Decor’s Answers
The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) is a library of facts and information that will provide answers to the most basic questions asked in our business sector.
- Company Information
- Mouldings and Trim
- Locks and Door Hardware
- Wood and MDF Exterior & Interior Doors
Company Information
» Are you a Canadian or American owned company?
The Décor group of companies is a family owned group of businesses with our headquarters located in Toronto, Canada. Every product we put our company name on is made by Canadian workers right here in Canada. We are third-generation craftsmen, with a vast amount of acquired knowledge and experience in our field.
» Are you an environmentally friendly company?
At Décor Mouldings we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of Canada for future generations. We take great care in the manufacture of our products to maximize the use of raw lumber and minimize energy costs. All of our waste and left over materials are recycled and used in the production of other products to optimize our use of natural resources.
» What is your company philosophy and mandate?
Our philosophy is simple at Décor Mouldings: we design, manufacture and install top quality home building products at competitive prices. We back all of our work with exceptional customer service. Our capabilities are wide and varied but our mandate remains the same: to create high quality, durable and strong building products for architects, designers, home builders, home renovators and homeowners across Canada and the United States.
» What do your products such as crown mouldings and trim add to my home?
Our crown mouldings and trim adds a touch of elegance, balance and beauty to the entire home, softening every room. It brings you and your guests a feeling of warmth, comfort and old-world style that will increase the value of your home.
Mouldings and Trim
» What kind of materials are your mouldings and trim made of?
Our exquisite mouldings are carefully crafted from wood, polyurethane and MDF, with something available to satisfy every budget and decorative taste.
» What types and designs of mouldings do you offer?
Décor Mouldings is your single source for classic mouldings. Our vast product line includes everything from basic quarter round to crown mouldings and everything in between, for both interior and exterior applications. You can use the online shopping cart to view our complete product line or view and download or latest printed catalogue.
» What is decorative trim and where does it used in my home?
Standard trim areas in a home include around doors and windows and mouldings at the bottoms of walls. It is also used to fill the space between walls and the ceiling. Our trim is available in hardwood, polyurethane and MDF.
» What do you mean by the word MDF?
MDF is a term used to describe medium density fiberboard, a man-made material composed of sawdust mixed with special glue. The material is compressed in several stages during manufacturing to produce the final product.
» What is better; wood or MDF mouldings?
Traditional wood mouldings are lighter, more stable and easier to nail.
MDF is more affordable, which is important when installing large mouldings. However, if you are using thin mouldings any cost savings will be minimal. MDF mouldings have the tendency to expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This could cause joints between mouldings and corners to increase. This is the reason why MDF mouldings are not recommended for use in bathrooms. To reduce the risk of expansion or contraction after installation, both wood and MDF mouldings should be allowed to adjust to the room’s normal temperature 48 hours before installation. There is minimal shrinkage when using mouldings made out of MDF.
» Should I use latex or oil-based primer on MDF mouldings?
We recommend you use oil-based primer, although latex primer can also be used. We recommend that all of our trims and mouldings be primed before they are painted.
» What are the advantages of using polyurethane mouldings?
Ornamental polyurethane moldings and millwork offer many benefits over traditional wood. The biggest advantage is in the range of designs that polyurethane millwork and moldings deliver. Polyurethane mouldings are poured, rather than carved. This means that it can match the intricate carvings of bygone eras at a fraction of the cost it would take to replicate them with wood.
Another key advantage is that polyurethane does not twist or warp like wood.
Polyurethane mouldings are manufactured as a single piece that includes the decorative details. Since they are made from a master mold, each piece of polyurethane millwork and moldings is identical with no deviation in design, size, or decoration. This level of design uniformity is difficult with wood.
Intricate designs of polyurethane moldings are available for both interior and exterior use that will achieve the look of work done by an expert carpenter without the associated high cost. Polyurethane mouldings can be made rigid or flexible to easily bend around round corners. Surfaces are ready to be stained or painted, and they can handle faux surface coatings such as granite or limestone. Stone, brick or wood-like textures can be molded into the material. Unlike wood, polyurethane millwork and moldings are virtually maintenance free, rot-proof, and impervious to insects. Polyurethane mouldings offer pros complex designs with low maintenance.
» Are polyurethane trim and mouldings easy to install?
Most polyurethane trims and mouldings are installed by the homeowner. They may appear to be easy to install but they are not. Using corner and joiner blocks is highly recommended. Without the joining blocks, the do-it-yourself installer must manually sand the glue joints. Joiner blocks also hide any shrinkage of material that might occur. Even the slightest hairline opening in the trim will result in an unsightly gap in the trim. Polyurethane materials do have a tendency to shrink over time, depending on the manufacturer, the type of adhesive, and type of paint.
