Home & Garden Architecture

Self Install Crown Molding

By Home & Garden Last updated Friday, July/12/2024

Cutting

Cutting is the most difficult part about installing crown molding. For correct arrangements of the wood, you may wish to cut it in the same room so that you can test it as you go. If you have the space it will save you time and effort in the end.

The easiest way to cut to ensure the correct angles is to use a miter. Put the molding in upside down and backwards in the miter box and saw at a 45 degree angle in the designated slots. This will expose the profile of the wood which you can then cut it on the correct angle with a coping saw. Use a utility knife after for any extra trimming. Test the angles to make sure that they fit together. It is best to check up against the surface as there may be some differences to how they fit. Check to see that you have all the pieces for the walls and the corners as they take different methods to fit.

Locate the placement of the studs in the walls with either an electronic stud finder or by tapping on the walls. If you are tapping on the walls, keep tapping until you hear a flat type of sound. This will indicate a stud nearby. Drill a hole into wall to find it. If you missed, try an inch in the direction of the flat sound. Drill pilot holes in the molding to avoid splitting. You can mark the appropriate spot with chalk.

Attach the molding using only a few nails to secure it to the wall. Make sure that the nails are placed into the studs as much as possible. Fit the next pieces tightly together avoiding gaps as much as possible. If there are gaps you may have to trim a bit more from the edge. The scarf joints such as those on a straight wall should simply be the 45 degree mitered edges as well do outside corners. Inside corners require a square cut plus a coped 45 degree angle.

Apply wood putty to the visible nails and well as over any small gaps that may exist. This will give it the seamless look. Let the putty dry and use sand paper to smooth it.

If you wish to paint the molding and haven't already, you can do so as soon as the putty is dry according to the instructions.