Post #814036 by Prikli Pear on Wed, Oct 9, 2024 2:41 PM

Is there a specific reason why you can't carve the trim pieces yourself, other than you've never done such a thing before? If not, then I encourage you to try your hand at it. There's a steep but fast learning curve. Start with a trim router. I like a rounded cove bit, but a V-bit or even a cylindrical cutter can work just fine. If budget's an issue Harbor Freight's got trim routers available for $25. They don't last a terribly long time but for a budget there's nothing friendlier. Practice on scrap wood to get used to the torque. Sketch your desired pattern on your trim wood. Cut. Use a straight edge as a guide if you prefer. You will make a lot of mistakes. Don't worry about the mistakes, because once you finish carving you will come back with a torch to burn the wood, then scrub away the char with a wire brush.

Honestly? It's not that hard and there is a strong satisfaction in creating much of the decor for your tiki space yourself. I'd never done anything like it when I first started my build. Fear of the unknown was my biggest challenge. I posted a video about using a router to create baseboards, but the same techniques are applicable to chair rails, ceiling molding and other trim pieces:

A Moment of Tiki episode 8