How to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets in 5 Steps
Trim work that steals the show
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Ladder
- Crown molding
- Wood screws
- 1x2 lumber
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
Adding crown molding to your cabinets is a simple and stylish way to elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom. This polished and custom-built finish can bridge the gap between your cabinet tops and ceiling to create a smooth transition that enhances the overall design. Learn how to install crown molding on cabinets to add depth and height to a room for a satisfying upgrade.
Installing crown molding in your home can offer a healthy ROI of between 50% and 80% on average. Thanks to its aesthetic value, your investment return on a premium finish like this will be at the top of that range in high-end or move-in-ready markets.
Take Measurements
Photo: m-gucci / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesMeasure the top perimeter of your cabinets using a tape measure. Record the length of each section where you plan to install crown molding, including both the front and sides. Sketch a rough diagram of your cabinet layout and note any corners, especially inside and outside corners, where you'll need angled cuts. Double-check your measurements and add a few extra inches to your total material estimate to give you some wiggle room in case of mistakes or miscuts.
Cut and Install Nail Cleating
Most cabinets don’t have a wide enough edge at the top to securely attach crown molding, so you’ll need to create a surface to nail into. That’s where nail cleats (also called nailers or cleating strips) come in. Cut thin strips of wood to fit along the top inside edge of your cabinets. Secure them with wood screws, making sure they’re flush with the cabinet face so the crown molding will sit at the correct angle. These strips act as a sturdy backing for your molding for a strong and lasting installation.
Cut and Install Crown Molding
Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesOnce your cleating is installed, you can move on to cutting the crown molding. Use a miter saw to make precise cuts, setting it to 45 degrees for corner joints. For outside corners, you’ll cut both pieces at opposing angles. For inside corners, you can use miter cuts or adjust one piece to fit snugly against the other.
Dry-fit each piece before installing it to ensure a good fit. When you’re ready, apply a small bead of wood glue to the back of the molding, then nail it to the cleating with finish nails. Work your way around the cabinets, making sure each joint is tight and flush.
Fill Gaps and Nail Holes
After the crown molding is installed, fill in any gaps, seams, or nail holes for a smooth finish. Use wood filler or spackling compound to fill the nail holes and any visible joints between molding sections. If there are small gaps between the molding and the ceiling or cabinet, caulk can help create a seamless transition. Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
Prime and Paint
Photo: JodiJacobson / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse painter's tape around the molding and, if it isn't already primed, apply primer to the molding. Allow the primer to dry and then paint or stain the molding to match the finish of your cabinets. Apply additional coats as needed, allowing enough dry time between coats.
Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Crown Molding
For a successful crown molding installation that enhances your kitchen, avoid these common mistakes:
Skipping the Nail Cleat: One of the biggest mistakes is trying to attach crown molding directly to the top edge of the cabinet without installing a nail cleat. Most cabinet tops are too narrow to support molding securely, which can lead to poor alignment or sagging over time.
Incorrect Miter Cuts: Crown molding is tricky because it sits at an angle, meaning your cuts need to account for both the wall and ceiling (or in this case, the cabinet face and ceiling). A common error is setting the miter saw incorrectly or assuming a 45-degree cut will always work. Always make test cuts, and remember that inside and outside corners require opposite angles.
Not Measuring Twice: It’s easy to miscalculate lengths or angles, especially with corner pieces. Rushing through the measuring process or forgetting to allow for miter cuts can waste material and lead to gaps or uneven seams.
Neglecting to Fill and Sand: Failing to fill nail holes, gaps, or seams between molding pieces can make even well-installed molding look unfinished. Always take the time to fill, sand, and caulk for a seamless appearance.
Skipping Primer or Paint Touch-ups: If you skip priming or neglect to touch up paint over nail holes and filled areas, the finished product can look blotchy or mismatched. Even pre-finished moldings need minor touch-ups to look polished.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing crown molding requires precise measuring, angled miter cuts, and a steady hand when nailing and finishing the molding. If you're comfortable using a miter saw, working with wood trim, and have the patience to get clean joints and seams, this can be a rewarding weekend upgrade.
If you don't have much experience with carpentry projects or access to the proper tools, hiring a local crown molding installer would be a better choice. Crown molding can be tricky and time-consuming to get just right. The cost to install crown molding ranges between $620 and $2130, depending on the length of your cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crown molding can make a room look taller because the design draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. In rooms with low ceilings or overly ornate molding, however, the design can feel a bit more closed-in. Choose the right crown molding sizes for your room’s square footage and ceiling height to enhance the space without overwhelming it.
Yes, placing your crown molding matters based on the design. The side with more detail or the wider edge goes at the bottom against the wall, while the simpler edge touches the ceiling. Installing it upside down can throw off the proportions of the room. Proper orientation also ensures that the molding fits flush where the wall meets the ceiling and looks cohesive throughout the space.
Crown molding is considered a timeless design element. It adds architectural interest, creates clean transitions between wall and ceiling, and even boosts perceived home value. While some overly ornate or traditional crown molding styles may not suit modern aesthetics, there are plenty of sleek, streamlined crown molding options that look great in contemporary homes.
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