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I'm Pulling My Hair Over Curved Wall Trim--Help

06:32PM | 01/15/03

Member Since: 01/14/03
2 lifetime posts

I'm Pulling My Hair Over Curved Wall Trim--Help

Hi,

I'm pulling out my hair over the base trim of a curved wall. My trim is a 1"x6" pine board with a router line about 1" from the top. A separate 1" bullnose caps (just nailed) to the top of the board and a 1" base shoe is at the bottom. It looks really good throughout the house except on the curved wall. The trim carpenter cut the 1"x7" and the top bullnose in small 2 1/2" pieces to make the curve. No matter how I sand, fill, etc., each line shows when it's stained.

I think he could have possibly cut relief type lines in the back of the 1 x 7 and maybe made the curve. However, I don't know what he could have done with the 1" bullnose. He had the tiny pieces glued and nailed when I saw it for the first time.

The wall makes a 90 degree turn in about 7'.

I've also heard of soaking the boards and then bending them.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

Thanks so much.

Weekend Warrior

01:14AM | 01/16/03

Member Since: 11/29/02
106 lifetime posts

Not sure about the moldings, but the 1x6 could be built up using thinner boards that will bend easier.

That may be a start.

ACD

12:23PM | 01/16/03

Member Since: 10/15/02
359 lifetime posts

I use to build houses with round walls. Trimming them is a major B***h. Soaking the wood will only cause the grain to raise and will more than likely cause the trim to buckle. The only true way to bend wood is to steam it. It can be done if you know some one with a long steam box and lots of patience. after being in the steam box for a while you start the one end and slowly push the wood around the curve, (note I am talking about the bullnose, or quarter round) and as you start moving around the curve one person holds the end while the other pushes against the wall as they go. When it starts getting stiffer, stop, keep it held against the wall until it cools and dries and remove it. The shape should be maintained. put it back in the steamer to soften up the rest that hasnt been curved yet, and continue on. one thing you really need to watch out for is twisting. quarter round tends to want to roll up as you make the curve, so you will not only need to push it against the wall but towards the floor also. The base boards can also be doen this way, but the laminated way is much faster, and can be done with the steamer as well.

If you think this is hard, try it with crown molding!

12:55PM | 01/16/03

Member Since: 01/14/03
2 lifetime posts

Thank you for your replies.

ACD, what type of box steamer are you talking about? Can I rent one? That sounds doable. At least I have lots of the bullnose so I can try it.

Thanks.

Chgoscott

05:01PM | 01/16/03

Member Since: 11/25/02
11 lifetime posts

Not sure where you live, but I have had flexable trim made to go over halfround windows and to bend around curved walls.

All you need is a sample of the trim you are using to give them the exact profile.

Segals Lumber in St.Charles Il. gets this done through their molding Jobber.I'm sure any real lumber and millwork dealer (if they still exist near you) could get this done or guide you in the right direction.

Only drawback is money and time,especialy for a small order.