How to Install Crown Molding

Tap to Read ➤ Rimlee Bhuyan

Knowing how to install crown molding yourself can save you labor cost while remodeling your house. Given ahead is the procedure for installing the molding.

One of the best ways to add sophistication and elegance to any room is to use crown moldings. However, the installation process is very difficult, and many homeowners shy away from doing it on their own. But with proper research and the right tools, you can install crown molding in your home.

One basic thing to remember while selecting the molding is that it should match the color of the walls. Wrong color can mar the room's beauty. Measure the dimensions of the room in which you will install the molding.

Instructions

First, you need to choose the molding for your room. Crown moldings are available in a variety of colors, designs, and materials. While it might be tempting to choose a wide molding with lots of carved details, you need to remember that it should match the decor and proportions of your room.

Choose the ornately carved ones only if you have a large room with country-style decor. Otherwise a fairly straight trim is a good choice for a contemporary home. Next, you need to get all the supplies required for installation.

Things required:

Crown molding Electric miter saw Drill Fine grit sandpaper Stud finder Tape measure Wood filler Caulk Nails Hammer Pencil

Method

The first step is to take exact measurements of the room with a tape measure. Measure the length and width of each wall, and write it down on a piece of paper. Next, you need to determine where the studs or ceiling joists are located inside the drywall.

To do this, you will need to use a stud finder. When you locate a stud on the wall, just mark the spot with the pencil. Locating and marking the studs on the wall is very important as the molding has to be nailed to the studs. The molding should never be nailed to the drywall as it does not provide enough support.

Now, cut the molding with the dimensions that you had taken earlier. Cutting the molding is the most difficult part, so you need to be careful. Use the electric mitered saw to cut the molding at a clean 45 degree angle. To get a flawless cut, you should turn the molding upside down before making the cut.

Next, nail the molding to the wall, while making sure that the nails are hammered in exactly where you have marked the studs on the wall. It is best to start from one corner of the room and finish one side first.

To install the corners, you need to make precise cuts; make 45 degree miter cuts, and ensure that each piece fits the adjacent molding perfectly. Now, fill the nail holes with wood filler.

Sand the area lightly with a fine grit sandpaper, and use caulk to fill up any small gaps in the molding.

Installation costs are very low when you do it yourself. Crown molding can also be used to enhance the look of furniture. One of the best ways to use this decorative trim is to install it on kitchen cabinets. Installing molding on cabinets is a good DIY project that you can finish in a day.