How hardwood moulding stack

hECORATIVE hardwood mouldl-f ings can lend unique character to walls, windows, doors and ceilingsand can do it cost-effectively.

According to the Hardwood Council, dealers can suggest that builders. architects and interior designers can give their clients the quality and luxury of hardwood mouldings without sacrificing the bottom line. The cost of hardwood mouldings can be significantly reduced through a process called "stacking" or by specifying a more abundant species.

A wayto manage cost

is to specify a more abundant hardwood species and stain it to resemble a more expensive species.

Stacking is the process of joining several complementary stock profiles to create mouldings with a custom look. More than 350 standard moulding profiles are produced in the U.S., and each costs considerably less than a custom profile. With stacking, as many as l0 separate profiles can be combined to create an elaborate crown moulding, for example.

Another way to manage cost is to specify a more abundant hardwood species and stain it to resemble a more expensive species. Some lighterhued, close-grained hardwoods, such as poplar or basswood, often are stained to resemble darker species like cherry or walnut.

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stainable, the least costly and abundant,"

"Poplar is one of the most popular says Sandy Hamilton, director-sales and marketing for White River Hardwoods/Woodworks, Inc., Fayetteville, Ar. "Hardwood mouldings are advantageous because you can stain them. You can't do that with synthetic or composite materials."

Species substitution works especially well in decorative applications above eye-level, as with crown mouldings and recessed ceiling panels. More functional millwork applications, such as railings, and door and window trim, also present good opportunities to specify a lower-cost hardwood species.

The high quality, warmth and visual interest of solid hardwood mould- ings provide advantages over other materials. "People prefer hardwood because it develops a patina over age," says Mike Bell, general manager of Kentucky Millwork, Louisville, Ky."lt grows richer as it grows older. That's often the reverse with synthetic materials."

Others simply favor hardwoods for their one-of-a-kind look and feel. "There's a difference when you touch hardwood mouldings as opposed to other materials," says Maura Delvecchio, marketing manager for Ornamental Mouldings, Archdale, N.C. "There's a certain weight, durability and warmth that you feel with hardwoods that you can't find anywhere else."