Hi, Im a high school student and we were given an assignment in my carpentry class to research and choose the best type of trim for a Greek Revival house based on cost, durability, looks, and installation considerations. Since it’s a Greek Revival, the trim needs to be wide, thick, and strong. Any imput is appreciated. thank you.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
There's a constant source of clean water for you to use, and all you have to do is collect it.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
If you are talking about exterior trim for a Greek revival house, research a composite board product called Miratec. Do a search for it and you will find the manufacturer's website.
It is more stable under temperature change than the cellular PVC extruded boardstock and trim made under the brand names Kleer and Azek.
Thanks for the advice. I looked up Miratec and that's going to be one of our choices. Thanks again.
Hey rugged,
Welcome, a good question, I hope you will post your findings.
In the simplest of homes 1x4 casing and 1x6 base with a beveled edge was the norm and would meet your requirements. Usually painted, Poplar, Birch, or a Hard Pine. Casing legs butted to the head casing. Any thing after that would affect looks and cost(cost=labor+material).
The first design consideration might be to have the head casing hang out past the leg casing a 1/4to1/2in., or increase the head material to 5/4 stock. You could add a small horz. bead between the legs and head and /or a cap at the top. Plinth blocks and a back band in a moderate home. Base might be two piece, 1x6 and a molded cap. Shoe mold would be proportionate to base.
After that the sky is the limite.
The Greeks were obsessed with proportion and perspective and you should have no problem finding information on that.
Good Luck!
DAVE
Thanks for the help on the trim. It's come in handy with our design.
There are differing "levels" or "orders" of decorative trim in the GReek Revival style.
Even within the same home, it is common to have the widest and fanciest in the "public rooms" entry, living, dining etc. The second floor, and baths etc get a simpler version.
The orders of int door & window trim go sorta like
1. Simple Entablature.......Wide 4"-6" with a beaded edge, 10" wide head casing.
2. Entablature w/ ears..... Same trim, but with ears (the head casings overhang the vertical Jamb) casings by about 1"-2" on each side.
3. "pedimented with ears" where there is a sloping pediment over each door and window, with overhanging ears, and the vertical casings are sometimes even tapered from 8" wide at the floor to 5" wide at the head.
The size and detail of crown moldings (up to 15" wide on a 10' ceil) also increase with each "order".
Base trim tops out at about 2" thk, 11" high. with a profiled top.
Probably goe further........this is what I have seen so far.
TRy sites like:
http://www.fypon.com
Also try googling words like...pediments, entablature, etc
edit also see
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=51711.29
Edited 3/28/2006 12:21 pm ET by pickings
Thanks for the help. The websites helped contribute to our project. I think we're pretty much done now.