Moldings, Trim & Millwork
The right moldings and trim transform ordinary rooms into polished, finished spaces, and Chicago's historic homes demand especially thoughtful millwork details. We carry an extensive selection of interior and exterior trim profiles in pine, MDF, PVC, and hardwoods, from simple ranch casing to elaborate crown molding. Our inventory includes baseboard, casing, crown, chair rail, wainscoting, and specialty profiles that complement architectural styles ranging from Victorian to modern farmhouse. For historic restoration projects requiring custom profiles, our milling service can match virtually any existing trim pattern to maintain the architectural integrity of your home.
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Baseboard Molding
Baseboard is the most visible trim element in any room, running along the bottom of every wall where it meets the floor. It protects the wall from scuffs and vacuum cleaner impacts while covering the expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. The profile and height of your baseboard sets the tone for the entire room's trim package.
We stock baseboard in three primary profiles: Colonial, Craftsman, and Modern. Colonial baseboard features a curved, ogee top edge that has been a staple of American homes for generations. Craftsman baseboard has a clean, flat face with a subtle beveled or stepped top edge that suits the arts-and-crafts aesthetic prevalent in many Chicago bungalows and Prairie-style homes. Modern baseboard is a flat, square-edged profile that delivers a clean, contemporary look.
Baseboard heights in our inventory range from 3-1/4 inches to 7-1/4 inches. Taller baseboards create a more formal, substantial look and are typically used in rooms with 9-foot or higher ceilings. In Chicago's older homes with tall ceilings, wide baseboard in the 5-1/4 to 7-1/4-inch range restores the proportions the original builders intended. For rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings, 3-1/4 to 4-1/4-inch baseboard provides a well-proportioned appearance.
Crown Molding
Crown molding transforms the junction of wall and ceiling from a plain 90-degree corner into an elegant, finished detail. It is one of the most impactful trim upgrades a homeowner can make, adding perceived value and architectural sophistication to living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Our crown molding inventory includes profiles from 2-5/8 inches for modest rooms and hallways up to 7-1/4 inches for formal spaces with tall ceilings. For an even more dramatic effect, multi-piece crown build-ups combine a primary crown profile with accent moldings, bed moldings, and flat stock to create a deep, layered cornice that is the hallmark of Chicago's most elegant Victorian and Georgian Revival interiors.
Crown molding is available in MDF for paint-grade applications, finger-jointed pine for stain or clear-coat work, and solid oak for stain-grade installations in traditional homes. MDF crown is the most popular choice because it is smooth, straight, and consistent, qualities that make it easier to install than natural wood and produce a perfect painted finish.
Door & Window Casing
Casing is the trim that frames every door and window opening, covering the gap between the jamb and the wall surface. It is one of the most repeated trim elements in a home, so the profile you choose will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic.
Colonial casing with its rounded ogee profile is the most traditional choice and pairs well with colonial baseboard in classic and transitional interiors. Craftsman-style casing uses flat, wide stock (typically 3-1/2 inches) with a simple backband or no additional molding, creating the clean, honest look that defines Chicago's bungalow and Prairie-style homes. Ranch casing is a simple, rounded profile that suits ranch homes and contemporary designs.
For historically authentic Chicago homes, casing is often combined with rosette corner blocks at the top corners and plinth blocks at the base where the casing meets the baseboard. We stock both rosette and plinth blocks in oak and MDF to create this classic Victorian detail that is found in many of Chicago's greystones, two-flats, and Victorian-era homes.
Chair Rail, Picture Rail & Panel Molding
Chair rail molding is installed horizontally on the wall at approximately 32 to 36 inches above the floor, traditionally at a height that prevented chair backs from damaging the plaster wall. Today, chair rail serves primarily as a decorative element and as the dividing line between wainscoting or a contrasting paint color below and the wall surface above. It is a classic detail in dining rooms, hallways, and entryways that adds depth and visual interest to otherwise flat walls.
Picture rail molding, installed near the ceiling at approximately 12 to 18 inches below the crown molding or ceiling line, was a standard feature in Chicago homes built before 1940. It allowed artwork and mirrors to be hung from hooks without driving nails into the plaster walls. Many Chicago homeowners restoring period homes choose to reinstall picture rail for both its historical accuracy and its practical function.
