Ep 12. Decorative Moldings

Decorative moldings can transform plain walls and ceilings into elegant works of art in any home or structure. In the How It's Made season 4 episode 12, viewers get an inside look at how these various types of decorative moldings are produced.

The show begins by exploring the creation of intricate crown moldings. Crown moldings are decorative trims that are installed along the top of walls where they meet the ceiling. Viewers are taken inside a factory to see how crown moldings are made. The process begins with creating a custom molder knife to match the design of the molding that is desired. This knife is then used to cut the molding profile from a piece of wood. The finished product is then sanded and finished with primer and paint or stain.

Decorative cornices are also featured in this episode. Cornices are another type of molding that is installed where walls meet the ceiling, but they are typically larger and more elaborate than crown moldings. The show takes viewers inside a factory to see how cornices are made using a combination of computer-aided design (CAD) and traditional woodworking techniques. CAD is used to create the design for the cornice, which is then carved from a block of foam using a computer-controlled router. Once the foam mold is complete, it is used to make a fiberglass or plaster mold, which is then used to create the final product.

Chair rail moldings are another type of decorative molding that is explored in this episode. Chair rails are installed horizontally along walls to prevent chairs from damaging the walls. They also serve as a decorative feature, often dividing walls into different sections. The How It's Made crew takes viewers inside a factory to see how chair rail moldings are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The MDF is first cut into the desired shape using a computer-controlled saw, then sanded and finished with paint or stain.

Finally, the episode explores the creation of baseboard moldings. Baseboards are installed along the bottom of walls to protect them from damage and create a finished look. The show takes viewers inside a factory to see how baseboard moldings are made from various materials, including wood, MDF, and vinyl. Depending on the material, baseboard moldings may be cut using a saw or a custom molder knife. Once the pieces are cut, they are sanded and finished with paint or stain.

Overall, the How It's Made season 4 episode 12 provides an in-depth look at the process of creating decorative moldings. Viewers are taken inside factories to see how these products are made using a combination of traditional woodworking techniques and computer-aided design. From crown moldings to chair rails to baseboards, this episode covers it all, providing a fascinating look at the world of decorative moldings.