Polyurethane Mouldings

[dab]

Anyone have an opinion on the drawbacks of polyurethane crown moulding? I'm assuming there are some due to the fact that it is so much cheaper, yet I do not see much of it in use.

[CThomp]

I prefer the fiber board variety. It cuts like wood but doesn't splinter. Often comes pre-primed so thats taken care of. And its very flexible. So when you have a 55 year old wood house with the occassional bowed wall, the fiber board will fit right up.

[dab]

Well, I was thinking people would probably reply about how they only use carved wooden moulding, but no one seems too interested.

Then the one reply I do get (thank you CThomp) speaks up for fiber board, which is the last thing I thought would be reccomended!

I'm not a master carpenter by any means, and I have only installed a few crowns. I have only used carved wood in the past, but found some poly moulding which is much cheaper than anything I can get locally here: http://www.decorgroup.net/

I was hoping that someone had either tried or seen Poly and would have an opinion, but I might just buy a piece and see how it looks and cuts. Any suggestions?

[Tom R]

The reason you got next to no reply is simple, - - most people on this site are 'tried-and-true' woodworkers/tradesman, - - and poly moldings are below their 'realm', - - not necessarily saying anything against it, - - it's just more of a 'DIY-friendly' material.

I've seen it in a few homes, - - and to me, - - it looks every bit as cheap as it is. Of course, - - the fact that those installing it were still in the 'practice' stage didn't help, either.

I would imagine besides it's cheap and gaudy look, - - it's main problems would be 'melty' cuts, - - and trying to 'match' nail holes.

Do I sound too negative??

Sorry, - - good luck, anyway, - - let us know how you liked it.

[CThomp]

Whats wrong with fiber board?

[Rich]

Every material has a use and a place.
We've looked at decorgroup before - when we were trying to find flexible moulding for some curved and elliptical vaults. The price of the material doesn't mean there are any drawbacks - just that it's easier to mass produce. But I would imagine, as Tom R said, the cuts will most likely need to be made from the face - as to push the melting to the back face. Talk to the manufacturer about best methods.