Crown molding may seem like a difficult task, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily install your own crown molding in any room of your house. With a nail gun, miter saw and a coping saw, you can install your own professional looking crown molding in eight simple steps.
- 1. Cut a Test Piece- Cut a small 3″ block for a test piece. Hold the trim against the wall in a corner of the ceiling and mark the bottom and top of the crown molding. Use the same piece to mark the inside of your miter saw fence and table. Turn the piece upside down so that the top of the crown molding (that butts against the ceiling) is face down on the horizontal saw table. Mark the bottom of the crown molding against the vertical saw fence as well.
- 2. Cut the First Piece- Measure from wall to wall and cut the first piece with two 90 degree ends so that they both butt up flat against each wall.
- 3. Mark the Wall/Ceiling- Use the test piece of crown molding you first cut to mark the walls and ceiling with the crown molding test piece. Be sure you keep a consistent measurement from the ceiling to the wall around the entire room. Use a few small pencil marks versus a snapped chalk line to keep the project as clean as possible.
- 4. Attach the First Piece- Have a helper hold up one end of the trim and attach it to your previous marks using a trim nail gun. Sink nails into the top plate of the subwall by turning the gun at an angle.
- 5. Take the Next Measurement- Starting from the left side of the first piece, hold one end of the tape measure against the bottom of the crown molding and stretch it to the other end of the opposite wall to get your overall measurement for the next piece.
- 6. Cut the Next Piece- On the left end of the next piece of crown molding cut a 90 degree (square cut) end. Hook your tape, pull left to right and transfer the previous measurement to the bottom of the crown molding face. Place the crown molding into the miter saw with the measurement side facing down and resting on the horizontal miter saw table. This will be the bottom (long point) of a 45 degree angle and 45 degree bevel. Only a compound miter saw can make these tow angled cuts at once.
- 7. Cope the Miter- You’ll need to cut out the 45 degree angle part of the miter that’s not the face of the crown molding using a coping saw. Test fit it against another scrap piece before you attach it to the wall with the nail gun.
- 8. Repeat Steps 5 through 7- Work your way around the room measuring, mitering and coping each piece until you’re done. Caulk the corners and paint.
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