Remodels are on the rise right now. More homeowners want to fix (or replace) materials in the spaces where they’ve been spending all their time.
When it comes to finding new products to match existing moulding, it can be particularly challenging for customers — that’s where you come in!
If customers are trying to match moulding from an older home, finding the same size, style and material can be especially daunting. But keep these tips and tricks on hand and you’ll be able to help your customers with their project, no matter what their home’s style might call for.
Where to Start
Helping homeowners source the right size, style and materials to match older moulding can be a challenge. But it’s really just a matter of finding the right products to work with.
If the customer knows the year the moulding was purchased (or when their home was built), that’s also helpful to know. These dates are often linked to home styles and trends, so knowing that information can make it easier to find dimensions and sizes when hunting for new trim products.
Before you start the project, have them bring in a sample of their old moulding pieces. This will help to either find the same moulding or help identify a close match to the original.
Be sure to take measurements of the moulding or trim you’re replacing. Take plenty of pictures and notes on what the customer wants so you can reference them throughout the project. The more detail you get, the better the end result.
Next Steps
Once you’ve assessed the moulding that you need to match. See if there is moulding or trim in your supplier’s stock that already matches the customer’s look.
Sometimes the look your client wants isn’t immediately available. Older homes often feature baseboards and moulding in different styles and sizes than today’s standard trim products.
What To Do First
If nothing you stock matches what the client has in their home, this is where you can get creative when building out the new trim.
Matching Sizes
If the client is trying to find mouldings to match a specific size of existing trim or window casing, suggest stacking or layering products. You can install a 1” x 4” piece of trim and add crown moulding to recreate the look of their old moulding. This creates a more elaborate look and is a great solution for matching the style of trim in an older home.
Matching Baseboards
Instead of selling your customer a baseboard with a base cap already included, suggest using individual pieces of trim and installing them on top of each other. Work with your customer to see what style of base cap and shoe works best for the look they’re after. Installing these pieces separately gives them a style that’s entirely custom and unique.
Again, layering materials creates a thicker, more detailed look for their baseboard design, resulting in a finished style that gives their home plenty of personality.
Matching Moulding: Challenge Accepted
No matter when your customer’s home was built, you can still match the moulding design they’re after. Working with Metrie’s line of high-quality moulding, baseboard and trim products provides contractors, designers and architects with a full menu of options.
We’re here to help make you look good! Even in challenging situations like matching a customer’s existing moulding, there are solutions to match every customer’s vision. Check out all of Metrie’s products here for inspiration and ideas for your next project.
