornate profiles, the trim can create a visual illusion of expanded space. Design wizardry!
Ideally, you’re installing millwork or trim before painting the walls. This allows for seamless painting of the walls and trim. That said, you can totally do the installation after painting the walls. We recommend doing a coat of paint on your trim beforehand and being extra cautious when taping around the trim after.
The specific tools needed for millwork or trim installation may vary depending on the project, but commonly used tools include a miter saw for precise angle cuts, a nail gun or hammer for securing the trim, a level for ensuring straight installation, measuring tape, a coping saw for detailed cuts, sandpaper for smoothing edges, and a caulk gun for sealing joints. Pro-Tip: You can rent some of these tools from shops like Home Depot or Lowes.
The good news is it’s pretty simple. Proper maintenance of millwork or trim involves regular cleaning with a soft cloth or mild detergent to remove dust or dirt. Depending on the material, periodic refinishing, like re-staining or repainting, may be required to keep the trim looking its best. Or if you like a natural patina, then you’re golden!
Yes, millwork and trim can be customized to fit unique design requirements. Custom millwork and trim can be crafted to match specific dimensions, styles, or design concepts — even the most unique and complex ones! Working with a skilled millwork professional or carpenter can help bring complicated design visions to life by creating custom pieces tailored to the project's specific needs.