Can Missing Baseboard or Molding in an Old House Be Matched?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Often, missing baseboard or molding can potentially be reproduced when an original profile survives elsewhere in the house. A physical sample, accurate dimensions or another intact section can provide valuable reference information for custom millwork.

ONE ROOM HAS IT.

THE NEXT ROOM DOESN'T.

THAT MAY BE ENOUGH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

LOOK THROUGH THE ENTIRE HOUSE

Search:

Closets

Attics

Basements

Less-renovated rooms

Behind built-ins

Around original doors

Around original windows

DON'T REMOVE THE BEST ORIGINAL JUST TO MAKE A SAMPLE

If a loose or damaged representative piece already exists, preserve it.

Otherwise, determine an appropriate method of documenting the profile without unnecessarily damaging intact original work.

MEASURE MORE THAN WIDTH

A useful profile reference may include:

Overall width

Thickness

Projection

Curves

Steps

Reveals

Relationship to adjacent components

BASEBOARDS MAY BE MULTIPLE PIECES

What appears to be one molding may actually combine:

Baseboard

Cap

Shoe molding

Other components

Document the complete assembly.

MATCHING THE PROFILE IS DIFFERENT FROM MATCHING THE COLOR

A new piece may reproduce the geometry closely while still appearing different because of:

Wood variation

Age

Finish

Light exposure

Previous refinishing

Exact visual matching should not automatically be promised.