Mouldings (also known as trim) and picture frames made from timber products have a long and historied record, dating back at least centuries if not longer (for picture frames, as far back as Ancient Egypt). Prized for their decorative qualities and intricacies, the cost, longevity, and sustainability of mouldings and picture frames made from timber and timber products make them a go-to for building projects of any scale.
Wooden mouldings and picture frames serve very similar purposes; i.e. to frame or shape (and hence distinguish or define) the objects/spaces they are used for – in the case of mouldings, these are structures, and for picture frames, these would be pieces of art. They serve both functional and decorative purposes – for instance, wooden mouldings can help hide seams and joints, while wooden picture frames are used architecturally to supplement, complement, or contrast against the wooden mouldings and design themes of the buildings they are placed in. Together, wooden mouldings and picture frames provide the building and construction industry with a myriad of aesthetically-pleasing architectural designs and themes to choose from.
Higher Cost Effectiveness
Selecting the right type of wooden material allows developers to use wood in the construction of mouldings and picture frames in the most cost-effective manner while retaining the many other benefits of wood. Traditional hardwood, while being the most expensive wooden option, adds a touch of class to any project, looks great, can be reused multiple times, and can last decades if not centuries. Engineered wood such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is much more friendly to the wallet, while also similarly long-lasting if taken care of and possessing the same aesthetic qualities of its hardwood counterpart. Both options also add to the value of a property due to their perceived ‘premium’ aesthetic qualities.
Durable and Long-lasting
With the proper treatment, installation, and maintenance, wooden mouldings and picture frames come in variants that are fireproof, pest-resistant, and weatherproof, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, even with the Malaysian climate. They can last tens and hundreds of years. For strength, hardwood remains a prime choice while for flexibility and versatility, engineered wood products such as MDF are the way to go.
Inherently Sustainable
For construction purposes, nothing beats wood for sustainability when sourced from suitably-credentialed manufacturers. As a natural carbon store, each tonne of dry wood produced can sequester approximately 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide. In addition, timber is renewable, as it is harvested from trees; in fact, through industrial tree plantations, there is even less need for further deforestation to meet the world’s needs for new timber. Furthermore, not only can wooden mouldings and picture frames be repaired or altered on site, they can also be re-cut and re-used in other projects, making the use of timber an even more sustainable choice.
This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC). MWMJC represents the downstream timber ecosystem in Malaysia, including key industry leaders in the wooden moulding and picture frame subsector.
For more information on how MWMJC can assist you with your wooden moulding and/or picture frame requirements, visit its website at https://www.mwmjc.my/ or call the Secretariat at +603-9283 7893.
