Interior trim can mean the difference between giving a customer a room that is attractive yet basic, or presenting a room that is truly awe-inspiring. Popularity of colors and texture may vary a bit by geographical region or project price point, but intricate trim details are universally desired.

Thanks to technological enhancements, many of today’s trims are easy to work with, designed to individual specification and delivered in record time.

Increasing property value through aesthetic appeal is a powerful driver.

“Moulding can boost a home’s style and value, by adding visual appeal and depth to rooms,” says Ben Skoog, business marketing manager for LP’s engineered siding business. “Homeowners want to improve the value and aesthetics of their home. In this market homeowners tend to invest more in simple projects like moulding rather than moving into a more expensive home.”

Made from a polystyrene substrate, LP Moulding is easy to install as it requires no sanding, priming or sealing. Additional cost savings include a reduced need for paint, sandpaper and other supplies. LP Moulding also offers consistency in manufacturing. The polystyrene substrate makes LP Moulding suitable for damp areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or kitchens. It is prefinished and ready to install in a variety of finishes from white to multiple wood grains. Designed to match any style of home, LP mouldings are available in eight colors and more than a dozen profiles.

“With more homeowners trying to sell or spice up their homes, trimming a room with moulding is a simple and an affordable way to freshen up a room without repainting or making any structural changes,” adds Skoog. “Consumers may be looking for something outside of the traditional wood moulding such as a new color style or something that complements the decor color or is more personal and interchangeable. The cost of trimming a room can be inexpensive and can offer a good way to change the look and feel of a room. Like paint colors, it isn’t permanent.”

On top of looking good, some trims have other practical benefits.

“Moisture resistance, availability in sheet and boards in varying thickness, ease of fabrication/lamination, and heat bendability are all features that translate to jobsite versatility and advantageous substitution of traditional wood or plaster/drywall materials,” says Patrick Shabal, national sales and marketing manager for Koma Trim Products.

Koma Trim Products are developed using the company’s celuka technology for precise gauge control, surface hardness and micro-abraded finish, which delivers better paint adhesion. However, KomaMW (millwork grade produced with freefoam technology) has a softer surface offering a finer cell structure for jobsite produced milled/machined mouldings and elements.

The Allure Collection from Koma is a line of extruded mouldings that is intended to complement the company’s existing line of products

“From a contractor’s perspective, the major driving force for interior use of a water-resistant, more durable material is the one-year warranty,” explains Shabal. “No one likes to engage with a customer in a “normal wear” debate — this can be avoided if a high-performance material can be discretely used on the front end.

“Additionally, the jobsite convenience of a versatile material is very beneficial, leading many remodelers to keep a few sheets and boards around for specialty fabrications,” he adds. “No one likes to wait two to three weeks for a specialty door casing or window jam extension that was mistakenly omitted from the order.”

The voices of interior designers as well as consumer media feed today’s trends and have homeowners asking for more decorative elements.