Architectural Detailing

Filigree, gingerbread, columns and moldings bring an ornate sense of charm to some traditional houses, particularly those influenced by highly-crafted, decorative architectural styles such as Victorian or Arts & Crafts.

There are many different types of moldings and architectural details used on houses. Some typical examples are shown in the illustration.

The traditional material for architectural detailing is wood-typically pine, fir, redwood or cedar. Ornate patterns of molding and millwork are made up by combining a variety of simpler wood molding profiles.

Newer architectural detailing is often formed from high-density polyurethane. Though it isn't as authentic as wood, polyurethane foam is equally workable and not subject to many of the wood's drawbacks. Polyurethane moldings don't expand and contract, warp, decay or require heavy maintenance. And because intricate polyurethane moldings are made as single-piece units, they're also much cheaper to install.

Some vinyl siding manufacturers also offer a range of decorative classic millwork that coordinates with their systems. These include door and window surrounds, shutters, corner posts, dentil moldings and more.

Columns may be structural or merely decorative. Structural columns are made from wood, extruded aluminum or fiberglass-composites. Non-structural, decorative columns, made from polymers, are hollow in the center to allow for a wood or metal post.

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