The difference between base and box moldings

You never realize how important things like doors and windows can be until you have your own home. When renting, your main concern is that there is are doors and windows (and that they are completely intact). However, as an owner, you can’t help but worry about the details. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between box and base moldings. They may seem interchangeable, but there are differences you need to be aware of.

base moldings

You may not be very familiar with the term “base molding,” but chances are you know what a baseboard is. That is the most common name. Baseboards help beautify your home by hiding the intersection point of the wall and the floor. They’re not very big and the average person probably won’t even notice them, but they definitely add to the “finished” look of the room and can help give it a more elegant feel. If you take a look around the rooms of any expensive house, you are sure to find beautifully designed base molding. It is a small detail that makes a big difference.

Baseboards are usually made of small strips of wood, fiber or polyurethane, and extend around the entire perimeter of the room. The only parts of the floor joint that would not be covered are the areas immediately surrounding and in front of the doors. (That’s where box trim comes in. It’ll be discussed in the next section.) The price of base molding varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the design.

box moldings

Just as base trim sits at the base of a wall, box trim encloses doors and windows. Also known as “moulding,” box moldings border the exterior of doors and windows. They also add to the finish of the room by covering the gap between the wall and the window or door. When done in a color that contrasts with the walls, they also help to highlight windows and doors.

Box trim can be made from wood, polyurethane, or fiberboard. Wood always gives a room a classic and timeless feel, but it can warp and attract termites. Microfiber and polyurethane aren’t as classic looking, but they are good options for those who want to paint their trim. They also do not have termite problems that wood has. Polyurethane has the additional advantage of being resistant to deformation. The more complex the trim design, the more it will cost.

Regardless of the type of box and base molding you choose for your home, it’s best if they match in color and complement each other in design. This will preserve the beauty of the room and ensure the look is complete.