Crown Molding Sample Options Costs And Ordering Processes

Crown molding can dramatically enhance the appearance of any room, but choosing the right style and size can be challenging. To help consumers make informed decisions, many molding manufacturers offer sample programs that allow customers to see and feel the actual product before making a full purchase commitment. This article examines the various crown molding sample options available, their costs, and the processes for obtaining them.

Types of Crown Molding Samples Available

Crown molding samples come in several forms, each with its own advantages and considerations:

Individual Style Samples

Most companies offer individual samples of specific molding styles, typically in short lengths that allow customers to examine the profile and finish. These samples generally range from 10 to 12 inches in length and provide a close-up view of how the molding will look in a finished installation.

Sample Kits

Several manufacturers offer sample kits that contain multiple styles or sizes of molding. These kits allow customers to compare different options side by side and determine which best suits their space and design preferences. Kits may contain variations in height, depth, and ornate details to accommodate different architectural styles.

Material-Specific Samples

Different materials used in crown molding production result in varying appearances and installation requirements. Companies may offer samples made from wood, polyurethane, foam, or other composite materials, each with distinct characteristics that affect both aesthetics and installation methods.

Sample Pricing and Ordering Options

Individual Sample Pricing

Individual crown molding samples are typically priced affordably to encourage sampling before purchase. According to available information:

• Wishihadthat.com offers 10" molding samples at $2.99 per piece, including fast, free shipping. This represents one of the most affordable individual sample options available.

• Crown-molding.com offers 12-inch samples of various styles, though specific pricing details are not fully available in the provided source material.

Sample Kit Pricing

Sample kits that contain multiple styles or sizes are generally priced higher than individual samples but offer better value for customers comparing multiple options:

• Easy Crown Molding offers sample packs priced at $9.99 each, though the specific contents of these packs are not detailed in the available information.

• Foam Crown Molding offers various sample kits ranging from $12.50 to $14.95, with different kit options available based on style preferences.

Specialized Sample Options

Some companies offer specialized sample kits for specific applications or features:

• Foam Crown Molding provides LED sample kits for customers interested in illuminated crown molding options, priced at $12.50.

• Various flat back sample kits are available in different widths (3.5", 4.5", 6") for customers considering foam molding installations.

Ordering Processes and Requirements

Selecting Samples

The process for selecting crown molding samples generally involves:

1. Reviewing the available styles and specifications on the manufacturer's website
2. Noting the product codes or identifiers for desired samples
3. Adding the selected samples to a shopping cart or indicating preferences in an order form

Quantity Restrictions

Most companies implement quantity restrictions on samples to prevent abuse of the sampling system:

• Wishihadthat.com limits customers to one sample of the same product number per address, preventing customers from ordering multiple identical samples.

• No specific quantity restrictions are mentioned for other companies in the available source material, though standard ordering processes would apply.

Exclusions and Limitations

Certain molding styles may not be available in sample form due to their unique designs or manufacturing processes:

• Wishihadthat.com specifically notes that they cannot provide samples of certain moldings, including CM-5031-B or EF003 (customers should order CM-5031 instead for profile) and DSC-4015B or DSC-4015C (customers should order DSC-4015 for profile).

Ordering Methods

Different companies employ various methods for ordering samples:

• Most companies use standard e-commerce shopping cart systems for sample orders.

• Foam Crown Molding requires customers to call 855-633-2125 to order samples, indicating a more personalized ordering process or potentially higher-value samples.

Sample Specifications and Details

Physical Dimensions

Crown molding samples come in various dimensions that reflect the full-size product's specifications:

• Height (H): Ranges from 1 inch to 2-3/4 inches across different styles
• Projection (P): Ranges from 1-1/8 inches to 4 inches, affecting how far the molding extends from the wall and ceiling
• Face (F): Ranges from 1-1/8 inches to 4-1/2 inches, determining the visible surface area
• Length (L): Typically 94-1/2 inches to 96-1/8 inches for full-size products, with samples being much shorter (10-12 inches)

Design Variations

Crown molding samples showcase a wide variety of design options:

• Traditional smooth styles with clean lines
• Ornate designs with detailed roping or other decorative elements
• Modern profiles with simpler, more geometric shapes
• Specialty styles like "Butterfly Crown Molding" and "Bonetti Crown Molding"

Material Considerations

Different materials used in crown molding production affect both appearance and installation:

• Traditional wood samples offer authentic grain patterns and durability
• Polyurethane samples provide detailed profiles with moisture resistance
• Foam samples are lightweight and easy to install but require painting with primer

Sample Preparation and Installation Considerations

Finishing Requirements

Many crown molding samples, particularly those made from foam or other composite materials, require finishing after receipt:

• Foam Crown Molding specifically notes that their samples "require paint with primer"
• Material color may vary, with Foam Crown Molding noting a change from blue to gray foam material as of March 24

Installation Testing

Samples allow customers to test installation methods and compatibility with their specific space:

• 10" to 12" samples provide sufficient length to evaluate how the molding will look at corners and transitions
• Samples can be test-fit with existing trim elements to ensure visual harmony

Comparison of Sample Programs

Several companies offer crown molding sample programs with different features and benefits:

Wishihadthat.com

• Offers 10" samples for $2.99 each
• Includes free shipping
• Limits customers to one sample per product number per address
• Has a wide selection of styles from their in-stock collection
• Excludes certain molding styles from sampling due to unique designs

Easy Crown Molding

• Offers sample packs for $9.99 each
• Provides peel-and-stick installation options
• Manufactured in the USA
• Includes a lifetime guarantee on full products
• Offers free shipping on orders over $199

Crown-molding.com

• Offers 12-inch samples of various styles
• Provides detailed specifications for each molding style
• Includes dimensions for height, projection, face, and length
• Offers a variety of traditional and ornate designs

Foam Crown Molding

• Offers sample kits ranging from $12.50 to $14.95
• Requires phone orders (855-633-2125)
• Provides specialized options like LED sample kits
• Notes that samples require paint with primer
• Offers flat back sample kits in various widths

Benefits of Ordering Crown Molding Samples

Visual Assessment

Physical samples allow customers to assess how molding will look in their specific lighting conditions and against their wall colors, which photographs cannot fully convey.

Tactile Evaluation

Handling samples provides insight into the material quality, weight, and texture, which can affect both the perceived value and installation requirements.

Size and Proportion Confirmation

Samples help customers confirm that the chosen molding scale is appropriate for their room dimensions and ceiling height.

Compatibility Testing

Samples can be test-fitted with existing trim elements, furniture, and decor to ensure visual harmony in the space.

Limitations of Sample Programs

Size Constraints

Sample lengths (typically 10-12 inches) may not fully represent how the molding will appear over longer runs or at complex transitions.

Color Representation

Samples may not perfectly match the color of finished installations, particularly for paintable products.

Finish Limitations

The finish on samples may differ from that available on full products, especially for products that come pre-finished or with special coatings.

Conclusion

While truly free crown molding samples do not appear to be widely available from the sources examined, several companies offer affordable sample options ranging from $2.99 to $14.95. These samples provide valuable opportunities for customers to assess style, material quality, and size before committing to a full purchase. The sampling process generally involves selecting specific styles, noting product codes, and following the company's ordering procedures, which may include online shopping carts or phone orders. Despite the associated costs, these sample programs represent a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance their spaces with crown molding, as they help ensure satisfaction with the final installation.

Sources

1. Wishihadthat Molding Samples
2. Easy Crown Molding Samples
3. Crown Molding Samples
4. Foam Crown Molding Samples
5. Pinterest Crown Molding Samples