Panel molding creates a decorative picture-frame pattern on the wall surface, adding dimension and formality to dining rooms, living rooms, and foyers. Combined with chair rail, panel molding below the chair rail line creates traditional wainscoting that enhances the architectural character of any room. We carry panel molding in small profiles that complement our chair rail and baseboard selections.
PVC Exterior Trim & Decorative Brackets
Exterior trim on a Chicago home faces constant punishment from moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and wind-driven rain. Cellular PVC trim boards are engineered to withstand all of these conditions without rotting, warping, splitting, or cracking. Unlike wood, PVC trim will never absorb moisture, so it maintains its dimensional stability and structural integrity indefinitely.
We stock PVC trim boards in 1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x10, and 1x12 widths in lengths up to 18 feet. These boards are commonly used for fascia, corner boards, window and door surrounds, frieze boards, and water table trim. PVC trim can be cut, routed, and shaped with standard woodworking tools and is fastened with stainless steel or PVC-compatible screws and PVC-specific adhesives.
Decorative PVC brackets add architectural interest to gable ends, porch entries, and eave lines. They replicate the ornamental woodwork found on Chicago's Victorian and Queen Anne homes without the ongoing maintenance that real wood brackets require. Combined with PVC trim boards, these brackets allow you to add or restore decorative exterior details that are completely maintenance-free.
Trim for Chicago Home Styles
Chicago's residential architecture encompasses a remarkable range of styles, each with its own millwork vocabulary. Selecting the right trim profiles ensures that new work harmonizes with the existing character of the home rather than clashing with it.
Chicago Bungalows (1910s-1940s) call for wide, flat Craftsman-style baseboard and casing, picture rail, and simple crown molding. Trim proportions are generous, with 5-1/4-inch baseboard and 3-1/2-inch flat casing being typical. Greystones (1890s-1930s) often feature more ornate Victorian-era trim with rosette corner blocks, plinth blocks, and multi-profile built-up door headers. Crown molding in greystones tends to be larger and more elaborate than in bungalows.
Victorian and Queen Anne homes display the most ornate millwork, including wide, complex crown moldings, elaborate casing with bulls-eye rosettes, picture rail, and decorative exterior brackets and spindles. For these historic homes, our custom milling service is often essential for matching original profiles that are no longer produced as stock items. Modern and contemporary homes favor clean, minimal profiles: square-edged baseboard, flat casing, and little or no crown molding, creating a streamlined aesthetic that lets materials and finishes speak for themselves.
Our Molding & Trim Products
Colonial Baseboard 3-1/4" x 8' MDF
Primed MDF baseboard in the classic colonial profile, ready for paint in any interior application.
Craftsman Baseboard 5-1/4" x 8' MDF
Wide, flat-profile baseboard suited to arts-and-crafts and contemporary interiors.
Colonial Casing 2-1/4" x 7' MDF
Standard colonial door and window casing, primed and ready for finish paint.
Crown Molding 4-5/8" x 8' MDF
Elegant crown molding profile for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms.
Chair Rail 2-1/2" x 8' Pine
Classic pine chair rail for wainscot cap or wall protection in dining rooms and hallways.
PVC Trim Board 1x4x18'
Cellular PVC trim board that is completely impervious to moisture, insects, and rot for exterior applications.
PVC Trim Board 1x6x18'
Wide cellular PVC board for exterior fascia, corner boards, and decorative trim details.
Oak Baseboard 3-1/4" x 8'
Solid red oak baseboard for stain-grade interior trim applications in traditional and transitional homes.
Poplar Casing 2-1/4" x 7'
Paint-grade solid poplar casing for a step up in quality from MDF in high-traffic areas.
Rosette Corner Block 3-1/2" Oak
Decorative oak rosette block used at the intersection of head and side casing for a classic Victorian detail.
Plinth Block 6" Oak
Oak plinth block placed at the base of door casing where it meets the baseboard for a traditional finished look.
Exterior Bracket Decorative PVC
Maintenance-free PVC decorative bracket for gable ends, porch entries, and eave detailing.
