7 Reasons to Use Styrofoam Crown Molding Instead of Wood
Written by Milan Jara on 23rd Jun 2022
Want to do home renos but are tired of the rising cost of wood? Skip the wood and consider the benefits of Styrofoam crown molding
There are a variety of crown molding types available on today’s market. They are composed of different materials, such as plaster, plastic, foam, wood, polyurethane, and MDF. Styrofoam crown molding has become popular in homes for some very basic reasons and can mimic the look of traditional crown molding without the hassle.
Styrofoam crown molding consists of a high-density, lightweight material with a smooth appearance. It is shaped to appear like traditional crown molding and done so well that no one will be able to tell the difference between the two. It is so easy to install that any DIYer can successfully do it with little effort.
7 Reasons to Use Styrofoam Crown Molding
When we think of crown molding, most people only think of the traditional wood option. Wood is the most well-known material for crown molding, and many homeowners are unaware of other alternatives. With the cost of wood escalating, more people are turning to alternate materials for their home DIY projects.
1. Price
Lumber in today’s market can be quite expensive. There is also a shortage of supplies in some places with a long waiting list, driving up both price and demand. Since the cost of lumber is on the rise, this affects wood crown molding as well.
Traditional crown molding is made of wood, which means that it may cost more than Styrofoam crown molding, which tends to be 28% cheaper.
2. Weight
Wood has quite a bit of weight to it. If you have high ceilings, you may find it challenging to hoist the crown molding up your ladder to install it. It may also pose a safety concern. Styrofoam crown molding, on the other hand, is lightweight. You will be able to carry it without issue.
3. Quality
Wood crown molding can change and warp when exposed to humidity, moisture, or extreme heat. Wood will expand in times of high humidity, leading to shrinking or gaps. If you have an older home, there may be issues with the foundation shifting, which also affects the crown molding.
Styrofoam is easy to install even if there are uneven spots or other issues that need concealing. It is durable when installed in areas of high humidity like a bathroom. This is where high heat and moisture are common elements. Styrofoam in these conditions won’t warp as easily and will stay fresh-looking.
You can install Styrofoam crown molding in any room in the house, and it will look amazing. It works well in rooms with cathedral / vaulted / flat ceilings or brick walls. You can use it to create additional layers of detail, accentuate your existing décor, or cover ceiling flaws.
Crown molding itself gives a timeless look. It pairs beautifully with the surrounding décor. You can be very creative and dress up the look by adding ceiling medallions, window and door trim, trim for wainscoting and chair rails, or finishing on cabinets. It allows you to generate additional style while being cost-effective.
4. Pliable
Styrofoam is easier to bend and shape. However, it can also be more fragile. If your room has any curves or you have a unique project, Styrofoam will be less of a hassle and easier to manage. Wood, on the other hand, is not as pliable and won’t allow you to bend it if necessary.
5. Installation
When installing crown molding, you will not require any expensive tools or heavy equipment. You can easily cut Styrofoam with a knife, whereas traditional crown molding needs a miter saw. This is where a large part of the savings come in. Also, homeowners can install LED, indirect lighting, and wire it into foam crown molding.
Installing crown molding is extremely easy. As previously mentioned, it can be easily cut and put into place. Crown molding installation also doesn’t require nails, making it quick and simple.
All that is required to install this decorative trim is glue, a Quick Clips system, or a peel and stick application, causing it to adhere properly to the walls or ceiling. Most brands of this type of crown molding come primed, which means that they only need one coat of water-based paint for a great finish.
Furthermore, corner blocks make the crown molding installation simpler. Corner molding blocks eliminate the need to use a miter saw or do difficult corner angle measurements. Many corner molding blocks are created from molded plastics and are easily installed using adhesive or screws.
6. Increases the Value of the Home
Crown molding completes a room and can increase your home’s value. If you are getting your house ready for sale, small touches like adding crown molding can increase the value. Be sure that when you are selecting it, it matches the style of the home. You can install decorative crown molding, but if your house is modern, minimalistic, or contemporary, it may not work well.
The look should always be cohesive to the décor.
7. Easy to Change the Look
You may discover over time that you don’t like the look of your crown molding and want to make a change. Maybe you just bought a house and the existing molding isn’t your style or needs replacing. With Styrofoam crown molding, you can switch to a new one if you want a different look or to upgrade your room.
Styrofoam crown molding is easier to remove. Conversely, removing wood or plaster crown molding is more involved and can be pricier.
Summary
There are benefits to Styrofoam crown molding that most homeowners have not considered. While traditional materials are great, they can come at a cost to your budget, time, patience, and physical health.
Wood is heavier, requires more effort to install, needs more tools, and costs more overall. Styrofoam is easy to work with, resists humidity and moisture, and is lightweight and cost-effective. Which one will you choose for your next home improvement project?
