Restoring Historic Moldings and Trim: Insights from Spokane Preservation Workshop
Restoring the intricate moldings and trim found in Spokane’s historic homes is a crucial part of maintaining the original character and craftsmanship of these buildings. During a recent Spokane Preservation Workshop, Janette, our architect, and I discussed the unique challenges and methods for recreating moldings in older homes. In this blog, we’ll share the insights from that lecture and explore how both weekend woodworkers and professionals can approach the restoration of historic moldings and trim.
Historic homes in Spokane often feature moldings and trim that are impossible to replicate with off-the-shelf stock moldings. These older homes typically used materials like old-growth wood, which is now difficult to find. This means that any restoration or remodel must focus on recreating the intricate details to match the original design. Without proper care, replacing these moldings with modern alternatives can undermine the historic authenticity of the home.
For those looking to restore their own moldings, it’s possible to create custom trim without needing the large, expensive equipment typically found in professional shops. With just a table saw and a router, many weekend woodworkers can craft beautiful custom moldings that fit perfectly into their historic homes. While these tools may not produce the same level of precision as larger machines, they can still create highly detailed pieces with the right approach and attention to detail.
At Hanson Carlen, we’ve been creating custom moldings and trim for historic homes in Spokane for generations. My father, Dewey, often crafted moldings using a simple table saw and molding head. While effective, this method required extensive sanding and finishing to achieve a smooth result due to the slower RPMs of table saws. As the company has evolved, so have our tools and techniques.
Today, we use a combination of routers and homemade jigs to create precise, handmade moldings. While still effective for small projects, we’ve also invested in larger equipment like shapers and molding machines for more efficient production.
For more complex historic home remodels, especially those that require large amounts of trim, advanced equipment can be a game-changer. Shapers and molding machines provide a huge upgrade over basic tools like table saws and routers. These machines allow us to recreate detailed and historically accurate moldings much faster and with greater precision. However, with advanced equipment comes a higher price tag and the need for more shop space, so it’s often a consideration only for professional remodelers or serious enthusiasts.
One of our most significant upgrades is our 6-head molder, which allows us to recreate intricate designs at scale. While this type of equipment is not feasible for most DIYers, it highlights the importance of professional craftsmanship in preserving historic homes.
If you’re considering a remodel for your historic home, working with professionals who understand the intricacies of molding restoration can ensure the project honors the home’s unique character and history.
About the Author:
David Hanson is a third-generation builder with a lifetime of experience in old-world craftsmanship. Growing up working alongside his father and grandfather, David gained invaluable hands-on experience that has shaped his expertise in custom home construction.
His passion for high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail comes through not only in his builds but also in his writing, where he shares insights and advice from years of experience in the construction industry.