You Can Do It!--Crown Molding

Crown Molding can be a do-it-yourselfer’s nightmare. It involves angles that are difficult to match up, and wood that can split just a tad too easily. It is a job best left to the professionals, but with a little practice and a lot of patience, it can be done by a coordinated do-it-yourselfer. And even though it seems like too much of a pain while you’re working on it, don’t give up. The end result looks beautiful and you will undoubtedly realize it was worth your time and energy.

The first thing you have to do is prepare yourself for the job. Brace yourself for any minor setbacks that may occur. Take measurements, and then retake them. Then figure on adding in 10% more wood in case you make mistakes. Next, select the style and finish you like best. There are dozens of styles to choose from, so you should shop around and get the one that best matches your personality and the décor that is already in your home. Also, the finish should be complementary to the rest of the colors in your house. Now it’s time to buy your trim. Make sure you get the longest lengths you will need. The longer the wood, the fewer splices and gaps you will have when you put it up on the ceiling. It will look better as one big piece and it is easier to install than many smaller pieces. Also, when buying the wood, quickly inspect it to make sure it does not have any knots, dings, or rough spots. You can also choose composite materials instead of 100% wood. This will ensure that it is smooth and it is much more stable. The finish should be brushed on before beginning the installation process. This will prevent you from getting stain on your ceiling or walls. Before really getting started on the nitty-gritty of it all, make yourself a comfortable work area. Working above your head is awkward and can be quite dangerous. A small workbench would come in handy to paint it and to cut the pieces of the molding. Make sure that you have easy access to light and power. You’ll have to cut the molding at an angle, so a miter saw is the best tool to use for this project.

Now it’s finally time to start cutting. Remember: you can overcome any non-square corners with a coped joint. Once cut, put the first piece of molding in one of the corners that is not in the direct line of vision upon entering the room. Always save the highly visible portions of the room for last, so that you’ve had time to master your skill. Once the first piece is in the corner, then put up the adjacent corner piece. If it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, you can always start again. It may take several attempts for it to turn out exactly the way you want it.

Before installing, you’ll want to make sure you find the joists. Drill some pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Again, composite materials instead of 100% wood will help keep the crown molding intact. Once your pilot holes are drilled, attach the molding to the wall with as few nails as possible. Check the positioning to make sure that it’s straight along the edge before actually nailing it in completely. Double check your work constantly. A simple trick to getting the positioning right is to screw a 2x2 into the wall underneath to act as a level for the molding. Countersink all the nails using a nail set. Once the molding is firmly in place, then it’s time to fill in all the nail holes and joint gaps. Use a small brush or your finger to fill in these holes with putty or caulk while not making too much of a mess. Then paint over the putty fill-ins for a uniform color.

And voila! You’re done. You have successfully installed beautiful crown molding that accents your room perfectly. Congratulations!