Installing crown molding around the ceiling in a room can really improve the look and décor of your home. To install crown molding:
- Measure the length of each wall.
- Set the miter saw to a 45° angle.
- Position the bottom of the molding against the saw fence and table.
- Tilt the molding so the back is flush with the saw fence.
- Cut the crown molding to length.
- Hold the molding on the wall, and nail it in place to the studs.
- Fill the nail holes with putty, and caulk the joints and edges.
- Paint the crown molding and allow to dry.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Installing Crown Molding in a Room (video)
- How to Install Crown Molding the Easy Way (video)
- Tips for Cutting Moldings (article)
- How to Turn Stock Molding into Custom Molding (video)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Crown molding can add an elegant flair to any room, and installing it isn’t a difficult task. The trick for most homeowners is cutting it accurately. For this a miter saw is a must, because the easiest way to join the pieces in each corner is with a miter cut. The easiest way to do this is by orienting the molding against the saw fence, just like it will rest against the wall, so you can make a simple forty-five degree cut. When you do this the measurement is made along the bottom edge of the molding where it will extend into the corner, so lining up the mark and the blade takes a keen eye.
It’s best to cut the pieces a tad long, so they fit tightly between the walls. If it’s too tight you can cut off a bit more, but you can’t add to it once it’s gone. If you mark where the bottom of the crown should land when it’s properly positioned, it will be easier to install. You can do this with a scrap piece of crown molding, or by cutting a marking block to the offset dimension.
If you have outside corners it’s best to start with them, since they’ll be more obvious. Pieces between two walls can be bowed out in the middle so they fit tightly. A nail gun isn’t necessary to install crown, but it does make the job a lot easier and certainly goes faster.
Once the molding is in place, caulk the bottom and top edges, and fill the nail holes with putty. Then you’re ready to paint.
My brother wanted to install crown molding at our mom’s house himself. Thank you for this; we’ll keep in mind to cut it accurately and of course, the usage of miter cut is a must. this is great but if my brother cannot handle this on his own, then we’ll probably hire a professional to do it.