Replies

1. 
   Joe | Dec 17, 2009 04:27pm | #1

   There is more to making a scarf joint then just joining two pieces of like woods together. The process of matching the woods is paramount in making a good joint. Color, tone and grain patterns all need to be addressed.

   Post a picture of what you did and see if you have a case.

1. 
   Huck | Dec 17, 2009 06:04pm | #2

   Hey Joe thanks for the reply. Did you have some photos to share? The matching of wood isn't really at issue - like I said, he thinks I did a great job. At issue is the fact that I used a scarf joint at all, which the client says is unacceptable in stain grade trim.

   Yeah, my bad for not buying longer stock. But once I got to the jobsite and saw the trim was longer than the stock I had with me, I didn't worry, since I regularly use scarf joints in stain grade trim without ever having a problem, complaint, or call-back. So my point was, does anyone have any pics of scarf joints used in stain grade trim?

   
1. 
   cjeffrey | Dec 17, 2009 08:50pm | #3

   How long is that 5'. I never
   How long is that 5'. I never put a joint in trim around windows and doors.

   Well only once when the owner supplied the trim and I was doing it for free for. Did it then but i hated it! Lol

2. 
   Joe | Dec 17, 2009 11:03pm | #5

   I'd hate to say this but that
   I'd hate to say this but that joint would be unacceptable to me as well. There is no reason to have a scarf joint in a window casing. I thought you were going to post a picture of a crown or base moulding.

   I'd take the high ground here and just change it out, no questions asked. That's just my opinion. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

2. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Dec 28, 2009 01:39am | #14

   Not much really to add except that if I have to scarf a stained piece of running trim (usually trim) it helps to field-stain the mating edges to match before glue/nailing.

2. 
   DanH | Dec 17, 2009 08:52pm | #4

   I've never been accused of
   I've never been accused of being a finish carpenter, but here's a scarf in the grid supporting the suspended ceiling in our kitchen. I'm quite sure I'm the only one who knows it's there.

   
1. 
   Huck | Dec 18, 2009 12:01am | #6

   Yeah, I'll be changing it
   Yeah, I'll be changing it out. Honestly doubt anyone would notice, its very nearly invisible. But the h.o. has some issues, and doesn't like it, so out it comes.

1. 
   Davo304 | Dec 18, 2009 01:05am | #7

   I gotta agree with the other guys...it definately needs changed out. That's sort of my pet peeve...seeing scarf joints in trim; especially on window or door casing. Doesn't make any difference to me whether trim is stain grade or paint grade, I never put a scarf on trim casing. If I'm running base or crown or chair rail in a room larger than 20 L.F. then yeah, There's gonna be a scarf joint, and yeah, I got a couple scarf joints in my own house in paint grade crown that really shouldn't be, but I was too cheap to go out and buy extra material...but of course that was my house...not a customer. Come to think of it, I'm gonna change that damn scarf joint out pretty soon cause it bothers me, and I'm the only one who can see it, if you know what I mean....but like I said...it's a pet peeve of mine.

   Davo

2. 
   MrJalapeno | Dec 18, 2009 05:22pm | #11

   Huck,

   Windows are like the eyes of the house. People look through them so they get a lot of visual attention.

   I think you did a nice job on them too. They will make removal easier. Lol …nice try… Too bad they can be seen, if they were truly invisible, I doubt you would have heard about them.

3. 
   Scott | Dec 18, 2009 01:43am | #8

   >>>I told him that is a common detail I've used on million dollar homes and even swank law offices, without ever a complaint or problem. But I don't think he believes me.

   Ok, so I'm not nearly the carp that you are Huck, but I've done a bit of research on joinery. The scarf joint is used to minimize the visual flaw that can be caused by seasonal changes in humidity. That is, in areas of high humidty change, butt joints can open and close in an unsightly way. Scarfs do a reasonable job of hiding the flaw.

   Seems to me that you are entirely correct in using this joint if humidity change is an issue. If it isn't, then I guess the customer's always right.....Did you explain the humidity thing to them?

1. 
   bski | Dec 18, 2009 08:20am | #9

   Oddly enough, I will be encountering the same problem shortly. Several windows in this house over 8 feet, and all you can get is 7 foot trim. I checked with the supplier already.

1. 
   Joe | Dec 18, 2009 09:03am | #10

   bski,

   I think you need a new supplier, or be explicitly clear to your client that the trim he/she is choosing only comes 7' and there WILL BE A SPLICE. Have them sign on the dotted line line as well. . . . .

1. 
   bski | Dec 18, 2009 06:51pm | #12

   well, thing is the homeowner bought the first half of the trim. not really my fault.

1. 
   cjeffrey | Dec 18, 2009 10:28pm | #13

   Yep make sure they realize their will be a join. Perhaps they could take it back and get something somewhere else?

2. 
   DanH | Dec 28, 2009 08:33pm | #16

   Check if there are any millwork shops in your area. They may be able to provide the trim in the length you need.

4. 
   Pelipeth | Dec 28, 2009 06:26am | #15

   Client is right, especially on window or door casing. Stain grade, only lengths over 16 feet should be scarfed.