How to install crown molding?

Question

How to install crown molding?

Answer 1

dont do it yourself

Answer 2

     If you have to ask, you should go to Home Depot and get some instructions from the experts down there.

     You'll need the right saws, the templates, etc. I know of carpenters that have to stop and think after a few years of not making these, then they'll get a big job, they have to think about it and then they'll have to think about it and let it come from memory.

Answer 3

You asked - Read carefully.

The first pc. goes up full length wall to wall, or spliced if you have to.

Square cut on each end. I try to put this up on the first wall you look at as you enter the room. Now you are going to go around the room either to the left or the right.

Your next pc. you need to put a small pc. of painter tape on it at the bottom edge. Now put it in the mitre saw with the bottom edge up and slanting out toward you. Cut the opposite end on the 45 degree angle that matches the slope of the corner. When you hold it against the mitre saw back fence make sure it is at the angle by looking at the edge of the molding against the fence. It does not go flat against the fence but back up and out toward you.Hold it steady and cut the angle.

Now when you turn it back upright your angle should match the profile of the pc on the wall. Now you need a coping saw, lay the coping saw over at a sharp angle and cut away all the new edge of molding exposed by the mitre cut-get a firm grip on the molding and don't let it hang over the table you are cutting in on too much. Coping saws cut flesh quickly so watch your hands. It takes a little skil to get a good coping cut. Now measure from the top edge of the pc already on the wall to the other wall to get a length. It's good to have a helper do this & put the crown mold up. Now hold your tape on the top edge of your coping cut and transfer the length onto the end - this cuts off square.

Now repeat the process going around the room. The last pc.really takes some skill because you need to cope both ends. A little tip - Put this last pc.up in 2 cuts. Cut your splice on a 45 degree angle putting up the open face spliced pc first. It's much better this way for a beginner.

If you are the painter, use a good painters caulk and caulk along the top of the crown mold up against the ceiling, and under the crown mold to the wall. Caulk the joints and fill the nail holes with small dabs of vinyl spackling compound. You lightly sand the filled nail holes and hit one more time. Cut small angle cut on caulk tube, don't over caulk but put a small bead and then wet your finger and hold it at an angle as you drag your finger across the wet caulk smoothing it into the crack.

Keep a rag handy to wipe off your finger.

Tip #2. I take a scrap pc. and mark all the corners as to where the crown mold is setting in the corner at the right angle, so when you put it up you twist it or flex it until it is on the mark. This makes it easier to measure the next pc. cause you just measure from the mark.

Try not to nail in the lower or upper lips, Nail where you can get into some of the meat of the crown mold, but not in the center. You are too far away from the wall in the center. Use a nail set to set the nails down below the surface just a little.

*Buy an extra pc. of molding - mistakes happen

Good Luck

Answer 4

First of all there is no such thing as an expert at the home depot.Hire a real carpenter to do the job.If you do not have the tools or experience the job is going to give you one big headache and a pile of scrap wood.

Answer 5

I am a finish carpenter let me tell you it is very easy to cut crown, once you learn it, but it is learn as you go art. You cut it upside down and this causes problems to those that are unexperienced, if you really want to learn this and do it yourself go for it, but let me tell you it is not something you pick up very easy. You will have to nail it, cope it,cut it with a compound mitre saw not just a mitre saw, there are inside and outside corners that have to be cut perfect or it looks like ____. You have to take in consideration wood shrinkage when it dries out, to many things to learn for just a one time job. If you decide to take this mission on yourself be prepared to get lots of extra crown and have alot of waste, practice with smaller pieces first then move on to your longer lengths, this will save you money. I remember it took me weeks to get to the level of approval from my first boss and oh the frustration. Good Luck! Just hire someone believe it or not it will save you money in the long run. P.S. as mentioned above donot s***w it nail it with a finish nailer.

Answer 6

I tried to DIY, but learned that it is either best to leave the cutting of Crown Molding to an experienced carpenter, or pay one for some on-hands training.  I studied the books and online instructions, watched videos, but only got one angle cut right.  Home Depot does have classes sometimes on how to do it, but the issue is if their class schedule FITS your schedule. Half the time you go into HD or Lowes, the place is too busy or understaffed to give you proper instructions or demonstrations anyway.  I suggest that if you really want to learn how to do it properly, get an experienced carpenter and pay them to help you do the job so you will thoroughly understand how to do it.  

Answer 7

You need a miter saw, drill, wood glue and screws.

You cut the molding at a 45 degree angle.  The molding is made with top and bottom flats that give it the perfect angle when cut at 45 degrees(you do not cut it flat).  Make sure the 45 degree angle is wide at the top of the molding and narrow on the bottom of the molding.  The bottom should measure to the proper size needed for the cabinet lenght..

Use a proper bit drill for the size s***w you are using.  The s***w needs to go about 1/2 inch into the cabinet.  You want 3 screws for large pieces(each corner and the middle).  Small pieces you can get away with middle and corner. If you can drill into the cabinet through the molding even better(If you don't drill or the screws are too long you may crack the cabinet).  Make sure all the pieces align right before drilling.  

Glue the cabinet top and s***w down the molding.

The cutting is the hardest part.  Drilling can be a problem if the cabinets are already mounted.

Answer 8

Once you know a few tricks, it's not a difficult job at all. Here's a link that explains the whole process.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...