Has anyone found a cheap substitute to using real wood baseboard trim in the Wide Craftsman Style?
I’m finishing my basement in my own house, its a 1920 craftsman bungalow and I wanted to match the trim that is upstairs. The only thing I can find is using 1x6 in real wood to finish, I haven’t been able to find the mdf stuff that is a hell of a lot cheaper.
thanks
Your local home center will rip mdf plywood into 1x6’s for a small charge. One sheet mdf equals 64 lin ft of baseboard, 8 ft at a time.
You top the ripped plywood with quarter round for a finished look.
However, if you are going to be a landlord, you really should have your own saws.
I make my own baseboard sometimes with a router. Real wood baseboard really looks nice, and boards are really cheap compared to the pre-made stuff. I use wood with a nice grain and make fake brightwork, using verathane instead of varnish. (You’d probably use walnut stain in a Craftsman)
It looks sharp and is at least moderately tenant-resistant. It’s also easy to repair. Since I made it myself, I don’t have to pay a custom shop to match it if a bit gets damaged.
Hansen, go to any local moulding company in your area (do a google search), and you will be able to get what you are looking for. You can get length’s up to 16’. If you are painting it, MDF is the way to go. Most Home Centers will also have this product.
I also make my own mouldings, but I’m in the remodeling business. If you are handy with a hand-held router, like Tatertot said, you can easily make baseboard styles. With a router table, you are only limited by your willingness to buy router bits.
If you need resources, let me know where you are located and I’ll hook you up.