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June 16, 2008
wood versus plaster molding
Hi, I am redoing molding on the upper floors of my brownstoner. I wanted to get some opinions on whether to use plaster (very expensive) or wood for the ceilings. I am restoring plaster on the parlor floor, but my architect thinks wood will look at good on the top two floors. I would love to hear from people who have used one or both of these materials. Thanks
Comments
It's gonna add at least 5K per room over the cost of wood moldings. It'll look amazing though.
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 2:52 PM
Painted wood moldings can look fine. You can also make a mold of an original crown profile from your house and make the molding out of tis styrofoam stuff. I know that it sounds really ugly and disgusting, but once it's painted, it really is okay.
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 2:55 PM
Maybe its just me but plaster moldings are only worth more when they are original - if you are adding new, Id suggest the more economical option.
The design and installation is so much more important than the material used.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at June 16, 2008 4:28 PM
there is a company in astoria that does beautiful ornamental plaster called Ionic they are the best in NY.Call late in the day the father only speeks Grek you need to talk to one of the sons
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 8:00 PM
My front parlor ceiling is new sheetrock and I had the molding done in wood by a carpenter with a good eye for detail. He examined my neighbor's intact plaster ceiling, took some measurements and between the two of us came up with a mock up which we tweaked several times. It took a day for the mock up and a few days for installation. Caulked and filled with a top notch paint job and it looks great. It was less than 1/4 of the price of a rough estimate in plaster.
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 9:30 PM
after removing the drop ceiling we found our parlor ceiling had significant water damage in the back half needing total replacement. This was done with a combination of skimcoated sheetrock, wood & plaster & now you can't tell where the old moldings end and the new begin...
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 10:06 PM
I would sugest to call this company called plaster visions & design group inc they are very good at plaster moldings they also have an show room in brooklyn they have fair prices check their website to get a quote or give them a call. www.plastervisions.com Good luck
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 10:23 PM
I second the use of styrofoam/resin mouldings--more expensive by the foot than wood, but really easy to install.
If properly installed and painted, it's hard to tell the difference from wood or plaster.
Plus, as our contractor pointed out, one advantage is that the plastic stuff bends a bit, unlike wood--which is great for old, uneven plaster walls.
Posted by: tinarina at June 17, 2008 10:09 AM
I like wood crowns, but inevitably they crack. Maybe high up on the ceiling no one will really notice. Of course plaster cracks too, but in general it gives a bit more.
I've also put up plastic medallions, readily available on line. After painting they are difficult to tell apart from real plaster unless you're up really close.
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at June 17, 2008 11:07 AM
Plaster is WAAY better. Wood simply can't compete. Hyde Park Plaster has a great selection and the installers are fabulous.
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 9:49 PM
Plater moulding is much better than other moulding in performance, installation process and cost.
It’s the only material that can use the same material to do the filling and repairing, so the result is seamless. The way of installation is pretty the same as install MDF moulding.
There’s a company in Toronto Canada selling plaster moulding in ready stock in the price of $6-$12/8’ (5.5”-7.5” wide, price is can’t be better).
For their selection and rate, you can visit: www.liveinbeautyca.com
Posted by: guest at June 22, 2008 12:06 PM
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