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Questions, Anyone?

What is MDF?
MDF is Medium Density Fiberboard, which is composed of sawdust, and a specially formulated resin (glue) mixed together. This product is then compressed in several stages, thus giving a finished product. MDF has become very popular in the trim carpentry, furniture, and kitchen industries. More Details

Do you have any dealers, locations or show rooms within the USA?
At the present time there are no locations or showrooms within the United States; however, we continue to provide excellent service with no complications to the U.S. and Europe.  We are always here to answer any questions and can provide the necessary support anywhere in the world.  Most of our orders come from the United States and we continue to grow everyday. You'll find great savings with our factory direct pricing and exceptionally low shipping rates.  Our website is updated daily, so you may see exactly what is available, when and at what cost. More details on ordering.

What is polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a foam type product, however it has more structural integrity than the Styrofoam mouldings. Polyurethane is injected into moulds that are then encased, thus allowing the expansion of the foam to occur within the mould. This allows a stronger bonding of the foam. Polyurethane manufacturers can be very creative in regards to their product offering and designs. This product may not be used in construction depending on the building codes and bylaws in certain regions of the country.

Are polyurethane trims easy to install?
Most polyurethane trims are in fact installed by the homeowner. Although they may appear to be easy to install, perception may be misleading. Some manufacturers offer corner and joiner blocks, which are highly recommended. Without the joining blocks, the do it yourselfer must meticulously sand the joints (a mask is recommended due to the fine dust resulting). The joiner blocks also hide any shrinkage of material. Even the slightest 1/16^th opening in the trim would result in an unsightly hairline. Depending on the manufacturer, the type of adhesive, and paint used, polyurethane does have a tendency to shrink.

Do products have to be primed before painting?
Yes, all MDF, plaster and wood products as suggested above, should be primed. This is a task that is already completed when you purchase EliteTrim. More info

Can MDF wood trims be used outdoors?
Elite Mouldings products are developed for interior use only.

Do you offer pre-made or pre-formed cornice?
Yes.

Does your EliteTrim shrink?
All MDF mouldings that are supplied shrink on a minimal basis. For every 16 feet of moulding installed (1 piece) a shrinkage factor of 1/16" occurs.

How does one alleviate the problem of shrinkage?
The problem of shrinkage is alleviated in the installation process. At Elite mouldings, we use a specifically formulated MDF glue that when used, it forms a high bonding adhesion that virtually eliminates shrinkage. Along with this glue, an installation process of pinning with brad nails every 16" on 45-degree angles also enhances the probability of a proper installation.

Can I glue your trim?
For the best installation of our cornice mouldings, we would highly recommend that the choice of installation method be the use of brad nails. These brad nails would require the use of a bradder gun and an air compressor. (Please go to our page called Installation tips for further details).

All of our other product lines available such as chair rails, baseboards, and casings can be glued with a special construction adhesive such as PL200 by Bulldog Grip. We would like to recommend the same installation process as the installation of cornice mouldings, for optimum adhesion, be used for these products.

Will EliteTrim retain its original length following installation?
EliteTrim will maintain its original length only with the proper installation process and the specific MDF glue.

How do I cut cornice moulding miters?
For cornices like the SM5 & SM7, cut at a 45 degree angle refer here, at a 52 degree angel, like the DL6 or GE7, refer here

I insist on using an electric miter saw. How do I cut cornice mouldings with it?
You must first read, understand, and follow the safety precautions provided to you by the manufacturer of your saw. Any professional carpenter we've met recommends that you do not cut cornice mouldings on the flat. We recommend that you visit our page called installation tips for more details.

What do the abbreviations on your SKU numbers stand for?
Here is a general overview.

Our house has bull nosed corners, how do would you install mouldings for us? We have two examples of how that can be done, It depends entirely on your preference.

Can the average homeowner install trim?
We recommend that the average homeowner will need to have the cornice mouldings installed. If the average homeowner has a certain level of experience in the installation of cornice mouldings as well as the proper tools, then they may attempt to try the installation themselves. Elite mouldings can install your mouldings by our professional team of installers. More installation tips

How long does the installation take?
Under normal circumstances, just one day. We typically need 1-2 week lead-time.

Do you install plaster, polyurethane (foam), or other manufacturers trim?
No.

Do you offer any warranty?
Yes. Our product has a warranty for a period of five years, and our installation is guaranteed for one year.

