Premium cornice materials can transform ordinary rooms into something that feels genuinely upscale. When you buy premium 75mm cornice, you’re investing in materials that’ll last decades rather than years, and the visual difference is obvious once it’s installed. The 75mm size hits that sweet spot where it’s substantial enough to create real architectural interest but won’t dominate smaller spaces. Quality matters here because cheap cornice often warps, cracks, or shows installation marks that never quite disappear.
Material Quality Indicators
Real premium cornice feels different in your hands. Solid timber pieces have weight and density that composite materials just can’t match. Look for consistent grain patterns in wood options – premium manufacturers select their timber carefully rather than using whatever’s cheapest.
Polyurethane premium options should feel dense and smooth. Cheap polyurethane has a hollow feel and often shows visible seam lines where molds joined. Quality pieces are perfectly smooth and have consistent thickness throughout their length.
MDF-based premium cornice uses high-density boards as its core. You can tell by the weight and the clean, tight edges when cut. Lower-grade versions use regular MDF or even particle board, which absorbs moisture and swells over time.
Understanding Price vs Value
Premium doesn’t always mean most expensive, but it usually means paying more upfront. A quality 75mm timber cornice might cost three times what basic pine costs, but it’s actually cheaper long-term. Premium materials hold their shape better, take paint more evenly, and don’t need replacement in five years.
Factor installation costs into your budget too. Premium materials often install easier because they’re manufactured to tighter tolerances. This means less filler, less sanding, and fewer callbacks for the installer.
Professional Supply Houses
These places cater to contractors who care about their reputation. The materials cost more, but they stock brands that professionals trust for demanding installations. Staff members understand the technical aspects of different products and can explain why certain options work better in specific situations.
Many professional suppliers offer contractor pricing to serious DIYers. You’ll need to establish an account and possibly provide references, but the savings on large orders make it worthwhile.
Architectural Salvage Yards
Here’s where you find truly unique pieces that add character impossible to buy new. Salvage yards often have solid timber cornice from historic buildings that was crafted when quality mattered more than speed. These pieces require restoration work, but the results are stunning.
The challenge with salvage is matching pieces when you need more than what’s available. Measure carefully and consider having a millwork shop reproduce additional pieces to match your salvaged finds.
High-End Millwork Specialists
These shops focus exclusively on premium products and custom work. Their 75mm profiles often include design details that mass-produced options lack. Think hand-carved elements, complex curves, or historically accurate reproductions.
Expect to pay significantly more, but you’re getting materials and craftsmanship that approaches furniture quality. These shops also offer installation services using craftsmen who specialize in fine trim work.
Online Premium Suppliers
Several online retailers specialize in high-end building materials. They offer detailed product specifications, high-resolution photos, and often provide samples before you commit to large orders. The selection typically exceeds what any physical store stocks.
Shipping costs can be substantial for trim materials, so factor this into your budget. Some suppliers offer free shipping on orders above certain amounts, making it economical for whole-house projects.
Most premium online suppliers provide technical support to help with product selection and installation planning. This service becomes valuable when you’re working with materials you haven’t used before.
