What is a dentil moulding?
A dentil moulding is a horizontal decorative band of small rectangular blocks (dentils) projecting at regular intervals, forming a row of “teeth”. It comes from classical architecture, where it sits below the cornice. Vitruvius linked the blocks to the ends of rafters from the time when temples were still largely built of timber. In Dutch it is called a tandlijst.
Variants
- In stone: as part of the entablature on classical and neoclassical facades, especially in the Ionic and Corinthian orders.
- In brickwork: by projecting alternate headers, or by laying bricks alternately on end and flat. Mostly decorative, sometimes also to stiffen the gable edge.
- In timber: as a row of teeth on the underside of a gutter or eaves cornice, sometimes supported by brackets.
Do not confuse it with a dogtooth course: there the bricks are set diagonally so their corners form a sawtooth pattern. In a dentil moulding the blocks are square-on and rectangular.
Tips for restoration and renovation
- Timber dentils often rot on the top surface and in the end grain. Replace affected teeth in the same species and dimensions, and make sure water cannot stand on the top.
- Projecting headers in brick dentil courses are vulnerable to frost. Good pointing and a capping above limit water ingress.
- Record the sizes of the existing teeth and gaps before demolition so the rhythm is reproduced exactly.
Related terms
- Dogtooth course
- Roof cornice
- Capital in architecture
- Decorative brickwork
- Console bracket
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