Tried composite trim once in my basement “water feature” (aka, the corner that leaks every spring). It was supposed to be the best of both worlds, but honestly, it cut like a nightmare—splintery and chewed up my saw blade.
For me, it was more headache than happy. Ended up going back to PVC, even though it does look a bit like a Barbie Dreamhouse until you hit it with primer. At least I’m not replacing swollen corners every year...“Wondering if it’s a happy medium or just another headache...”
PVC trim really is the MVP for wet basements, even if it does scream “plastic fantastic” at first. I tried MDF once thinking it’d be fine with a good coat of paint—nope, turned into a soggy mess after one rainy week. At least PVC doesn’t rot or swell, just needs a little extra love to look less... dollhouse-y.
PVC trim really is the MVP for wet basements, even if it does scream “plastic fantastic” at first. I tried MDF once thinking it’d be fine with a good coat of paint—nope, turned into a soggy...
I totally get the “plastic fantastic” vibe from PVC, but honestly, after seeing what happened to your MDF—yikes. I’ve been debating between the two for my own basement reno, and I’m a little nervous about the look of PVC. Has anyone tried painting or caulking it in a way that makes it blend better with wood trim upstairs? Or is it always going to look a bit... off?