4 Reasons to Opt for Solid Wood Crown Moulding Instead of Plaster
Adding crown moulding to a room can heighten its style and let you bring a little something extra to the overall design, so this is one of the most popular renovation projects all across the country. Of course, there are plenty of things that you need to consider, and one of the most important is what material you want to use.
There are plenty from which you can choose, including polyurethane and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). However, those looking for the more upscale end of spectrum will tend to gravitate towards either solid wood or plaster.
Here are just four reasons why you should opt for solid wood.
1. Wood Is Easier to Install
When you install solid wood crown moulding, you can simply have a residential carpenter in your home to complete measurements, create your moulding, and then install it. Though some allowances need to be made for shrinkage and contraction, it's a relatively easy process, especially since wood can be worked on site and is relatively light.
With plaster, it's a whole other story. Each piece needs to be custom made, which is usually a tough process. Plaster is also incredibly heavy, making it very tough to install, and it will require back buttering in order to safely adhere to the wall behind.
2. Wood Offers More Options
Both plaster and wood can come in numerous styles, and they can both be worked into relatively ornate designs. However, wood is still a lot more versatile in terms of styling. You have the option to stain as well as paint the finished product, and you'll also be able to choose between numerous different species of wood.
3. Wood Is Less Expensive
Probably the biggest drawback of using plaster for your crown moulding is that it is an incredibly expensive option. That's partly down to the material itself, but it's also down to the fact that each piece needs to be precisely made to measure. Wood tends to be a lot cheaper to buy, and you can even pick up pre-made moulding instead of having yours made by a profession if you really want to slash your costs.
4. Wood Is Long-Lasting
Last but not least, wooden crown moulding will generally last a lot longer than plaster crown moulding. Both are tough materials, but plaster tends to develop unsightly cracks over time. Additionally, most damage that occurs to wood can be dealt with simply by sanding it down and then re-treating it, and that just isn't an option with plaster.