How to Install Crown Molding

Take Measurements

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• Using a tape measure, measure the walls from corner to corner to determine how much molding to buy. Remember to purchase an additional 10% of materials to allow for waste and potential inaccuracies when cutting.

• When measuring the wall, start from where the bottom edge of the crown molding will sit (for example, start 3 inches below the ceiling for trim that is 3 inches wide).

• Measure and mark the studs with painter’s tape using a stud finder. 

• Transfer these measurements to the boards, marking the bottom of the crown molding with a pencil. Be sure to show the angle where the boards meet in the corner for accuracy when cutting.

Pro tip: It’s helpful to make a sketch of the room to serve as a blueprint to show the measurements of each wall, alcove, and bump out. This will help you better visualize the room when you’re looking for materials at the home improvement store.

Prep the Area

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• Move all the furniture to the center of the room.

• Remove any old crown molding boards using a pry bar with a scrap piece of wood behind it to protect the wall from damage.

• Clean your miter saw from any sawdust and debris from previous projects.

• Bring the boards inside for at least 24 to 48 hours so they can acclimate to their new environment.

• Dust the ceiling to remove any cobwebs or debris.

Measure and Cut the Boards

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Using your measurements as a guide, it’s time to cut the crown molding. There are different techniques you can use when cutting the boards, depending on the layout of the room. For a more in depth description of this step you can refer to our How To Cut Crown Molding Guide, but here are some of the basics.

• Scarf Joint: A scarf joint is used when one piece of crown molding is shorter than the length of the wall to connect to a new piece. The pieces are cut at opposing 45-degree angles so they overlap, creating a seamless transition.

• Inside Corner Cut: For 90-degree corners and alcoves in the room, make an inside corner cut. For this type of cut, the left side will angle up to the left and the right side angles up to the right, so that the top edge of the board is longer than the bottom edge. Set your miter saw to a 45-degree angle and flip the board upside down. Swivel the saw to match the direction and angle of the mark and cut the board.

• Outside Corner Cut: If you have any bump outs in the room, you will make an outside corner cut. An outside corner cut is the opposite from an inside corner cut, as the left side will angle to the right and the right side will angle to the left, so the bottom edge is shorter than the top edge. Turn the board upside down and set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle, in line with your pencil mark to make the cut.

• Coped Joint: When cutting inside joints, curved shapes and intricacies in the molding, as well as imperfections in the ceiling and wall can cause the trim to not align properly. In this instance, you can create a coped joint, so the boards fit flush against one another. Remember, this technique requires more carpentry skill and a specific coping saw.

Paint Or Stain the Boards (Optional)

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Depending on the boards you buy, they may need to be painted or stained, and it’s best to do this step after cutting but before nailing them into the wall. For example, MDF often comes pre-primed, but you may want to add another coat of paint to fill in any bare spots, to paint a color other than white, or to add a glossy finish to the board. Moreover, if you purchased bare wood boards, you may choose to stain or paint over them before installing. You can either paint them using an angled paint brush or a paint gun, depending on your preference. 

• Painting the boards with a paint sprayer: For the experienced DIYer, a paint sprayer can be used to complete this step more quickly, making this a good choice when working with a large amount of material. It also works well for boards that have intricate details, as it helps the paint cover even the smallest of crevices that a brush may not reach. In a well ventilated room, wearing the proper protective equipment (such as a respirator), lay the boards out and fill the spray gun’s reservoir. Evenly apply the paint in the same direction, wiping away any drips or splatter from the boards with a spare paint brush. Allow the boards to completely dry, then apply a second coat.

• Painting the boards with an angled paint brush: An angled paint brush works well for beginners, as getting an even coat with a sprayer can be a challenge. Dip a high-quality brush into the paint can and wipe off the excess paint on the edge. Apply the paint in an even coat along the board, working with the grain of the wood. Allow the paint to fully dry, then apply a second coat.

Attach to the Wall

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Once you have cut each piece and the paint has fully dried, you can attach the crown molding to the wall. Start with the inside corner of the long wall in the room. Using the stud marks on the wall for reference, hold the piece in place with the corner and nail into the wall using your brad nailer and 2 ½ inch finishing nails. Continue in the same direction throughout the room, attaching the pieces to the wall so they fit snugly with the preceding board.

Pro tip: It is recommended to use a nail gun for this step, but if you don’t have one, you can hammer the boards into the wall (however, you will need to pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the boards).

Make the Finishing Touches

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• Fill in the nail holes with a paintable caulk.

• Use a caulk gun to seal the top and bottom edge of the molding, fill in any gaps in the corners or scarf joints, and to fill in nail holes. Wipe away excess caulk with a rag or your fingertip for a smooth finish.

• Inspect the boards and apply touch up paint over nail holes or to fill in any visible bare spots.