I have been doing a string of home renovations and this winter, working on refinishing doors. I could not decide upon door trim, and the style needed to match my renovations that will happen this spring (new kitchen). I am horribly indecisive when it comes to decorating, examining every option until I grow frustrated with my obsessiveness and finally pick something.

This time though, I just couldn't do it. My options in the US were MDF, finger joined pine, finger joined poplar. All to be painted, and with the current trend in home style in the US, painted white. It all just looked sterile and plastic, I had to find something else.

Having the time and most of the tools, I made my own door trim. After a bit of experimentation, I found what I wanted in poplar for about $1.20 per linear foot (just under $4 per meter) versus the $2.60 per linear foot (just under $9 per meter) for a similar design from the lumber yard. A similar design that was either man made MDF (which is not healthy to work with because of the formaldehyde) or wood that lacks any character.

I did make a compromise for contemporary styles. I stained it white, which retains the character of the wood grain. The green grains turn whispy gray with this stain, and the mineral streaks have opalescent hues.

#woodworking #diy