How to Install Crown Molding

Crown molding. It can be one of the finer points to any room. Most people think it's easy to install like base or trim. It's not that easy though. It requires intricate cuts and precision measuring. I'll show you how to do it yourself and before long, you'll be cutting and installing crown molding like a professional. Crown molding attaches to the corner of the top of the wall and the ceiling. It can be glued or fastened with finish nails. It sits at a 45-degree angle against the ceiling and wall. Yet, many people have trouble cutting crown molding correctly. Place a piece of crown molding against the wall and ceiling. You will notice there is a void behind the crown molding. You will need to place the crown molding into the miter box the same way. Think of the saw table as the ceiling and the back fence as the wall. This makes the crown molding in the miter box upside down. Now you can attack the wall with this simple tip.

To measure accurately against the ceiling and wall, start by cutting a twelve-inch piece. Place the piece against the wall and make a mark with a pencil at the end of the twelve-inch piece of crown molding. From this point, measure to the adjacent wall. Now add the twelve inches. This will give you a precise measurement.

Start by cutting the first piece square against the wall. Attach the crown molding against the wall using finish nails or glue. Once the first piece is in place, you can begin measuring the next piece. The next piece of crown molding you need to measure is the piece to the left. Always go counter clockwise around the room when doing trim or moldings. This assures your right hand side is coped. If you're left handed, you may want to go clockwise. Cut another twelve-inch piece but his time cut a compound cut. That means a 45-degree angle on the saw table and a 45-degree angle on the saw blade. Make the saw blade cut face outwards so as to make the face open. Now using a coping saw, cut along the edge of the 45-degree cut and follow the pattern of the crown molding. This will create a pocket for the crown to fit against the previous piece. Remember that you are cutting the piece upside down.