» Can the average homeowner install mouldings or trim?
The answer depends on the homeowner. Do they have the experience, skills and tools required to complete the job? If the average homeowner has a certain level of experience in the installation of cornice mouldings as well as the proper tools, then they may attempt to try the installation themselves. Décor Mouldings can arrange to have your trim or mouldings installed by a team of professional of installers.
Locks and Door Hardware
» What materials are available for your door hardware?
Door hardware, such as handles, hinges and locks are available in a wide assortment of colors, materials and styles on our website. What you choose will depend on several factors, the most important being your personal design preferences. Hardware designs can be ornate or plain in colors and finishes such as flat or gloss black, polished or antique silver, polished or antiqued gold, and polished or antiqued brass.
» How do I know what hardware to purchase with my door?
When choosing hardware you should consider how the door will be finished once installed. Will it be natural wood? Will the door be light or dark colored? Will the hardware match your overall design theme? Do you need to purchase a large hinge for a heavy door or a small hinge for a light door? Whenever you purchase a door you will usually want to buy the hinges, handles and locks along with it. You might also want to purchase extra hardware for your new door such as security bolts, door stops or a door knocker.
» Can I install the door hardware myself?
To install a door properly you will need to have carpentry skills and the right tools. You should also have previous knowledge and experience setting doors. If you do not have this knowledge you can learn how to do it by visiting our Customer Information Center on this website. Décor Mouldings can arrange to have your doors installed by a professional.
» What is the most secure type of door lock?
If you want a secure door then you need to buy the “deadbolt” type of door lock. This type of lock, combined with a solid wood door, is very secure. Hardened metal door locks use especially hardened casings and lock components that make it difficult to cut, drill, or hammer the lock off the door. Some locks have an anti-drill feature to prevent thieves from drilling out the tumblers. There will be no advantage to having a deadbolt lock if the door is installed incorrectly. Décor Mouldings can arrange to have your door and locks professionally installed so that they are secure.
» Is there special hardware required to make a door secure?
If you want to make a door very secure you should consider using hardened steel door hardware rather than decorative brass, copper, or pewter.
Wood and MDF Exterior & Interior Doors
» What types of doors do you sell?
Décor Mouldings sells solid wood, wood veneer or MDF interior and exterior doors. We also sell French doors with transparent or semi-transparent glass or plastic inserts.
» What is the difference between wood and MDF doors?
The doors available at Décor Mouldings can be made of solid wood, wood veneer or MDF. Doors that are made of MDF are moulded rather than cut (as with wood doors) and can be manufactured with ornate designs at a reasonable price. When purchasing a door you should consider that solid wood doors can be very heavy as compared to wood veneer doors that are the same size. Doors made of MDF can also be heavy like wood but are more weather resistant than wood and do not shrink in the extreme cold.
» Why is the type of core in a door important to know?
A hollow core door is exactly what is says: it is hollow inside. These types of doors designed to be as lightweight and inexpensive as possible. They are available in many elaborate designs with thin wood veneer exterior skins. These types of doors sound hollow when you knock on them and allow sounds to pass through them easily.
Foam core doors solve this problem by filling the empty space inside the door with lightweight polystyrene. Foam in these types of doors acts as insulation against heat and cold. Since hollow core doors are not very secure, they are normally only used for interior applications. They allow less sound to pass through than hollow core doors.
Particleboard core doors are less expensive than solid wood doors but are very secure due to the high density of the material inside. However, these doors are often much heavier than solid wood doors. They are excellent for exterior usage as an alternative to solid wood. They are the most soundproof type of door.
» Do you sell solid wood glass panel exterior doors?
Exterior doors are available with many types of glass or plastic transparent or semi-transparent inserts. These inserts, commonly known as “accents”, come in many different sizes, shapes, textures, and styles.
» What is the most secure type of exterior door that you sell?
Doors made of solid oak and maple with no glass inserts are engineered to provide maximum security and durability. Solid wood doors with a small glass window are less secure but allow you to see who is at the door.
» Can I buy interior and exterior doors that are fire resistant?
Some brands of doors are available that are constructed with flame retardant coatings and materials. These doors are tested and safety rated to delay the spread of a typical house fire for a fixed amount of time. Make certain that you purchase door hardware and jams that will maintain the fire resistant rating for the door.
