What the Kerf?

Welcome to Week 3 of the One Room Challenge, Spring 2024.

I distinctly remember in the 90s, the concept of ‘false ceiling’ caught on like fire, back home. When I first heard about it I thought it was a ‘fall ceiling’, because of the elaborate crown moulding that would give it an appearance of a ceiling fall. LOL..90s kids.

Nonetheless back then in India, a ‘false ceiling’ was a sign of opulence. Mom dreamt of it, but didn’t think our flat was worthy of it. Here in the US, I had been drawn to it all, in my farmhouse decor days. I wanted a complete traditional look, only to realize later that it was all too much for me. I grew aware that I wanted it, because we couldn’t have it growing up and that, it was still, in my head, a sign of abundance.

It’s taken me a great deal to keep all my learned behaviors aside and to understand my choices as an individual. I am a minimalist. I am very happy with a black pair of jeans and a black or white shirt and call it my outfit for as long as I can. Love my makeup though. These days sawdust seems to be my glitter…HAHAHAHA!

Traditional or transitional moulding did not particularly work for me, yet for our guest bedroom, I want a touch of elegance, while keeping it modern and airy. So I am going with a very delicate trim for wall panels.

Thank You to everyone who helped me select the beautiful decorative trim on my Insta reel.

This week is tackling wall molding. My first time ever dealing with trims and miter cuts.

Today I am sharing my favorite tools to a complete wall paneling. (Affiliate Links earn commissions. It means if you purchase using my links I earn commission at no extra cost to you.)

Measure out your walls and figure out the size of panels. I left 6 inches from all sides and 5 inches in between each panel. I wanted it to reflect my minimalistic style. Mind you, I don’t have any crown molding either. It gives a very airy and a modern feel to it. I used a Level ruler to draw my panels. I know everyone loves the Laser level. I own one too, but I enjoyed using the ruler, and drawing all my panels out to give me a visual of how it would look in the end. Drawing them gives you a visual of how it would look in the end before you can commit to it.

Our panels all drawn out.

To cut the trims to size, I loved our Ryobi Miter Saw. But, I’ll be honest, getting used to angled cuts, figuring out the kerf of my blade, etc. was quite a learning curve. So, I kept my box miter saw close to me and used it when I felt the need.

Our trims all fit to the panels.

Did I hear, what is Kerf? Yes, my thoughts exactly.

I have learned that, a saw blade has a Kerf, which is the thickness of the blade. This is the same amount the saw will turn your piece of wood into saw dust. It means that if you have a 12 inch piece of wood, and you want two 6-inch pieces, then you can’t. One piece will be shorter by the length of your blade’s kerf. Mind blown, right…what the kerf?

This is especially important to pay attention to when you want miter cuts with exact measurements, which is always. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. Did I fall short? Yes indeed. But, as you learn you become a pro, which by the end of cutting all 26 trims, I believe I am ;)

Watch me demonstrating Kerf!

Stay with me for Week 4 as I install the trims, caulk, paint and get ready for the next step.