Building Combination Trim Molding

Building combination molding can be an easy way to add attractive accents to walls and ceilings. Designs can be very simple, or very complex and a combination of 2 or 3 molding profiles can be used to simulate an existing profile or to copy a design you like.

A Basic Combination Molding Design

The combination trim molding profile pictured here is a basic design that is very common and can be used in many applications. The profile consists of a cove bead, a one–piece baseboard molding used as a backer board, and a 1by piece of lumber for the top. This configuration can be used as a chair rail, a plate shelf or a cap for wainscoting.

The members of this stacked molding profile can be varied using rake or stop bead molding in place of the cove and a one–piece casing molding, or a combination of 1by lumber and back band molding in place of the baseboard.

Modifying Moldings

Joining the pieces to build combo trim molding can be done with butt joints, or by notching the pieces for a more seamless union. Using 1by finish lumber as a backer board and cutting the necessary modifications yourself can allow for more choices when planning a combo trim molding profile. In this example, a rabbet is cut along the bottom of a piece of large base cap to create a custom baseboard.

To create a back band molding, add a square strip to the back of a small molding profile like base cap or rake mould. In this example the back band is combined with a one–piece baseboard to create a custom door casing.

Cutting Custom Moldings

Moldings can also be hand cut from finished lumber using a high–speed router and a few carbide bits. Router bits are available in the most common profiles and sizes, making a high–speed router a molding shaper.

To build this custom trim molding, cut a profile along one edge of a 1x4 or simular board to make a one–piece baseboard or casing molding.

Cut the back band using a piece of squared molding about 1 by ¾ inches. A piece like this can be found at a home store or one can be cut from finished boards.

Cut a profile on one edge of the square using an ogee or other profile bit, and then cut a rabbet along the other side.