How to Install Crown Moulding

Firstly locate studs, wall and door frames and ceiling heights so that holes can be pre-drilled before you install crown mouldings.

Crown Moulding - Getting Started

Evaluate the number of inside and outside corners to identify the cuts you’ll be making. Bear in mind walls are seldom plumb and true. So with each corner, measure the wall angles and figure the proper cutting angle. For this, set a piece of crown moulding against the wall at each corner. It’s best to use a little piece of crown moulding to see the angles. Use a protractor to measure. All angles will have a corresponding setting on the miter saw. It’s best to cut all crown moulding on a sliding compound miter saw. Place the crown moulding with the broad back surface down on the turn base and setting the saw to the appropriate angle.

Cutting Crown Moulding

With a standard miter saw turn the crown moulding upside down. Then set it at an angle between the fence and the table. When you make a cut be sure the blade has stopped rotating before lifting it from the sawn millwork. Never raise the blade while it’s still rotating or the crown moulding will catch in the blade and get damaged. When pressing down the handle, apply pressure parallel with the blade.

Crown blocks and other alternatives can eliminate mitiring but still add character to trim. Crown blocks make it easier to work on ceilings that have uneven lines.

For doors and window frames use rosettes and plinth blocks. To finish the inside and outside corners of baseboards use base blocks.

Installing Crown Moulding

When the millwork is properly cut and finished it’s ready to be installed. Before you nail it, it’s wise to attatch construction adhesive to the crown mouldings where they will join the wall. Wood glue is best in the mitered corners. Be sure to wipe clean any glue that’s come onto the finished crown moulding, wall or ceiling. Press the crown moulding in place so that the adhesive has time to set. Then nail the crown mouldings to the studs with a nail gun.

With dentil and embossing, first match the dentil then make the embossing match as best as you can.

Fixing any Crown Moulding Mistakes

It’s hard to get wood filler to adhere to a small blemish. Try drilling a couple of shallow holes in the dent with a 1/16’’ bit. This will help the filler remain in place so it covers up the blemish. Then retouch all flaws with the matching stain.

To compensate for damages to an angled piece of crown moulding, make a clean cut on the inside of the damage. After achieving the proper angle, cut the crown moulding to fit by trimming the opposite end.

Similar Articles:

• How to Install Base Moulding