Millwork Definitions
Baseboard - Trim which runs horizontal at the base
of a wall. Heights of baseboard vary. May or may not be topped with a cap.
Cap - Trim that is attached atop a baseboard or
other moulding.
Casing (window or
door) - Trim that is used on a door or window to cover the gap between the
door or window frame and the finished wall.
Chair Rail - Trim which
runs horizontal at the height of a chair. Originally used to protect the
finished wall from damage.
Corner Block - Block of trim which usually stands proud of the casing. Many
styles available. The most common is the rosette.
Crown Moulding - Trim that is used at the top of a
wall which runs horizontal at a 45 degree angle to the wall and ceiling.
Plinth - Trim which is installed at the base of a
piece of casing and stands proud of the casing and baseboard.
Shoe - Trim which is usually installed at the
bottom of baseboards. May be almost any shape although the most common is a
half-round.
There are almost as many different profiles of
millwork as their are design ideas. For most woodworking shops, almost any
profile can be cut using a shaper. For truly custom profiles, custom cutting
knives can be machined! Some of the more common profiles are shown below.
