Casement vs. Baseboard Molding

Baseboard Molding

• Baseboard molding is the small line of trim you find at the bottom of a wall where it meets the floor, also known as the baseboard. The trim could be made of a number of materials to match the wall and may be applied with wood glue. Baseboard molding may be painted to match the decor of your home and is available in several styles from manufacturers.

Casement Molding

• Casement molding is a little different from baseboard molding in that it is found around doors and certain windows. It is often also referred to as "case" molding, as "casement" actually refers to the door or window. Casement molding is designed to conceal the gap between a wall and a door frame and is often hollow to accommodate hinges.

Casement Molding on Windows

• Casement molding is typically only used with windows that swing open on hinges. The molding is necessary and usually hollow so that the hinges have something to hold onto instead of just pure drywall. Casement molding may only be used on sliding windows to add a decorative touch.

Molding Materials

• Both casement and baseboard molding may be made from materials specified by the customer. Some notable materials include spruce, fir, pine, walnut, birch and oak. Molding comes as either one long solid strip or in finger-jointed form. Finger-jointed molding consists of a number of smaller pieces fashioned together end to end. It is cheaper than solid strips, but you may need to conceal the seams between pieces with paint or staining.