Flex Facts

How flexible is flexible millwork?

The flexibility of the moulding pattern depends upon several factors. Pattern size. shape, material type and application all determine the flexibility limits of a given pattern. Many must be pre-formed at the factory.

For site-formed products, the smaller the moulding the more flexible it will be. A Il2" xl/2" cove mould, for example, will be very flexible and accommodate most curvatures, while a 2-l/2"x2-Il2" brick mould will be very stiff and need to be pre-curved at the factory.

Mouldings that are thinner in one dimension than the other, like a l/2"x3-1/2" base moulding, will bend easily in the direction of the lesser dimension.

Material type also is a factor. Most fracture if overstressed. Others won't fracture no matter how much stress is placed on them.

Can it be stained?

Flexible millwork typically stains similar to wood. Thicker, heavily pigmented stains work best. Thinner stains may require multiple coats. If mouldings are stained prior to installation. the stain may crack when the moulding is flexed.

Painted?

Painting flsxible trim reportedly is easier than painting wood. because it requires no priming or sanding.

How is it fastened?

Standard methods of fastening mouldings apply, using nails, screws and construction adhesive. Failure to adequately adhere flexible molding may result in sags between fastening points.

Howis it cut?

Use the same tools and methods as wood. Material should be cut a little long and shaved to exact length. It also can be machine shaped, although machining stain grade material will remove the grain texture from the cut surface.

How much does it cmt?

Premium flexible moulding is considerably more expensive than straight wood molding. Manufacturers, though. insist that flexible moulding is to be used in conjunction with rather than in place of straight wood moulding. Flexible moldings should only be used in areas where the moulding must be curved to fit.

Flexible moulding is much less expensive than custom curved millwork especially taking into account labor. shipping and production time.