How to Match Historic Molding

Preserving the character of an older home often involves replicating or repairing its original moldings. These decorative elements add charm and value to a house, although matching them can be a challenging decorative feat. Fortunately, there are some resources for homeowners searching for specific molding profiles. 

In the video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses those resources and demonstrates the use of a molding profile jig to capture the exact shape of existing trim. Below, we’ll recap what you need to know to give you the best chance of matching old molding profiles.

Understanding Historic Molding

Historic moldings are more than just decorative features; they are a testament to a home’s architectural heritage. Intricate details often reflect the period a house was built in, showcasing the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of the time.

Types of Molding

Older homes commonly feature various types of moldings, each serving a specific purpose and enhancing the overall aesthetic.

• Baseboards: Installed along the bottom of walls, these moldings provide a finished look and protect the wall from damage.
• Chair rails: Positioned horizontally about a third of the way up the wall, chair rails protect walls from furniture impacts and add an architectural element.
• Crown molding: Applied where walls meet the ceiling, crown moldings can make a room look taller and more elegant.
• Picture rails: Placed near the ceiling for hanging artwork, these moldings allow for easy art placement without damaging walls.
• Window and door casings: Used to frame windows and doorways, these moldings cover the gaps between the wall and the window or door frame.

Importance of Matching Molding

Mismatched moldings detract from the home’s overall appearance and potentially decrease its worth. When renovating or expanding an older home, do your best to use consistent moldings. Properly matched moldings preserve the home’s character, creating a seamless transition between old and new spaces.

Tools and Materials for Matching Molding

To successfully match historic molding, you’ll need specific tools and materials.

• Molding profile jig
• Pencil and paper for tracing
• Sample of original molding (if possible)
• Tape measure

Methods for Matching Historic Molding

There are several approaches to matching historic moldings, ranging from simple to more complex solutions. The method you choose will depend on the availability of resources and, to some extent, the size of your budget.

Searching for Stock Profiles

Many home centers and lumberyards carry a variety of molding profiles that may match your historic trim. This is the most budget-friendly solution since it doesn’t require customization. If possible, remove a small section of the original molding and bring it with you. 

Then you can compare it to the store’s stock profiles, which are typically collected into a catalog. Silva recommends starting at home centers and then proceeding to specialty lumber yards and mill yards if you have any near your home.

Using a Molding Profile Jig

If you can’t or don’t want to remove a piece of the original trim, you can replicate the shape with a profile jig, also called a contour gauge. This tool has a series of movable pins that lock in place to help you copy any shape, angle, or curve. A profile jig like the one seen in the video typically costs about $10–$15 and can be found in most hardware stores.

Silva demonstrates how easy it is to use the jig in the video. First, place the jig against the molding and then push the pins into the molding’s contours. Once you do that, you can trace the resulting profile onto paper. This traced profile can be taken to a mill shop or used as a reference for finding a matching stock profile.

Custom Milling

When stock profiles do not match your historic molding, custom milling is an option. It’s more expensive, of course, but it allows you to exactly replicate complex or unique molding you can’t find elsewhere. This process involves providing the mill shop with your traced profile or molding sample and having a custom knife made to match the profile. Then, you can mill the new molding from your choice of wood. Additionally, once you own the custom knife, you can use it again for future renovations if you need more molding.

Tips for a Seamless Molding Match

Achieving a perfect match involves more than replicating the profile. When installing your new molding, consider these tips for a truly seamless result.

• Age new molding: For unpainted wood, techniques can help new molding match the original’s patina and character.
• Match the wood species: Use the same type of wood as the original molding for consistent grain patterns and color.
• Replicate the finish: Pay attention to the paint color, sheen, or stain of the existing molding to ensure a cohesive look.

Preserving and Repairing Existing Molding

If your renovation doesn’t involve new construction, you may be able to repair and preserve the existing molding. Removing it should be your first step before working on walls, and reinstalling it should be among the last steps. When you do reinstall, you can use wood filler, followed up with sandpaper, to fill small gaps, dents, or scratches. If you must replace the molding, try to replace only the damaged sections to retain as much of the original woodwork as possible.

When to Seek Professional Help With Molding

While matching historic molding is typically a DIY project, certain situations may call for the help of a professional carpenter or home restoration specialist.

• Complex profiles that require specialized equipment for accurate replication
• Historically significant homes where precise accuracy is critical to maintaining value
• Large-scale renovations or additions that may be beyond DIY capabilities
• When custom milling is required to match intricate moldings

Professional millwork shops and restoration specialists possess the expertise and equipment to ensure an exact match for your historic molding, safeguarding the home’s architectural integrity.

Molding Cost Considerations

There are many different molding types and materials, but here are some average costs for solid wood crown molding to illustrate the difference between stock and custom pricing.

• Stock profiles: $3–$12 per linear foot for materials, though luxury woods can cost up to $30 per linear foot
• Custom milling: $10–$30 per linear foot for materials, plus the cost of the custom knife
• Professional installation: $3–$12 per linear foot for stock profiles, $15–$20 per linear foot for custom profiles

Our Conclusion

Matching historic moldings is a worthwhile endeavor that preserves the character and value of older homes. You may be able to get what you need out of a home center’s stock, but if not, you will have to seek out custom milling for an exact match. However, if you have room in the budget, you can successfully replicate even the most intricate historic moldings.