What kind of moulding do I use to fill in the space between my counter top and the wall?
Question:Over time the space between my counter top and the wall has separated in my kitchen. I have wallpaper on the wall and the counter top goes up the wall about 4" approximately and that is where the space is. I need to fill in the space with a moulding. I have some quarter round moulding, but I don't like it. Years ago I saw where someone put some plastic moulding that looked just like oak, but it was concave instead of convex like the quarter round is. Does anyone have any suggestions. I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Answers:
You need two things here.
Clear Silicon Sealer ( just run a bead of this sealer along the gap)
Inside corner molding(you can get this in the "Plastic Molding" )
Remember you have two types of corners to consider outside corner - such as in a doorway corner.
Or inside corner - such as on a stairway ... the corner between the flat part of a step (you stand on)and the upright flat back part behind it. The point where the two meet is an inside corner - it curves inward as it turns.
Outside corner curves outward as it makes the turn.
You really should use sealer on that countertop too.
You could think of it this way...
1. If you go from flat surface to upright - inside corner.
2. If you go from upright to flat - outside corner.
I'm not sure, but are you saying that the gap between your wall and your countertop is 4"? If so, you have problems. It is common for anything made of wood to move as the wood takes on moisture and consequently dries out. However, the gaps will be minimal.
Typically, if the gap is 1/4" or smaller you should just caulk it. Moulding is used to cover gaps and such, but to people who know moulding also screams improper installation when used in an uncommon area, such as on a countertop. So, if the gap is smaller I would suggest caulk in a color that compliments your countertop. Additionally, caulk will flex with the movement of the wood.
If the gap is larger and moulding is needed, there are oodles of types of trim pieces at home improvement stores. Lowe's has 2 aisles, one for composite or laminated mouldings (sounds like what you saw) and one for paint and stain-grade wood. Many different lengths, widths, shapes, etc. If moulding is the way you go, you'll be able to find what you want here.
Another thought on the moulding front, also at Lowe's, I have seen on an end-cap moulding that is designed for making picture frames. It is dressier, much prettier than regular moulding. It has scrolling on it. I would look at that too and make sure it won't fit the bill. At least if it's really pretty it will have a dual purpose.
On that note, that also opens the possibility of a tile backsplash. What kind of countertops do you have?
Oh, too many ideas, brain overload!
There are several small moulding that can be used. The convex moulding you are talking about is commonly called scocia in the this area but is also called a cove moulding. There are several styles and sized on cove mouling available. Also, there are several small Bed mouldings that coud be used. A trip to most building supply centers will give you lots of options in wood or plastic.
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