8 Tips for Installing Wood Molding Like a Pro

Combine Moldings for Extra Drama

I love looking around old houses to see how wood moldings are combined to create baseboards, casings and cornices. I’ve even been surprised when removing old moldings to discover more layers than I originally noticed. The builders knew the advantages of combining small wood moldings. In addition to allowing endless possibilities for customization, smaller moldings are easier to cut and install than large moldings and allow more flexibility on wavy or irregular walls. Plus, combining small wood moldings can often achieve a great effect for less money. I made the decorative ceiling cornice shown above using moldings I found at a home center.

The best way to plan wood molding combinations is to get your hands on some short lengths of molding and play around with them. Many full-service lumberyards have wood molding samples available. At home centers, you may have to purchase short lengths of each molding you’re considering or ask for scraps.