Crown molding is an excellent way to give your home a stylish, personalized touch and increase its value. But in order to successfully install crown molding, you’ll need the correct tools and materials.
To begin, measure the perimeter of your room and add 10 to 15 percent for waste; if there are many corners, add an additional 20 percent.
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Tools
Crown molding is an exquisite way to add beauty and distinction to your home. However, installing it requires precise planning and expertise – a task best left to professionals!
Once you’re ready to begin your project, a few essential tools will be necessary for success. These include a measuring tape, miter saw, coping saw, and air compressor.
You’ll need an angle gauge or 360-degree adjustable protractor to accurately determine the angles for your cuts. A power miter saw can assist with creating angled cuts along the sides of molding.
A miter saw is essential for cutting scarf joints, which connect two lengths of crown molding where one doesn’t span the entire wall being worked on. This type of joint features opposing compound-angle miters in an almost undetectable seam.
Materials
Crown molding is a decorative trim that can add visual interest to a room. Additionally, it increases your home’s resale value.
Crown molding comes in a range of materials, such as polystyrene, wood, and medium-density fiberboard. Ultimately, the material you select depends on your personal aesthetic, budget, and installation goals.
Polystyrene, for instance, is cost-effective and easy to install but prone to denting. On the other hand, MDF is a dense recycled wood that costs less but provides a natural aesthetic.
When installing large crown molding, it’s wise to utilize tools that will enable precise cutting. A miter saw is ideal for creating precise angles in the crown molding.
You will also need a pencil, scraper, and sandpaper for finishing. A partner can help hold pieces in place while you attach them to the wall. Additionally, having a utility knife handy will allow you to easily remove small cracks in crown molding’s corners.
Layout
Crown molding, commonly referred to as cornice molding, is installed above a wall-ceiling junction (also called the cornice). It can be constructed out of wood, plaster, or metal and adds an elegant touch to any room.
Crown molding plays a key role in creating an aesthetic transition between walls and ceiling. To ensure its proper fit, crown molding should be cut precisely to fit both surfaces perfectly.
A large crown that is proportionally incorrect can create an unappealing sense of size in a room, making it appear cramped. For best results, opt for a simpler style that is architecturally sound.
When selecting a crown, its height should never fall below 8 feet. Avoid using crowns in rooms with low ceilings as this will only serve to make the room appear smaller.
Installation
Crown molding can create a timeless and inviting atmosphere in any home, as well as increase its value.
Installing crown molding requires meticulous planning and the use of top-notch tools. For the pieces to fit together perfectly and give off a polished appearance, the crown molding pieces must be used together seamlessly.
The initial step in installing crown molding is deciding which style fits best with the room’s decor. By taking into account different options, you can determine which option will look best in your space.
Next, measure the length of each wall to ensure you purchase enough crown molding stock for cutting and installing.
You can also cut a piece of cardboard to match the width of the wall and place it against both walls and ceiling to serve as a guide for setting your bottom edges.
Once you have taken your measurements, square-cut both ends of each crown molding piece. Next, create a backer board the same thickness as the crown molding and approximately 3 inches wide (minus a 1/8 inch for clearance at the back) to support it securely.