Creating with mouldings: a garden outing

Photo: Boulanger
Presented by: Boulanger

You’ll be seduced by this perfectly charming creation. With a princely look imparted by wall moldings, among others, this garden décor is strikingly splendid.

In this décor, the Georgian collection is prominent. Moldings are painted or stained grade.
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Installation suggestions
1. Measurements
2. Marking the space
3. Staining
4. Installing the wall mount
5. Finishing the wall mount
6. Installing plinth
7. Framing doors and windows
8. Installing O’gees
9. Enhancing with decorative shelves
10. Finishing
Photo: Boulanger

Installation suggestions

Moldings can be nailed with finishing nails or glued with carpenters glue. Nail leaving 1/16 inch sticking out and finish with a nail set.

You can join two moldings by cutting them at right angles. However, an oblique cut is preferable. Set both pieces so that they fit to the right length against the wall and then cut both at a 45º angle. If you must join two pieces, make sure that the color and grain match up. For all types of moldings, reduce the number of joints to a minimum.

1. Measurements

To calculate the length of molding required, measure the room perimeter and round off to the highest number of feet. Add 5% to account for losses. In general, molding is available in lengths of 8 or 16 feet. The choice of or not making joints can modify the quantity of moldings to be used.

During installation, to minimize material losses and assure a flawless job, it is important to always measure the length needed to cover each area where a molding must be installed.

2. Marking the space

Mark the casing location on the wall. In this décor they measure 24 ¾ inches high × 12 inches wide. The picture rail is 36 inches from the floor.

3. Staining

It is preferable to stain the moldings before installation. We suggest employing a semi-transparent oil based stain. Apply directly over the base coat with a brush and wipe with a lint-free cloth.

It may be easier to obtain a uniform finish on each piece by using shorter pieces. Therefore, pre-cut each piece before staining. Two coats may be needed to obtain the desired color. Apply the finish recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Installing the wall mount

After careful wall measurements and cutting the wall boards, all that’s left is the installation, making sure to leave the inside casings free.

5. Finishing the wall mount

Finish the top of the wall board with #50492 picture rail and install the same molding around the interior of each casing.

To cut, place the molding flat at the bottom of the miter box and cut the piece. Precisely measure and lightly mark each piece to be cut.

6. Installing plinth

To install plinth: cut 45º angles at the corners. The plinths are installed where the floor and walls meet.
To cut the plinths, hold the molding vertically against the side of the miter box and cut.

7. Framing doors and windows

  • The frame. Cut the frame pieces according to the lengths of the doors and windows: in this case pediment is used, so the upper cut is 90º. To cut the frame, place the molding flat at the bottom of the miter box and cut the piece. Precisely measure and lightly mark each piece to be cut.

  • The compound pediment. The top of the door (also to be used on windows) is composed of two moldings; apply the #50697 on the flat area of #50670 (little strip facing down). Glue and secure before cutting to the desired length. Add ½ inch on each side to hide the frame. Close the ends with a scrap piece.

8. Installing O’gees

For the O’gee, use #50697 molding; the beauty of this cornice can be found in the fact that it is not necessary to cut a compound angle.

To add to the splendor of this cornice, install on the ceiling, 10 inches from the wall, a #85404 molding with appliqués, which will give the room a warm appearance. The cutting is done in the same manner as with a frame.

9. Enhancing with decorative shelves

Make decorative shelves with jointed rectangles #81447 and wood arabesques #D195 and #D135. To finish, add a crackled, mock finish.

10. Finishing

  • For staining: after installing the moldings, retouch the filled nail holes with a soft lead pencil that matches the stain’s color.

  • For painting: where you have decided to paint, nail holes must be filled with filler, sanded and painted with a base-coat before final painting. You can also apply a bead of sealer, which can be painted, on the top and bottom of the molding.
You’ll have the impression of living permanently in a year-round garden. No one, live-ins or guests will be insensitive to this magical décor.
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