General FAQ's
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship to the USA?
No, we sell and ship within Canada only. If you are from the US we suggest that you visit www.elitetrimworks.com
What is the difference between cornice, crown or cove mouldings?
Not a thing, we find that different parts of the country tend to prefer different names and all refer to the same thing.
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.
What is FJ Pine or Poplar?
Finger Joint pine or poplar is lumber that has the knots, raised grain and defects removed and reassembled into blanks. Finger jointed products are made from joining interlocking smooth, defect free, short lengths of wood together. By using an edge glue process, boards can be made as wide or as long as required. Finger-jointed mouldings which are made to our specifications, are first sealed, to hide seams then primed and polished for a smooth finish.
Finger Joint Mouldings, also referred to as FJ Mouldings offer many advantages over solid wood or even MDF. Compared to solid wood, FJ mouldings make better use of harvested trees, are more dimensionally stable and less likely to warp, cup, or spilt. Unlike solid wood, FJ mouldings are not suitable for staining but great for painting. Although MDF has a very hard, impact-resistant flat surface, milled chairails and baseboards are more prone to swelling from moisture and may shear after impact. FJ moulding profiles are sharper than MDF. Many carpenters have a personal preference to nail, cut, glue and install finger-joint mouldings over MDF.
What is a primed finish?
All MDF products are required to be primed/painted with an industry standard sealer referred to as primer. This sealer/primer penetrates and seals the MDF so that the finish coat of paint is applied with ease. Elite Mouldings guarantees that every piece of moulding is primed and ready for a finish coat of paint, an enormous time saver over solid wood trims.
Do products have to be primed before painting?
Yes, all MDF, plaster and wood mouldings, should be primed.
Do products have to be primed before painting?
Yes, all MDF, plaster and wood mouldings, should be primed.
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 for the fine dust resulting). The joiner blocks also hide any shrinkage of material. Even a hairline opening in the trim would be noticeable.
What is polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a foam type product that 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.
Why do Seams on crown mouldings come apart or separated?
There is a common misconception among consumers that wood or MDF mouldings shrink. With our many years of experience, we learned that all MDF mouldings do shrink on a minimal basis. Every 16 feet of moulding shrinks about 1/16", after all it is made from wood which contains moisture. The shrinkage factor is much greater for mouldings that are stored outside in the winter or in humid conditions. If you do buy your mouldings from a lumber yard that stores MDF outside, we recommend that acclimatize your trim inside for at least 24 hours. Other installation procedures that prevent gaps.
How does one alleviate the problem of unsightly seams?
At Elite Mouldings, we place a wooden brace on the back of ALL our joints and we use a specifically formulated MDF glue on all corners that forms a high bonding adhesion that virtually eliminates gaps or seams. Also, when cutting crown moulding, we factor in the shrinkage and cut the trim slightly longer before snapping the piece into place. With our tried and true installation procedures, we confidently warranty that our joints and seams will not separate for a period of one year.
Is Elite Mouldings insured?
Absolutely, we carry liability insurance and all our workers are insured against injury by WSIB. You wouldn't even consider hiring an un-insured carpenter would you?
Which areas can you arrange installations?
From three locations within southern Ontario we regularly install in Cambridge, Niagara Falls , Toronto (GTA) and surrounding areas, contact us to see if you fall within our service areas . Needless to say we willing to travel for larger jobs, call us and we'll be glad to quote.
Can the average homeowner install trim?
We recommend that the average homeowner should have their cornice mouldings installed by professionals. Unlike baseboards where imperfect joints are at the floor level can be hidden by furniture, cornice mouldings are exposed on the ceiling and must fit perfectly. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether to invest in the required tooling and risk climbing over your staircase is worth the cost of installation.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes, we do no cost detailed written estimates within our trading area.
How long does the installation take?
Under normal circumstances, just one day. We typically need 1-2 week lead-time.
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.
When 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. Visit our installation tips page for more details.
At what miter and bevel angel shall I cut the crown mouldings?
Depending on the angel that your particular cornice sits on the wall, either 45 or 52 degrees, use this for 52 degrees and for 45 degrees.
Do you install wainscoting, columns baseboards, casings as well?
Absolutely, we install everything that we make or sell.
Do I have to paint my crown moulding?
Yes, our EliteTrim comes primed but after the sanding of joints, dapping, and filling of brad holes is done, painting is required.
Do you have to paint PVC trimboard or Columns Wraps?
VERSATEX (brand name) does not require painting for protection. If painting is preferred, follow the guidelines layout on their website.
What kind of wall surfaces can cornice mouldings be installed on?
Moulding can be installed over brick or concrete walls, but require that wooden blocks be first glued in place, adding time and complexity to the job. The most common surfaces are drywall and a stipple or popcorn ceiling. The stucco or stippled ceiling does not need to be shaved or remove prior to installation. Simply and dap or caulking when done.