Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/21/2007

Question
Do you know where I could get 1/2" maple /baige tee molding? I looked google and founded some places but all they sell is 250' roll. I building Rv for my self and want use for table edge and other thinks in rv, need only about 25 feet I am from NJ 07204
Thank you

Answer
Hi Ziggy,

That's some dilemma you're in! The best source for plastic T-molding is Outwater Plastics, and they're actually located in New Jersey.  

Outwater Plastics Industries Inc.,
24 River Road
Bogota NJ 07603.  
Phone: 1-800-835-4400. Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5pm.
Website is www.outwater.com.

I checked their website, and while they sell 1/2" molding, it's only in 250' rolls.  You know, they might have a small retail store at their facility where you can buy small quantities, excess inventory, etc. There used to be a musical instrument manufacturer near me and I could stop by their place and pick up all sorts of free stuff that they gave away. Or you could call and ask who they sell their 1/2" stuff to- and buy it from them. Outwater is a great company to deal with- once, when I needed a single furniture glide, they sent me a sample for free. So call them, honest- they're great.

I have a couple of suggestions. You could save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you simply used 3/4" molding. Half inch material is flimsy, so if you're using it for anything that's going to take some weight or stress, like table tops, bed decking, etc, you would probably be smart to move up to 3/4" material. Your stuff in the RV would be more durable, and you can find smaller pieces of T molding at Rockler.com.

Over the years, I've had various people call me or stop by to purchase some odd piece of hardware or material that I've had laying around my shop. Just last week, someone stopped by to purchase a couple of small drawer glides, ones that you can't find at the big hardware stores. So look in your local phone book for some places in your area that work on RVs, and call them. You might get lucky and find that one of them carries what you're looking for.

My best advice is to think about who uses T molding, and then call them. They will probably sell you small pieces, if they have it in stock.  Boat companies? Video game manufacturers? Heck, even RV companies... they use boatloads of that stuff.

One of the bigger names in video games restoration is www.quarterarcade.com, which sells restoration supplies. I just looked at their site, they sell white 1/2" stuff (9/16" actually) in 20 foot lengths. Might this work?

You might not get lucky enough to find exactly what you want. You may have to switch colors, or go wider. But the good news is that you're in a part of the country that should have a lot of companies that use T molding. Grab that phone book and let your fingers do the walking.

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this. And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com