How To Cut and Install Crown Molding
This three-piece crown molding technique simplifies installation and the results are spectacular.
Multiple Days
Intermediate
Varies
Introduction
This three-piece system for installing crown molding removes all sorts of potential problems typical to crown molding. Achieve an elegant look with fewer errors and re-dos.Tools Required
- Air compressor
- Air hose
- Brad nail gun
- Coping saw
- Level
- Miter saw
- Rasp
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Masking tape
Crown Molding Installation
Crown molding can be intimidating, because walls often aren’t flat and nailing is difficult. This three-piece system solves those problems. In this article, we’ll show you how to install trim on the walls and ceiling first, then add the crown.
The built-up type of crown molding we chose for this project combines standard crown molding with two pieces of base trim. The result is a large, dramatic crown that’s easier to install and less expensive than single-piece crown molding of similar size.
Project step-by-step (24)
Experiment with Different Molding Profiles
- Purchase a few sample pieces of base trim and crown molding.
- Nail or glue samples together and hold them against the ceiling in order to decide which combination to go with.
Sketch and Measure
- Make a simple sketch of the room.
- Jot down the length of each wall.
- Calculate how many pieces of base trim and crown molding you’ll need for each wall.
- Note: Remember, for each wall, you need two pieces of base trim and one of crown molding.