Advantages of Using Polystyrene Foam Crown Molding

The biggest advantage of polystyrene foam polymer is that it is lightweight and easy to install.

If you're indoors right now, just look up for a second and observe how the walls of the room meet the ceiling. Can you clearly see a line, or do you find some decorative element instead that resembles a fleet of steps?

If the latter is true, then you've just "admired" a section of crown molding that has been put up there to enhance the look and add a subtle decorative touch to the room.

Traditionally, crown moldings were made from wood, but polystyrene foam has currently emerged as a favorite.

This is because foam moldings, as they are commonly known, are cost-effective and easy to install. Crown moldings are used not just on ceilings but also on pieces of furniture, such as cabinets, showcases, bookshelves, and the like.

Their purpose is to hide sharp angles formed at joints and make them appear smoother. Polystyrene foam crown moldings offer many advantages over traditional wood crown moldings, and here, we shall learn about them.

In fact, it is the least expensive crown molding that you'll find in the market. This is because of a cost-efficient manufacturing process. So, if you're on the lookout for an inexpensive way to add that touch of glam to your interiors, then polystyrene foam crown molding should be your most obvious choice.

There is no end to the different types of surfaces on which you can successfully mount foam crown moldings―wood, marble, tile, vinyl, steel, granite, concrete, and plastic are just to name a few. This makes them a highly versatile element of design that can be used to decorate everything from walls to pieces of furniture.

However, even if you do wish to paint them in a certain color, all you need to do is apply a single coat of water-based latex paint. This is easier than painting wooden crown moldings that involves applying a coat of primer followed by 2-3 coats of paint. What's more, you can even use spray-painting for a quick coat of paint on your crown molding.

For example, vaulted crown moldings are designed for use in rooms that have a sloped or angled ceiling, while flat back moldings are meant for rooms with flat ceiling.

The size of the pieces ranges from 2 to 10 inches, and you'll also find end-caps, blocks, and corner pieces that can be used to give shape to any and every design. What's more, you can order for single-length pieces of a particular size if you want to avoid the trouble of cutting them to a desired length.

This is chiefly because polystyrene foam is a lightweight material.

In contrast to wood crown moldings that require the use of multiple moldings to create a layered structure, foam crown moldings are available in a single piece of intricate design, which translates to less time required for the installation process.

Polystyrene foam moldings are resistant to damage caused by exposure to water and moisture, which makes them ideal for exterior use as well as use on damp surfaces. So, you can easily install foam crown moldings in your attic, basement, or kitchen without having to worry about replacing it at regular intervals.

As we've discussed in the previous point, polystyrene foam crown moldings are resistant to damage caused by exposure to moisture. In addition to this, their flexibility prevents them from breaking at the slightest impact, which makes them highly durable. These crown moldings are also resistant to damage caused by household pests.

Polystyrene foam crown moldings have their own share of drawbacks too. The material is prone to denting and tends to melt when exposed to high temperatures. However, that should not deter you from going ahead and investing in these crown moldings. So, go ahead and add a touch of elegance to your room, and see all the difference it makes!