help with old cornices

Hi all,

I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I've just bought an old terrace needing a bit of renovation. I'm a newbie by the way.

In one of the bedrooms we found this beautiful cornices and moulding, which matches with the one in the hallway. However, on one side of the wall some repairs were done and some of the old cornices were removed. We would like to match the existing pattern to the damaged/ repaired part and extended it to the newer part of the house.

I had a look around in the net and this forum, however I find it hard visualising the type/pattern of cornices I need (with the dimensions width/height). The builder helping us with the project told us the moulding is original pattern and may not be available anymore. It may be easier to remove it and start afresh with new cornices.

I have attached the photos of the hallway and the room with the old cornices. Would anybody know how to determine the pattern required, or whether such pattern is still available in Sydney? If it's still available, where would I be to get them?

Thanks heaps for your help.

That first photo hurts to look at!

There will likely be something close, but make certain of supply times. Don't be railroaded by the builder because it doesn't suit their timeframe - if a certain finish level is part of the contract, they have to respect that issue.

Might start by talking to Chris Savage - company is out at Penrith. There is also a mob in Edgar St Bankstown, on the corner of Ilma or Harris streets. Expect to renew the entire rooms' worth of cornice, and to execute some patching to the lath and plaster.

Be aware that older places like this, will always show some signs of movement and cracking. It's just how they were built, and one needs to accept it. Prudent "soft" repairs - ones that yield before they take huge chunks of adjoining materials with them - and making sure the house is stable (ie; controlled moisture content all around the building) will minimise frights.

Regards, Adam.

Thanks addo for the info

We had the building inspected for any structural damages. There were some damage, but not too worry about. I had a look at the website of Chris Savage Studios, and might drop by if they open during this holiday season.We're thinking of removing the old cornices and may be place new decorative ones.

To fit in with our budget, would you recommend using prefabricated mouldings such as those produced by porta moulding/ boral/ etc.etc..??

cheers,

Try Silver Brothers at Rydalmere.

They have been around for a million years (Give or take) and they do have a lot of older moulds.

I think that they will make to match as well . I used them and the guys were really helpfull

i'm with Strungout - silvers have a good range

phone number - 96387121 / address is 21 Euston St Rydalmere

Plasta Masta Minchinbury , take a sample in and they can make it for you. cheers :;

I was able to get the cornice for my place from this company.

http://www.lafargeplasterboard.com.au/


They have a catalogue with heaps of cornice profiles. I couldn't believe the number of old ones still available when virtually every one seems to just do the normal modern curved one.

Cooper Brothers at Ashfield make old style cornices using plaster and horsehair at $25-30 for 4 meter lengths. I found it easier to replace than trying to repair.....

http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=2&gl=au