Installing Crown Molding

by DoItYourself Staff

Installing crown molding is really not as difficult as most homeowners think. With careful attention to detail, and using the right tools, the process can be fairly straightforward.

Tools and Supplies Required for Installing Crown Molding

You’ll need the following tools for installing crown molding (some can be easily rented), along with the necessary supplies:

• Miter saw
• Coping saw
• Chalk line
• Hot glue gun
• Rasp
• Drill and driver
• Hammer and nailset (or pneumatic nail gun)
• Crown molding
• Finish nails in 4d, and 6d or 8d
• Polyurethane glue
• Wood putty
• Paint or stain

Installing Crown Molding Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Set up Fence Guide on Miter Saw

Step 2 – Do the First Scarf Cut

• When installing crown molding, if joining two long pieces of molding together horizontally, you do so with an angled and overlapping scarf joint.

• Adjust the saw to a 45-degree miter cut to the left (going counterclockwise around the room), or swing right (for clockwise direction).

• Place the crown molding upside down on the miter saw table between the wood guide fence and vertical saw fence.

• Make the cut slowly. With the blade in the same position, make the adjoining cut in the piece on the other side of the miter saw blade.

• Nail the first piece in place. Then place a small amount of glue on the scarf joint; align and nail the adjoining crown molding into place.

• Use 100-grit sandpaper to sand the joint smooth.

Step 3 – Determine Outside Corner Angle
Form an outside corner by cutting two crown molding pieces with opposite miters of 45-degrees each. Make sure both miters are longer on the top of the crown.

Step 4 – Test Angle Cuts

Step 5 – Cut Outside Miter

Step 6 – Install the Crown Molding on Corner

Step 7 – Make a 45-degree Cut

Step 8 – Cope the Edge

Step 9 – Cut and Complete Returns

Step 10 – Set Nails and Fill Joints with Putty

Step 11 – Paint or Stain
While some homeowners prefer to paint or stain before installing crown molding, others do this as the final step. Whichever you prefer, you may also need to do some touch-up after installation in order to perfectly finish the job.

Installing crown molding the first time will give you a real boost of confidence. Now, you can feel like a pro and the next time a friend or neighbor needs help installing crown molding, you can help with confidence. Best of all, any future projects that require installing crown molding in your own home will be a breeze.