What is dentil molding used for?
Dentil molding is a type of wooden trim that has blocks shaped like teeth. It is suitable for both interior and exterior uses. Dentil molding is composed of tooth-shaped blocks of wood. Dentil molding was first used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture when the blocks were carved into the stone of the buildings.
What is a dentil in architecture?
The precursor to dentils, when the Greeks were working in wood, may have had a structural reason for being, but regular lines of rectangular blocks of stone became a mark of Greek and Roman ornamentation. A continuous line of small blocks in a Classical molding just under the fascia.
What is the difference between moulding and dentil moulding?
"Moulding" is an alternate spelling for the millwork or masonry "molding" found on buildings. "Dentil moulding" is an acceptable leftover spelling from the British.
Where does dentil molding go on a roof?
Dentil molding usually projects below the cornice, along the roofline of a building. However, dentil molding can form a decorative band anywhere on a structure, including on interior crown molding.
Why do they call it dentil molding?
You've probably seen dentil molding on historic buildings but never knew what it was called. The easy way to remember is dentil sounds like dental, because both words come from the same Latin word dens, which means tooth. So it's no surprise that this decorative trim looks a lot like teeth.
What is dental molding?
Dentil molding is a type of wooden trim that has blocks shaped like teeth. It is suitable for both interior and exterior uses. Dentil molding is composed of tooth-shaped blocks of wood. Dentil molding was first used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture when the blocks were carved into the stone of the buildings.
What was the purpose of a dentil shelf?
For that true craftsman look and architectural style, add a dentil shelf to your exterior door for that extra bit of curb appeal. The dentil shelf is installed just under the top panel or glass of the door and meant to add character.
What period is dentil molding?
The Dentil style is the conceived product of art and architecture, originating in the 18th century with the Beaux-Arts movement in Paris.
What style house has dentil molding?
Dentils are mainly a characteristic of Classical architecture and its derivative, Neoclassical architecture—used to get that Greek Revival Look. Dentil molding is an ornamentation with little or no functional architectural reason. Its use gives an exterior (or interior) a regal, lofty impression.
What is the pink stuff dentists use?
A plaque disclosing tablet helps to identify areas of your child's teeth that they've missed after completing their oral care routine. They contain a harmless dye that reacts with the plaque that may remain on areas of the teeth after cleaning.
Why do Craftsman doors have a shelf?
Craftsman or "mission"-style doors commonly have a dentil shelf that sits along the exterior side of the door, just under the glass opening. Dentil shelves serve little functional purpose but mainly are used to add character and boost curb appeal as a unique accent.
What is the little shelf on a front door called?
A dentil shelf is a small shelf typically located under a pane of glass on a door. It is a decorative element that is a hallmark of a craftsman front door.
What is a dentil in architecture?
: one of a series of small projecting rectangular blocks forming a molding especially under a cornice.
What's the point of crown molding?
A crown molding is a decorative finishing element used for capping cabinets and columns. They are also used to cap interior walls where the wall connects with the ceiling. It's commonly used at the top of a room, which is how it got its name. Typically, crown moldings are made out of wood, but other materials are.
Why is crown molding a thing?
The original purpose still holds true: They clean up the space where walls and ceiling meet. But crown has become much more than that. “When it's done right, crown molding helps lift the space, drawing your eye up to make the ceiling feel higher,” says Dixon.
What is exterior crown molding called?
Dentil Molding is Popular Choice One of the most popular forms of exterior crown molding is dental molding, so named because the small, repeating blocks along the length of the molding look like teeth. Dentil molding is usually installed along the cornice of a roof, just below the roofline.
What are the 3 types of dental impressions?
There are three main types of dental impressions — preliminary, final, and bite registration.
How does the dentist make a mold of your mouth?
Traditional dental putty During this procedure, your healthcare provider dispenses a putty-like dental impression material into plastic or metal trays. Next, they'll place the trays over your teeth. After a minute or two, the dental impression material sets and hardens.
Are dental impressions painful?
You may at first be wondering, do dental impressions hurt? Rest assured, they're done with minimal discomfort and only serve to ensure a perfect result for your dental appliance's fabrication.
How much do dental impressions cost?
Reliable Impression Material, Reliable Results With a lesser quality material, $93.78 can quickly become $187.56. Further, a hard-won patient who's tolerating a procedure well can become a patient who's dreading their return to your chair.
What is dentil molding?
Dentil molding is an ornamentation with little or no functional architectural reason. Its use gives an exterior (or interior) a regal, lofty impression. Today's builders may use dentil detailing to give a house in a development an upscale look — even if the dentils are made of PVC.
What is the use of dentils in architecture?
The use of dentils is strongly associated with Classical (Greek and Roman) and Neoclassical (Greek Revival) architecture. It is especially noticeable in the pediment of a portico of a Neoclassical building.
Why are there netting around dentils?
Today you may see netting tucked high up and around these stone decorations, because dentils in disrepair can be dangerous. In 2005, a basketball-sized piece of the United States Supreme Court's dentil molding broke off and fell onto the steps directly in front of the building.
What type of architecture is the Antebellum?
Antebellum architecture is often Greek Revival with dentil flourishes. Any home with neoclassical details, including Federal and Adam house styles, will often display dentils. Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion not only has dentils on the exterior but also in the more formal interior dining room, in spite of the wide variations of interior decor.
Where are dentils found?
The first examples of dentil ornamentation would be in ancient architecture of the Greek and Roman eras. For example, the Library of Celsus in the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and the 2nd century Pantheon in Rome, Italy show dentils in traditional stone.
What did Vitruvius write about dentils?
