The Behind the Walls House is being used by LP Corporation to evaluate a unique, polystyrene interior architectural moulding "concept" product category for the new construction and professional remodeling industries. The moulding offers the rich, carved detailing of expensive architectural wood mouldings, but with greater durability at a more affordable price. LP's concept line of Prestige premium pre-finished moulding will be displayed in the living room and the front entry of the Behind the Walls showcase, while LP's PrimeMoulding paintable trim line can be seen in the family room and around various door casings in the house.

The Prestige product line has an extruded core made of dense polystyrene. Its white pre-finish allows the product to be installed as is or coated with a premium interior latex paint. "The extrusion process is better suited to making these long, lineal mouldings because it gives the product a more consistent weight and density from end to end," says Greg Schultz, marketing manager for LP's moulding products. "When other polymer-based substrates are poured into molds, as is usually done with polyurethane architectural mouldings, it can be difficult to maintain the same thickness across the entire piece."

While PrimeMoulding has roughly the density and is a substitute for finger-jointed pine, the Prestige category would be positioned up-market because of the high quality and durability of the substrate. "The Prestige category has a density that is more closely aligned with walnut," says Schultz, "enabling it to withstand the inevitable hits by chairs, shoes, vacuum cleaners andthe like that happen every day in the home."