We’re in the midst of trimming out a pair of quarter-round top windows and decided to go with FlexTrim in the wide colonial profile (#444). Based on a previous bad experience matching FlexTrim to the real thing, I had my local building yard order the custom curved piece for the top, plus enough straight FlexTrim for the rest of the windows. When it finally arrived, there were only the curved pieces, and the guy at the contractor counter told me that “they don’t do straight pieces anymore” and that it would be a dead match to Sauder #444 (what the yard stocks). To no surprise, the pieces don’t match the stock hemlock moulding. They are 1/8″ thicker and 1/8″ wider at three of the four ends. The variation in width along one piece is troubling enough, but what is really frustrating is trying to match up the ends of the FlexTrim with the hemlock at the spring line of the window frame.
The guys at the yard are in contact with FlexTrim, trying to find a solution. I’m wondering if anyone else has had similar problems lately with their product. They tell me that it’s under new ownership and that there have been some changes, but I don’t know if the guys at the yard are just blowing smoke.
In retrospect, I should have test fit all of the pieces BEFORE we installed the scaffold in the stairway of this (occupied) house, but that’s another story.
Gough
Replies
You could add something where the two casings meet, either a plynth block or ears. Then the difference wouldn't be an issue.
Flextrim
Hammer
Thanks, I pondered this possibility. The biggest problem is that, since these are quarter-round windows, rather than half-round, there would be only one block, at the springline of the curved leg. I think that would look a little funky. Also, the rest of the trim package is pretty basic: either #356 or #444, so plinths or rosettes wouldn't really go with the rest of the house.
Gough
FlexTrim update
Just got the word this afternoon that FlexTrim is willing to provide the straight runs of molding to match the curves that they sent earlier. They'll do it on a rush basis and for less than half the normal price ($5/lf v. $11/lf). We'll see how it all works out.
It's been my experience that
Even the straight runs never match the curved pieces.
The answer most likely to work is...................plynth blocks at the spring line.
The best answer is to template the windows and have a local shop run not only the curved pieces, but the legs for you.