Here is what Vitruvius wrote in De Architectura over 2,000 years ago: "Over the frieze comes the line of dentils, made of the same height as the middle fascia of the architrave and with a projection equal to their height.
What is the architecture of Andrea Palladio?
The architecture of Andrea Palladio exemplifies this period. Neoclassical architecture became the standard for public buildings after the American Revolution. Washington, D.C. is filled with the dignified Greek and Roman designs, including a rebuilt White House and the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson building.
What is dentil molding?
Dentil molding is used more often to decorate the exterior of buildings. It typically follows the roof line of a building, providing a decorative band that adds dimension to a house. You might think this molding has to follow a straight line but here's a photo (below) showing a historic Nantucket house with the trim adapted for a sloped/curved roof line.
How does dental molding look?
These equal measurements make the blocks appear square … although looking at the photo here, the molding looks more rectangular.
What does dentil trim look like?
So it's no surprise that this decorative trim looks a lot like teeth.
Where is the dentil trim on a fireplace?
Fireplace mantels, where the dentil trim is just below the edge of the top shelf to create more architectural interest.
What is the size of decorative panel moulding?
Its decorative motifs are one of the most popular designs. * Panel Size: 7-3/4" Heigh ... Read More
What is polyurethane molding?
Molding is manufactured with a dense architectural polyurethane compound (not Styrofoam) that allows it to be semi-flexible and 100% waterproof. This molding is delivered pre-primed for paint. It is installed with architectural adhesive and/or finish nails. It can also be finished with caulk, spackle and your choice of paint, just like wood or MDF. A major advantage of polyurethane is that it will not expand, constrict or warp over time with changes in temperature or humidity. It's safe to install in rooms with the presence of moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. This product will not encourage the growth of mold or mildew, and it will never rot. Safe to install indoors or outdoors Will not absorb moisture Is lightweight and durable against average wear Recommended tools for installation Nailgun & air compressor (set at 100 PSI or less) Miter saw Adhesive Spackle Caulk Tape measure Laser level Style : Dentil Color : White Primer Material : Polyurethane Height : 2-1/2" Width : 1-1/4" Length : 94-1/2" Read More
Is Dentil Molding waterproof?
Molding is manufactured with a dense architectural polyurethane compound (not Styrofoam) that allows it to be semi-flexible and 100% waterproof. This molding is delivered pre-primed for paint. It is installed with architectural adhesive and/or finish nails.
What is a dentil?
Dentil. A dentil (from Lat. dens, a tooth) is a small block used as a repeating ornament in the bedmould of a cornice. Dentils are found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, and also in later styles such as Neoclassical, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire, and Beaux-Arts architecture.
What is the dentil in bed moulding?
The dentil was the chief feature employed in the bedmould by the Romans and in the Italian Renaissance architecture. As a general rule, the projection of the dentil is equal to its width, thus appearing square, and the intervals between are half this measure.
What is a dentil in Greek?
Long view of same. A dentil (from Lat. dens, a tooth) is a small block used as a repeating ornament in the bedmould of a cornice. Dentils are found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, and also in later styles such as Neoclassical, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire, and Beaux-Arts architecture.
What was the purpose of the dentils in Santa Sophia?
There, however, it no longer formed part of a bed-mould: its use at Santa Sophia was to decorate the projecting moulding enclosing the encrusted marbles, and the dentils were cut alternately on both sides of the moulding. The Venetian dentil was also introduced as a label round arches and as a string course.
Where did the dentil come from?
Origin. The Roman architect Vitruvius (iv. 2) states that the dentil represents the end of a rafter ( asser ). It occurs in its most pronounced form in the Ionic temples of Asia Minor, the Lycian tombs and the porticoes and tombs of Persia, where it clearly represents the reproduction in stone of timber construction.
Is the dentil larger in the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates?
In the later temples of Ionia, as in the temple of Priene, the larger scale of the dentil is still retained.
Dentil Examples in History
Dentil Use and Care
- Dentils are mainly a characteristic of Classical architecture and its derivative, Neoclassical architecture—used to get that Greek Revival Look. Dentil molding is an ornamentation with little or no functional architectural reason. Its use gives an exterior (or interior) a regal, lofty impression. Today's builders may use dentil detailing to give a ...
The Correct Spelling
- The word dentil sounds more like a root canal than an architectural detail. Dental and dentil sound alike and have the same origin. "Dentil" is a noun from the Latin word dens, meaning tooth. "Dental," from the same Latin root, is an adjective used to describe the objects and procedures of a "dentist" (e.g., dental floss, dental implant). When speaking of the "teeth" under a cornice, use t…
Additional Definitions of Dentil
- Dentils should not be confused with brackets or corbels, which generally have a supporting function. The precursor to dentils, when the Greeks were working in wood, may have had a structural reason for being, but regular lines of rectangular blocks of stone became a mark of Greek and Roman ornamentation. (Smith 645) (Baker 170) (Fleming et al. 94)
Dentils, Symmetry, and Proportion
- Sure, Elvis had dentil molding in his dining room, but can we—should we—all be so bold? Dentil molding is a very powerful design. In some cases, it's overpowering. For interiors, dentil molding can make a small room look like a torture chamber. And why don't you see dentils on bungalows or "minimal traditional" houses from the 1940s and 1950s? Dentil molding was designed to orna…
Resources and Further Reading
- Baker, John Milnes. American House Styles: a Concise Guide. Norton, 1994. Smith, G. E. Kidder. Source Book of American Architecture: 500 Notable Buildings from the 10th Century to the Present. Princeton Architectural, 1996. Fleming, John, et al. "Dentil." The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 3rd ed., Penguin, 1980, p. 94. Rybczynski, Witold. Last …