Take a look at this picture and tell me what you see:

If you said “flooring” or “hardwood”, then you’re seeing exactly what you’re supposed to see as this photo was supplied in a press kit from Armstrong flooring.

If you said “tables”, I’m right there with you because there are three cool tables in this picture. I really like that tray table thingy. That’s cool and it always has the potential to be used as a ultra-hip and amply portioned TV table.

If you said “black windows” you have a keen eye and deserve to be pointed out amongst your peers. Good on you. Yes, the black painted wood windows do, indeed, RAWK!

But none of those things are what I’m talking about here.

Using Simple “1-by” Material for Trim

First, lets get past the “what’s a 1-by?”

Any of the following are in the genus “1x”:

• 1×2
• 1×3
• 1×4
• 1×6
• 1×8
• 1×10
• 1×12
• larger 1x’s are rare and should be approached with caution

These can often be found in groups and tend to congregate in close proximity to their larger cousins, the 2-by’s. (2×4’s…)

If you take a look at the picture again, you’ll notice that the trim has no special shape to it at all, and is just one simple board.

Often, you’ll see 1x with the use of what’s known as a “back-band” but as you can see here, it’s not necessary.

You can use a simple 1x trim with nothing additional and get a great look.

So, if you’re thinking of enlarging your trim, give it a shot. It’s easy as pie and looks good. The trim in this picture is 1×6.

Have fun!

If I’m leaving you with questions, you can ask it below in the comments, or at the new answers section of the site, where I try to do a little bit of Q&A every day.