Can you design a custom trim for us?
Yes if the quantity is sufficient, just contact our staff for details.

What is the average installed cost of your trim?
From $4.95 to $7.95 per running foot for profiles up to 7" inches (180 cm). At $4.95 per foot, a 10 x 12 average dinning room would cost 44’ x $4.95 = $218 plus GST. We also sell our trim over the counter at $3.50 per foot less.

More Questions?
Just ask, by phone or email

Wainscoting Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are you the manufacturer?
Elite Moldings does produce all of our square columns but does not manufacture their own round columns.  We do however work closely with local suppliers that makes columns to our specifications. They produce their columns in a state of the art manufacturing facility with precision measuring devices in order to guarantee the quality of the finished product.

2. Are your columns load bearing?
Yes, all of our round wood and Fiber Cast columns are load bearing. Refer to website for the load bearing capability of the desired column

3. Are split columns load bearing?
A vertically split column is no longer load bearing. Split columns are strictly decorative and should not be used in a load bearing situation.

4. If my columns are split, what type of adhesive do I need to reassemble them?
To reassemble a split Column, a High Quality Wood Glue adhesive should be used. This product can be found at any hardware or construction-supply provider.

5. How do I secure a split column to a wooden or metal post?
Depending on your application, there are several ways to hold a column in place when used for decoration purposes only. One of the most common ways to hold a column in place is to use standard ”L” brackets on the bottom and top of the column’s shaft. The Tuscan Base and Capital hide this method of installation. If being assembled around a wooden post, a common way to secure the column is by using wood shims. The shims should fit snugly between the column shaft and the post for proper stability. Be sure to visit our website for further column installation instructions.

6. Can I trim my columns to a lower height?
Yes. If it is a non-tapered column, 1/3 of the shaft height can be trimmed without affecting the fit of the base and capital. Trimming must take place from the bottom of the shaft only!

7. Do capital and base add any height to the column?
When you order a round wood column the capital and base are factored into the overall finished height of the column. When ordering the Fiber Cast columns, the capital and base are pieces that fit around the column and so they do not play a part in adding height to the finished column

8. How are the columns shipped?
Elite Moldings ships columns measuring up to 8 feet using UPS or Fed Ex. Any column longer than 8 feet must be shipped using a common carrier (Tractor Trailer) and different shipping rates apply.

9. What happens if my columns arrive damaged?
Each column is carefully inspected, packaged, and then banded snugly to a pallet. In the unlikely case that a product does not arrive in perfect condition, you should refuse the order with the shipping company. We will gladly exchange the column. We ask that you contact our Customer Care Department to report any damage so that we can be on top of things and fix this problem for you.

10. Do I have to paint the columns?
Yes, the wood columns come unfinished and must be primed and painted. The Fiber Cast columns come finished in white and should be painted after installation.

11. Is Elite Moldings competitive with their pricing?
Our supplier runs an 85% automated facility which gives Elite Moldings the edge in terms of pricing and quality in the market place. We are confident that our prices are some of the best on the open market. Our only request to you, the customer, is to shop around before initiating your project.

12. Can I install the columns myself or will I need a contractor?
Columns less than 9 feet are easy to manage for proper installation if you are handy with basic tools required. Our website has downloadable instructions for installation. Columns over 9 feet are best managed with the assistance of an experienced contractor.

13. Can columns go around poles and beams?
Any column is capable of being split in order to accommodate your design. The rules are as follows: Round Beams take overall diameter; Square Beams, take diagonal measurement from top to determine width. Refer to our specs for inside clearance of the shaft to determine proper size column needed.

14. What type of primer and paint should I use on my columns?
On any wooden column an Oil Based primer and paint are required. For Fiber Cast columns an exterior oil-based paint is required. Always consult with local paint supplier for proper paint selection

15. Are your columns insect and decay resistant?
All columns are engineered and tested to warrant against damage caused by exterior elements.

16. How are the columns approved for load?
All of our columns come with full strength and material testing provided from our local material testing facility and engineer

17. Are the capitals load bearing?
Decorative capitals are strictly for decorative purposes and are not load bearing. The wood or MDF capitals that come standard with the wooden columns are load bearing.

18. Why should I discuss my project with you?
Speaking with us will ensure that you are getting the correct column for the job, our years of experience will prevent you from making costly errors.

19. Where can the columns be used?
All of our columns can be used for both interior and exterior applications. For example: Knee Walls, Corner Accents, Doorways, Entrance, etc.