Lead time for knives is approximately 1 week.

Chair Rails & Backers Molding Profile Knives

Chair Rails & Backers Overview

Chair rails and backers are a combination of Moldings used to protect walls from damage and to create a decorative division between the upper and lower portions of a wall. Chair rails are horizontal Moldings installed partway up the wall, traditionally to prevent chairs from scuffing the walls, while backers are flat Molding pieces placed behind the chair rail to give it a more substantial, built-up appearance. This combination is commonly found in traditional and formal interiors.

Profile Description

  • Typically, a narrow, horizontal profile with a gently curved or beveled face.
  • Features various designs, from simple flat profiles to more decorative, curved, or beaded options.
  • Can range in height, usually installed 32 to 36 inches above the floor, depending on ceiling height and style preference.

Purpose

  • Chair Rail: Protects walls from chair backs and other furniture, preventing scuffs and dents in high-traffic areas like dining rooms.
  • Backers: Enhances the visual impact of the chair rail, making the Molding look more detailed and decorative.
  • Both add architectural interest to a room by breaking up large wall spaces and creating a natural horizontal division, often between different wall treatments or paint colors.

Common Usage

Dining Rooms: Often used to prevent chair backs from damaging walls and to add a formal, elegant appearance.

Hallways and Foyers: Commonly applied in hallways or foyers to add visual interest and protect walls in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Living Rooms: Installed to separate wainscoting or paneling on the lower wall from paint or wallpaper on the upper portion of the wall.

Stairways: Used along stairway walls to create a continuous line that follows the angle of the stairs, adding a decorative touch.

Office Spaces: Provides a traditional and professional look, often paired with wainscoting or paneled walls for a more sophisticated finish.

How a Profile Molding Knife Works

  1. The profile knife itself is a piece of metal designed to be attached to a planer or molding machine.
  2. The profile of the cutting edge replicates the specific design of the door stop molding you want to create.
  3. By running wood planks through the machine with the profile knife attached, the wood is shaped into the desired door stop molding profile.

Custom Knives

Are you looking for a custom molding knife or a unique profile?

Williams & Hussey specializes in custom profile knives. We can replicate or create new designs using a sketch, drawing, or physical sample. Our team has experience producing high-quality custom knives, from classic baseboards to intricate historic restorations.

Knife Sharpen Service

Keeping knives clean and sharp will result in a smooth profile finish.
  1. Our knife sharpening service will inspect each set of knives for any damage and proper knife thickness.
  2. If knives are damaged or too thin, we will contact you to discuss replacement options.
  3. Sharpening services are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days.

Genuine W&H Profile Molder Knives

Our profile knives are designed to work seamlessly with all Williams & Hussey Molder models, whether old or new.

Crafted with the same commitment to quality, durability, and longevity as our molders, our standard and custom knives deliver exceptional performance.

Each set includes two knives.

These knives create a crisp, clean finish on every molding profile. Precision bolt-hole alignment, proper knife clearance, and optimized back-off angle define what we proudly call a GENUINE W&H profile knife.

Trust in quality. Expect precision.

Every Williams & Hussey knife is laser-engraved with our logo, guaranteeing authenticity and superior performance.

Important Notice!

Williams & Hussey takes pride in the workmanship and quality of our products and replacement parts.

Our products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality, and we stand behind each part and assembly built. However, we cannot guarantee the quality of others’ products or the compatibility of Williams & Hussey knives with third-party products.

Use of Williams & Hussey knives in third-party molders and other products not manufactured by Williams & Hussey is at the user’s own risk, without warranty, and without opportunity for refund for any reason.

Need Assistance or Have a Question?

Williams & Hussey is here to help you find the right molding knife profile for your molder and are happy to answer your questions about any of our products.