Our house is around 100 years old, and during the course of a bathroom demo, the contractor irreparably broke part of the window trim.
Of course, the big box and local lumber stores are completely useless for finding a match. I imagine the design was common and is probably still available somewhere in bulk. I've also seen an HGTV show where a place used tools that follow the curves of a sample piece to create a match.
The problem is, I don't have a clue where to start my search... any ideas?
There is a wide variety of router bits available online.
Handheld routers can be had for less than $200. Some are even less than $100, but the ones I have seen have ¼-inch shanks. Some of the “interesting” router bits are only available for ½-inch shanks.
Look for a local furniture shop or woodworker and ask if they can make it.
If the damage is small: plaster, wood filler, Smith's flexible epoxy or bondo can work wonders. Note the bondo stinks really badly.
But for the ultimate, get proper molding made. Turns out there are now several factories that automate the reproduction of historic molding. You send them a 6 inch section, they build a knife to match, and cut as much as you want:
In the photo, my original 1938 molding is on the left, the new stuff has the green end. I paid $150 setup plus $1.30 per linear foot, delivered. I ordered through a local retail outlet "The Moulding Company" in the San Francisco Bay Area. I had some spare made also, so this house at least is covered for all foreseeable accidents.
There is a really good place down in Houston, Texas. I love shopping at this place because of all the interesting old reclaimed building supplies they have, especially old plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, and doorknobs.
I checked their web-site and it looks like you can shop online: Adkins Architectural Antiques & Treasures
If nothing else they might be able to refer you to someone local.
If there is a "ReStore" or other building salvage store in your town, you may be able to find some original vintage trim options there.
For example, in Seattle, Washington, USA, there are several: Earthwise, Ballard ReUse, and SecondUse. They've been invaluable to pick up parts to fix up my 100+ year old house. It can be hard to find exactly what you need on the first trip, but if you find it, it will be typically be much cheaper than getting the trim new. You're more likely to find what you need by making weekly trips with a good photos and a notebook of needed vintage house repair/replacement parts. Inventory in those stores varies greatly day to day.
There is a ReStore location finder on the Habitat for Humanity website. (It's a benefit org of Habitat for Humanity). Search for "architectural salvage" in your area.
A good, local lumber company should be able to tell you whether such a thing is available. Even if they don't stock it normally, if it is available, they should be able to special order it for you.
