You have a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to millwork products for your home. While wood is a classic and traditional option, polyurethane millwork is becoming more popular due to its numerous advantages. In this guide, we’ll look at the benefits of polyurethane millwork and how it can improve the look and feel of your home.
What is Polyurethane Millwork and How is it Made?
Polyurethane millwork refers to decorative architectural features made of polyurethane, a synthetic foam material. This versatile, strong, and long-lasting material is created by reacting a polymer with an isocyanate. Polyurethane millwork products can be molded into a wide range of shapes and sizes and are frequently used in place of traditional wood products.
Making polyurethane millwork begins with the creation of a mould, which is typically made from a real wooden millwork piece. The mould is then used to make a cast of the wood product, which is then used to make the final polyurethane product. To make the polyurethane product, the mould is filled with a liquid mixture of polyurethane and other chemicals. The mixture is allowed to cure and solidify before the final product is removed from the mold.
Polyurethane can be molded into almost any shape or size, which is one of the advantages of using it for millwork products. Furthermore, polyurethane millwork products can be made to look and feel like real wood, making them a more cost-effective and low-maintenance option.
Polyurethane is used in a variety of other applications, including automotive parts, foam insulation, and furniture, in addition to millwork.
The Benefits of Using Polyurethane Millwork
There are numerous benefits to installing polyurethane millwork in your home. Among the advantages are:
- Lightweight and Easy to Work With: Polyurethane millwork is lightweight and easy to work with, making it easier to handle and install. This is especially useful for larger items such as crown moulding or ceiling beams, which can be difficult to maneuver and install when made of wood.
- Primed and Ready to Paint: Most polyurethane millwork products are primed and ready to paint, saving you time and money on the finishing process. Simply use a high-quality acrylic latex paint to paint this material. This is arguably the most common type of paint, and it can be found in almost any paint store.
- Durable and Long-lasting: Polyurethane millwork is resistant to moisture, rot, and pests, making it a long-lasting and durable option for your home. This means that your millwork will look great and function properly for many years to come.
- Easy to Maintain: Polyurethane millwork is simple to clean and maintain, requiring less care and attention than wood products. To keep the products looking clean and fresh, simply dust or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
The Range of Polyurethane Millwork Products Available At Millwork.com
We provide a diverse range of polyurethane millwork products to meet a wide range of needs and preferences. Among the products we provide are:
Crown Moulding: Crown moulding is a decorative trim used to make the ceiling appear higher than it is and to improve the overall appearance of the room.
Baseboard Moulding: Baseboard moulding is a decorative trim that covers the space between the wall and the floor.
Chair Rail Moulding: Chair rail moulding is a decorative trim used to protect walls from chair backs and other pieces of furniture.
Panel Moulding: Panel moulding is a decorative trim that is used to give walls depth and interest.
Corbels and Brackets: Corbels and brackets are decorative elements used to hold up shelves, mantels, or countertops. They can also be used for purely decorative purposes where they do not need to support any weight. They’re frequently seen on mantels and kitchen islands.
Crossheads: Crossheads are decorative trim elements found on windows and doors. They are also perfectly suited for both interior and exterior installations.
Faux Wood Ceiling Beams: Faux wood ceiling beams are a cost-effective and realistic substitute for real wood beams. Our polyurethane faux wood ceiling beams are created by pouring polyurethane into a mould cast from real wood, giving them a realistic texture. We have 7 realistic textures and 46 faux finishes to choose from, as well as a primed option.
Explore the moulding, brackets, crossheads, and beams we have to offer today!
How to Choose the Right Polyurethane Millwork Products for Your Home
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting polyurethane millwork products for your home:
Style: Consider your home’s overall design style and select millwork products that complement it. If you have a more traditional home, you might choose more ornate, classic millwork products. If you have a modern home, you may prefer products that are more streamlined and minimalistic.
Size: Take into account the size of the room as well as the scale of the millwork products. To avoid overwhelming smaller rooms, choose smaller or more streamlined products. To make a statement in larger rooms, choose larger or more ornate products.
Cost: Polyurethane millwork products are typically less expensive than real wood products, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. This is especially useful if you have a limited budget or want to upgrade multiple rooms in your home.
How to Care for Polyurethane Millwork Products
It is important to properly care for your polyurethane millwork products in order for them to last for many years. Here are some tips for caring for your polyurethane millwork:
Dust Regularly: Dust your millwork products with a soft, dry cloth on a regular basis to keep them looking clean and fresh. This will aid in the removal of any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the surface.
Use a Damp Cloth for a Deeper Clean: If your millwork products are dirty or grimy, you can gently clean the surface with a damp cloth. Harsh cleaners and abrasive materials should be avoided as they can damage the finish of the products.
Repair Any Scratches or Dents: If your millwork becomes scratched or dented, you can repair the damage with wood filler. Simply use wood filler to fill in the scratch or dent, then sand the surface smooth after it has dried.
Touch-Up Paint or Stain: To keep your millwork products looking their best, touch up the paint or stain if it becomes chipped or faded. Simply apply a small amount of paint or stain to the affected area with a small paintbrush or foam applicator.
Polyurethane millwork is a versatile and cost-effective material that can be used to improve the appearance and feel of your home. Polyurethane millwork products can help you achieve your goals, whether you want to add decorative touches or improve the functionality of your space. Shop our full selection of polyurethane millwork products at Millwork.com and start improving your home today.