How to Install Crown Molding

One of the best ways to add sophistication and elegance to any room is to use crown moldings. Installing crown molding is a very difficult project and many home owners shy away from doing it on their own. However, with proper research and the right tools, you can install crown molding in your home. One of the basic things that you need to remember while selecting crown molding is that it should match the color of the walls. The wrong choice in color can mar the beauty of the room. Also be sure to measure the dimensions of the room thoroughly where you are installing the molding.

Installing Crown Molding

Before we discuss crown molding installation, 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 crown molding with lots of carved details, you need to remember that it should match the home decor and proportions of your room. Choose ornately carved crown molding only if you have a large room and the decor is country style. Otherwise a fairly straight trim is a good choice for a contemporary home. Once you have selected the crown molding of your choice, you need to get all the supplies required for installing crown molding.

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 in installing crown molding in a room 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 you have to crown molding has to be nailed to the studs. Crown molding should never be nailed to the dry wall as it does not provide enough support.

The next step is to cut the crown molding with the dimensions that you had taken. Cutting and installing crown molding is the most difficult part in crown molding installation, so you need to be carefully. With the electric mitered saw, cut the crown molding at a clean 45 degree angle. To get a flawless cut, you should turn the crown molding upside down before making the cut. Next nail the crown molding into the wall making sure that the nails are hammered in where you have marked the studs on the wall. It is best to start from one corner of the room and finish one side. To install crown molding corners, use 45 degree miter cuts and make sure that it fits the adjacent molding perfectly. Once you are done nailing the crown molding on the walls, fill the nail holes with wood filler. Sand the area lightly with a fine grit sandpaper and use caulk for filling up any small gaps in the molding.

This was all about installing crown molding. The cost to install crown molding decreases when you do it yourself. When you install crown molding inside corner, you need to make precise cuts so that the molding fits against the wall perfectly. Crown molding can also be used to enhance the look of furniture. One of best ways to use this decorative trim is to install crown molding on kitchen cabinets. Cabinet crown molding installation is a good DIY project that you can finish in a day.