There are a variety of solutions on the market that make selecting the right moulding for the job and for the installer’s experience level easier.

Coving is a type of moulding typically used to adorn the juncture between wall and ceiling. There are a variety of solutions on the market that make selecting the right moulding for the job and for the installer’s experience level possible, from high-end wood and plaster mouldings requiring a great deal of installation expertise, to polyurethane options that resemble their wood and plaster counterparts but offer ease of installation.

Materials used to manufacture coving include plaster, solid wood, polyurethane, or reformed wood. When buying any type of moulding it is particularly important to consider which types of materials are suitable for the job.

Wood and plaster are the traditional materials for moulding, but with advances in technology, plastic and polyurethane are also proving to be excellent options. Beyond this, it is important to consider such issues as priming, painting, and staining. While polyurethane is not the best option for those set on mouldings of stained wood, they are appropriate for most other jobs. Additionally, it is possible to produce faux finishes that resemble wood from a distance.

Wood mouldings require priming before painting. Plaster mouldings, like wood, can be difficult to cut, as can plastic. Polyurethane mouldings offer ease of installation, among other advantages.

Polyurethane moulding has come a long way from its inception. Now, it has the feel of wood and the look of plaster, but unlike wood and plaster, polyurethane cuts cleanly and easily with the aid of a mitre box and saw. Cross sections reveal a smooth finish, ensuring that moulding fitted at the edge of a wall still looks clean and attractive. Polyurethane mouldings also have the advantage of being significantly lighter in weight than wood and plaster, making it easier to install and work with, even at awkward angles. What’s more, polyurethane mouldings don’t require priming prior to painting, and they can be painted to give the illusion of stained wood if that is preferable.

When purchasing coving, it is important to consider the amount of time to be invested in the project. While wood and plaster offer classic style, they can be difficult to work with and require a good deal of preparation, including priming and careful cutting to ensure finish and fit. Polyurethane negates the need for this investment in time and requirement of expertise, offering an attractive solution that imitates the beauty of wood and plaster while cutting easily, weighing less, and requiring no special preparation for painting.