Best Tips For Cutting And Installing Crown Molding
Crown molding makes your home look elegant. The wood can be left natural, painted, or stained depending on your individual taste and style preferences. The work can be done as a simple line or intertwined with roses or other nice touches to make the wood more unique. If you know a wood craftsperson, you could have it designed to match your furniture. Now that is unique!
- Step 1: The most difficult phase of installing the molding is the corner cuts because it is positioned between the ceiling and the wall. For a beginner, a coping saw is the best tool for the job. You can cover up any mistakes with a small amount of caulk.
Tip: A power miter saw makes a cleaner or neater cut versus a plastic miter box. - Step 2: Measure the first section of molding and mark the wall. You need to know where the edge is at for the bottom of the molding.
- Step 3: Most spaces have rooms where you will need to cut a 90-degree angle. This can be set as the angle on your saw. This provides each end of the molding to be flush against each side of the walls.
- Step 4: The next cut adjustment for the miter saw guide will be 45-degrees for each piece to fit snugly in the corner (one-half of 90 is 45). The straight cut depends on holding the edges tightly against the table and the fence's vertical side.
Tip: As you are cutting each piece, be sure you understand how each piece fits together. You want to be sure you are holding them correctly while you are cutting them with the saw. - Step 5: Be sure you have each piece cut at the exact angle. This is called coping the joints. In some cases, the home isn't exactly square. You must cut slowly and check the cut to ensure the pieces will fit correctly. You will use a coping saw for these delicate cuts.
- Step 6: You may want some help since it is time to mount the long piece of molding to the wall. Push the end into the corner as tightly as possible, and attach it. Use paintable caulk if any gaps are evident.
- Step 7: The outside corners must be an exact match. You cannot use the caulk to make adjustments. If you plan on staining the molding, it will be hard to cover up any mistakes where the joints don't exactly meet.
With these basic guidelines, you should be able to have a nice finished project. If you are unsure of the steps involved, it may be better to ask a professional like Claggett & Sons Inc for some help.