The Best Types of Trim Molding for Your Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Trim molding for cabinet doors is a stylish and functional choice for any kitchen. Trim molding can hide unwanted gaps, prevent dust collection, and provide a polished look to your space. There are many different styles and options to choose from. When exploring the options, you'll want to consider your aesthetic design needs and find a style that complements your kitchen design.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of cabinet door trim molding and explore five of the most popular options. Here's everything you need to know:

What is Cabinet Door Trim Molding?

Trim molding is the decorative trim applied to the edges of your wall or floor cabinet doors. Molding can achieve a seamless blend between your cabinets and the ceiling. This helps hide the unwanted gaps at the top and can help you avoid dust buildup on top of your cabinets. It can create a more streamlined, put-together finish.

There are various styles, shapes, and materials to choose from. When exploring the options, you'll want to find one that complements your kitchen design and offers functional purpose.

Top Five Trim Molding

There are many types of cabinet door molding you can choose to add to your kitchen. Here are five of the top choices:

1. Crown Molding

Crown molding is installed on top of wall cabinets where the cabinets meet the ceiling. It's a decorative trim that's used to help achieve an elegant, smooth wall-to-ceiling transition. Crown molding is typically paired with light rail and base molding.

This type of trim molding is available in various materials, including solid wood, PVC, MDF, and plastic. Some styles are more decorative than others, so it's important to consider what aesthetic you're trying to achieve in a space.

2. Light Rail Molding

Light rail molding is a functional cabinet door trim applied to the bottom of wall cabinets. This type of trim molding can be used to hide light fixtures and prevent glare. It can also hide any visual gaps and cover imperfections.

Most light rail molding is made with MDF or plastic and can be painted or stained to complement the cabinet doors in the kitchen. While light rail molding is more functional than aesthetic, there are more decorative choices you can consider depending on the look of your kitchen.

3. Base Molding

Base molding is installed on the floor-level cabinets and covers gaps on the floors to create a more uniform look. Base molding can protect your cabinet doors from unwanted wear and tear. It's also relatively DIY-friendly, so you can install them yourself without professional assistance.

4. Fillers

Fillers fill in the gaps between the edges of the cabinet door and the wall, appliances, or other cabinets. This type of trim molding can hide imperfections and help you achieve an even, symmetrical appearance. Fillers are easy to install and can be customized to match your cabinet doors for a seamless appearance.

5. Toe-Kick Molding

This type of trim molding for cabinet doors is applied to the floor-level cabinets. Its purpose is to cover the toe kick area, the recessed part of the cabinet that allows your feet to stand closer. This type of trim is designed to help protect the cabinets from damage caused by moisture, vacuums, and shoes. It also covers the gap between the floor and the cabinet, providing a professional finish. Toe-kick molding is popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

How to Match Trim Molding to Your Cabinet Door Style

When exploring the different trim moldings for your kitchen, there are a few things you'll need to consider. This includes:

Kitchen Style

Traditional kitchens may benefit more from trim molding that features decorative detailing. While more modern aesthetics would work best with simple molding options.

Material and Finish

Most trim molding for cabinet doors is made out of wood, MDF, plastic, or PVC. When exploring the materials, you'll want to look for an option that complements your current cabinet doors.

Cabinet Door Size

The goal is to maintain balance and symmetry. For larger or taller cabinets, you'll want to go with more eye-catching trim that balances out the size of the cabinets. For smaller cabinets, you'll want to go with smaller cabinet door molding options.

Tips for Measuring and Installing Cabinet Door Molding

Measuring for trim molding can be a tedious process. However, you'll want to take your time so you can pre-cut the trim molding pieces before installing them. Here are some tips for measuring trim molding:

• Always Measure Twice: Getting the correct measurements on your first try can be challenging. To ensure you have the exact measurements you need, you'll always want to measure twice before you cut.
• Add Extra Length Just in Case: You can always cut more off but can't add more back on. When cutting the trim for installation, add extra length to give yourself enough cushion for any errors. Also, consider ordering more trim than you think you need in case you make a mistake.
• Use Different Techniques for Each Type: Every type of cabinet door trim molding requires a different measurement. For example, crown molding should be measured from corner to corner, while toe-kick and base molding must be measured from wall to wall.
• Paint Before Installing: Once you've cut the cabinet door molding, you'll want to paint or stain it before installation. This can make the process easier and help you avoid getting paint on your cabinets or walls.

OR

• Install Before Finishing: Some people like the look of the molding being a part of the cabinetry, so installing beforehand allows the cracks to be filled, smoothed out, and painted to appear like it's not a separately installed piece of molding.
• Use Wood Filler to Fill Unwanted Holes: Wood fillers can fill holes or gaps between walls and ceilings. It can also fill in nail holes if you're using nails to install.

Get Custom Cabinet Doors From CabinetDoors.com

Cabinet door trim molding is a great choice for the next kitchen renovation project. Not only will it help you achieve an elevated look, but it will also protect and preserve your cabinet doors.

At CabinetDoors.com, we offer a wide range of custom-made cabinet doors. All of our cabinet doors are custom-cut to fit the exact measurements of your cabinets. We also have various wood species and door styles available online. CabinetDoors.com only offers custom cabinet doors, so contact a local contractor or cabinet molding supplier to order cabinet moldings and trims.

Shop our custom cabinet doors today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to put trim on cabinet doors?

Trim molding can be applied using a strong adhesive or nails. If you use nails, you'll need to go back over the trim molding with a wood filler to fill in the imperfections.

How to match trim moldings with cabinet doors?

Consider your current style. Modern kitchens benefit more from simple trim molding styles that lack ornate details. While traditional or vintage kitchens may look better with a more decorative choice.

Why do cabinet doors need trim moldings?

Trim molding is an aesthetic and functional feature that can elevate your kitchen appearance. It can also help protect the cabinets from dust buildup, water damage, and more.