What We Offer
- ✓Baseboard in colonial, craftsman, and modern profiles from 3" to 7" heights
- ✓Door and window casing in multiple profiles and widths
- ✓Crown molding from simple cove to multi-piece build-ups
- ✓Chair rail, picture rail, and panel molding
- ✓PVC exterior trim boards that never rot, warp, or require painting
- ✓MDF primed moldings for an economical, paint-grade finish
- ✓Finger-jointed pine moldings for stain or clear-coat applications
- ✓Solid hardwood trim in oak, maple, poplar, and cherry
- ✓Custom milling service to match any existing profile
- ✓Exterior corner boards, frieze boards, and decorative brackets
Chicago Home Trim Styles by Era
Chicago's housing stock spans more than a century of architectural evolution, and each era brought its own distinct approach to interior millwork. Choosing trim profiles that match the period of your home creates visual harmony and preserves the architectural integrity that makes Chicago's neighborhoods so distinctive. Here is a guide to the trim characteristics of each major era.
1890s–1910s: Victorian & Queen Anne
The most ornate millwork era in Chicago. Characterized by multi-piece crown molding build-ups (often 6–10 inches deep), elaborate door and window casings with rosette corner blocks and plinth blocks, high baseboards (7–9 inches), and decorative picture rail. Window and door headers frequently feature bulls-eye rosettes and layered pediment assemblies. Oak was the dominant stain-grade wood; pine for paint-grade work.
1910s–1940s: Craftsman & Bungalow
A deliberate reaction against Victorian excess. Clean, flat profiles with simple lines and honest wood character. Wide, flat-stock baseboards (5-1/4 to 7-1/4 inches) with square or slightly beveled top edges. Door casings are flat stock (3-1/2 inches wide) with no rosettes. Picture rail is standard. Crown molding is modest (3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches) or absent. Oak stain-grade is most authentic.
1920s–1930s: Greystone & Classical Revival
Chicago's iconic greystones blend Victorian ornament with Classical proportions. Crown molding is generous (5 to 7 inches) with classical ogee and cove profiles. Casing features fluted pilasters on door and window surrounds. Baseboards are tall (5-1/4 to 7-1/4 inches) with a defined base cap molding. Many greystones have multi-piece wainscoting in dining rooms and parlors. Plaster medallions at ceiling light fixtures are common.
1950s–1970s: Ranch & Mid-Century Modern
Minimal, functional trim reflecting the post-war emphasis on efficiency. Low-profile baseboards (2-1/4 to 3-1/4 inches) in simple ranch or clamshell profiles. Narrow, rounded casing (2-1/4 inches). Crown molding is typically absent or very simple. The focus shifts from ornamental woodwork to clean wall planes, built-in cabinetry, and open floor plans. MDF and primed pine are period-appropriate choices.
Crown Molding Installation Guide
Crown molding installation is one of the most skill-intensive trim carpentry tasks because the molding sits at an angle between the wall and ceiling. Understanding the spring angle, joint methods, and material selection will make the difference between a professional-looking installation and one with visible gaps.
Understanding the Spring Angle
Crown molding is installed at a "spring angle" — the angle between the back of the crown and the wall surface. The two most common spring angles are 38 degrees(also called 38/52, the most common for residential crown) and 45 degrees (45/45, typically larger profiles). The spring angle determines how you set up your miter saw cuts. Check the manufacturer's specification or measure the angle with a protractor before cutting.
Cope vs. Miter Joints
Coped Joints (Recommended)
One piece is butted square into the corner; the mating piece is cut along the profile contour to overlap and fit snugly against it. Coped joints accommodate out-of-square corners (which are common in Chicago's older homes) and remain tight as wood expands and contracts seasonally. The standard for professional trim work.
Mitered Joints
Both pieces are cut at 45-degree angles to meet at the corner. Mitered joints look clean when the corner is perfectly square, but they tend to open up over time as the wood moves and are less forgiving of out-of-square conditions. Best reserved for outside corners, where coping is not possible.
