How We Match New Trim to Old Homes: Blending Craftsmanship with Preservation

Cajun Conservation
Jun 30
2 min read

There’s something sacred about working in a home that’s seen generations pass through its doors. At Cajun Conservation, we don’t just install trim—we preserve stories. Whether it’s a 1920s bungalow in Lafayette or a creole cottage in St. Francisville, our goal is always the same: match the new trim to the old so seamlessly, you’ll never know the difference.

Here’s how we do it.

Step 1: Study the Original

We start every historic trim job by studying what’s already there:

Profiles and dimensions of existing baseboards, crowns, and casings
Grain patterns and wood species (many older homes use native cypress or heart pine)
Nail patterns, miters, and other old-world craftsmanship details

We don’t guess—we measure, trace, and match with intention.

Step 2: Source Authentic Materials

Old homes weren’t built with MDF. That’s why we source:

Reclaimed cypress and pine from local mills or demo yards
Custom-milled replicas when exact matches can’t be salvaged
Proper materials for the climate and age of the home

We also reuse existing trim when it's salvageable, cleaning and reconditioning it to blend with our new work.

Step 3: Match Finishes Like a Conservator

Painted trim? We sand and prime to ensure sheen and color match.Stained trim? We mix and test custom stains to blend grain and tone.

Pro Tip: Louisiana’s humid climate causes old trim to yellow, darken, or crack. Our finishing process accounts for age-related color shifts so your new work doesn’t stand out.

Common Trim Types We Match

Trim Element	Common Profile in Old Homes	How We Match It
Baseboards	Tall stepped or beveled	Custom mill or stack standard pieces
Crown Molding	Multi-layered or decorative plaster	Layered wood profiles, custom routed
Window/Door Casings	Beaded or fluted with backband	Recreate or retrofit with router & shaper
Picture Rails / Chair Rail	Small but distinctive trims	Often rebuilt with reclaimed pine or cypress

The Cajun Conservation Difference

Anyone can throw up trim. We take the time to:

Respect the era and craftsmanship of your home
Offer historically accurate recommendations and alternatives
Avoid over-modernizing the look of your space
Blend form with function—our work lasts in Louisiana’s tough environment

From Our Clients

“They matched our original casings so well I forgot which ones were replaced.”— Homeowner in Opelousas

“We had termite damage on all our door trim. Cajun Conservation rebuilt it from reclaimed cypress. You can’t tell where the new ends and the old begins.”— Client in Franklin

Final Word

Matching new trim to old homes isn’t just a service—it’s a responsibility. At Cajun Conservation, we treat every historic trim project like a collaboration with the past. Whether it’s one room or a full restoration, we’ll make sure your trim tells the right story.

Restoring a historic property?