Using Plaster to Create Cabinet Mouldings

Copyright (c) 2008 Able Skills

Perhaps one of the most unique uses for plastering that has become increasingly popular lately is using it as molding for floors, ceilings and cabinets. Using plaster in this way makes sense given the expense of plaster versus the expense of the special woods that are generally used for molding. In fact, you can save a substantial amount of money when you use plaster for your cabinet molding. Another benefit of using plaster rather than wood is the fact that plaster will create a seal with both the surface of the cabinet and the floors and ceilings of the home, which prevents insects from easily nesting in the open spaces that are often hidden by wooden molding.

Using plaster as a molding for cabinets is not a new idea. In reality, it has been done for several centuries. It is only in the last few years that it has become a popular choice. This is for a number of reasons.

Comparing Prices

One of the main reasons for plaster molding's surge in popularity is the fact that the price of wood is going up almost daily. At one time, purchasing enough wood to make suitable molding was fairly easy and inexpensive. Today, it can be a major expense.

Making Shaping

Simple Another reason for the increased popularity of plaster molding is the fact that fewer craftsmen are practicing the craft of cutting, shaping and sanding wood molding. There are now fewer craftsmen in the industry and thefore prices have increased amongst those craftsmen that are still available. In addition, plaster is simply more versatile and easier to work with than wood. Instead of having to shape the wood ahead of time, a plasterer can lay plaster down and then use sandpaper and other tools to create the molding after it has been installed.

Installing it Easily

Perhaps the biggest reason people are switching to plaster molding is because of the ease in which plaster molding can be installed. Instead of having to worry about a hammer marring the surface, almost anyone with some experience with a trowel can create decent looking molding with plaster. This means that the rise of the do-it-yourselfer lends itself much more to the use of plaster than it does to traditional wood molding.

While plaster makes a great substitute, some people will always use wood molding. When it comes down to it, it is really a matter of personal choice. If you are interested in making your own plaster molding and you do not have the know-how, you might want to consider taking a few plastering courses to learn more.