Crown Molding Sizes
| Crown Size | Wall Drop | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5/8" to 3-1/2" | ~2" | 8-ft ceilings, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms |
| 4-1/4" to 5-1/4" | ~3" | 9-ft ceilings, living rooms, dining rooms |
| 5-1/2" to 7-1/4" | ~4–5" | 10-ft+ ceilings, formal rooms, Victorian restorations |
Material Comparison for Crown
MDF: Smooth, consistent, takes paint flawlessly. The most popular choice for painted crown. Does not accept stain. Solid Pine: Can be stained or painted. May have knots (finger-jointed is more consistent). Lighter than MDF and easier to handle on ladders. Polyurethane: Lightweight, pre-primed, impervious to moisture. Ideal for bathrooms and exterior soffits. Cannot be stained; paint-grade only.
Trim Wood Species Selection Guide
The species you choose for trim and molding affects appearance, workability, durability, and cost. Here is a comparison of the five most common trim materials we stock, along with the applications where each one excels.
Pine (Finger-Jointed or Solid)
Paint-grade | $
The most economical solid wood trim option. Finger-jointed pine eliminates knots and provides a clean surface for paint. Solid pine with clear or select grade is suitable for stain but shows a soft, even grain. Machines easily with standard tools. The workhorse for paint-grade trim in new construction and remodels.
Poplar
Paint-grade | $$
A domestic hardwood that is significantly more dimensionally stable than pine. Resists warping and cupping, making it ideal for wide trim boards and built-in cabinetry. Machines to a smooth surface and holds profiles well. Takes paint beautifully. Green/purple heartwood limits stain use. The premium paint-grade choice.
Red Oak
Stain-grade | $$$
The classic stain-grade trim wood for Chicago homes. Strong, prominent grain pattern accepts stain well and matches existing oak trim and flooring common in bungalows and greystones. Hard enough to resist dents and dings in high-traffic areas. Available in standard molding profiles and flat stock for custom milling.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Paint-grade | $
Engineered from wood fibers and resin, producing a perfectly smooth, uniform surface with no grain, knots, or natural defects. The gold standard for a flawless painted finish. Heavier than solid wood but machines cleanly. Not suitable for exterior or wet areas. Can dent and crumble on impact more than solid wood. Available in the widest range of stock profiles.
PVC (Cellular Polyvinyl Chloride)
Exterior / paint-grade | $$$
The only trim material that is completely impervious to moisture, rot, and insects. Will never swell, warp, or decay. Required choice for exterior trim in Chicago's freeze-thaw climate where wood trim degrades quickly. Can be painted but never needs it. Cuts and shapes with woodworking tools. Use PVC-specific adhesive and stainless fasteners.
Baseboard Height Guide
Baseboard height should be proportional to the ceiling height of the room. Too-small baseboard in a room with tall ceilings looks undersized and unfinished. Oversized baseboard in a low-ceiling room makes the room feel shorter. Here is the proportional guide we recommend to our customers.
| Baseboard Height | Ceiling Height | Style & Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-1/4" | 8 ft standard ceilings | Modern, low-profile, understated | Contemporary homes, ranch-style, minimalist design, standard new construction |
| 4-1/4" | 8–9 ft ceilings | Transitional, versatile | Most common upgrade from builder-grade 3-1/4"; works in most homes |
| 5-1/4" | 9 ft ceilings | Standard-traditional, substantial | Chicago bungalows, Craftsman homes, transitional and traditional interiors |
| 7-1/4" | 9–10 ft ceilings | Traditional, formal, substantial | Greystones, Victorian-era homes, formal living rooms and dining rooms |
| 7-1/4" + base cap | 10 ft+ ceilings | Grand, formal, period-authentic | Victorian restorations, grand parlors, high-end new construction with tall ceilings |
The Proportional Rule
A useful rule of thumb: baseboard height should be approximately 5–7% of the ceiling height. For an 8-foot ceiling (96 inches), that is 4.8 to 6.7 inches. For a 10-foot ceiling (120 inches), that is 6 to 8.4 inches. This creates a balanced, proportional look that feels intentional.
Matching Existing Trim
If you are replacing or adding baseboard in a home that already has trim established in other rooms, match the existing height for visual consistency throughout the house. Bring a piece of the existing baseboard to our yard and we can match the profile from our stock selection or through our custom milling service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moldings & Trim
Find the Perfect Trim for Your Home
Visit our Chicago yard to see our full selection of molding profiles, or contact us online to discuss your project. Custom profile matching is available through our milling service.