Interior Trim

Trim refers to the decorative wood, plaster, plastic or other material placed at the wall or ceiling finish.  Evaluating the trim can be useful in dating a house.  There are several types of trim that are commonly found in homes in the U.S.

• Clamshell - the most recent trim, dating back to the 1950s.  Clamshell or ranch trim is roundish, without beads or fluting of any type.
• Colonial or Waterfall - an old trim, dating back about 50 years.  Colonial trim is available today in feather edge and round edge styles.
• Straight Board - could have been used during any period, however, it was commonly used in houses approximately 100 years ago to install straight boards and then trim over top of the boards again.  One-by, or straight board trim, is a square edge board. Occasionally, it will be fluted in older, inner-city homes.  Older one-by baseboard typically had an OG molding nailed onto the top edge of the baseboard, which was typically 6 inches or 8 inches high.
• Bulls Eye Block - on the upper corners of doors and windows.  Normally indicates that the house is in excess of 80 to 100 years old.
• Unmatched Trim – usually is an indication that the house has been renovated or that an addition has been built.