Project details
Skill
3 out of 5ModerateCutting precise, tight-fitting joints requires practice, patience and a steady hand.
Cost
About $4 per linear foot
Estimated Time
4 to 6 hours
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva installs decorative crown molding in a room with precision.
Steps on How to Install Crown Molding
- Use a self-locking C-clamp to secure a short 1×4 to the saw table. Position the board at the correct distance from the saw’s fence to hold the crown at the proper angle.
- Set the crown molding upside down against the saw fence and the 1×4 stop block. Cut a return into the end of a length of molding with the saw blade set at 45 degrees.
- Rotate the saw to the opposite angle and make a second 45-degree miter cut on the other end of the molding.
- Glue the small return piece onto the mitered end of the crown.
- Fasten the crown to the wall using a pneumatic finishing nailer. Be sure to drive the nails into wall studs.
- Cut a 45-degree miter onto each end of a length of crown.
- On the end that fits into a wall corner, use a coping saw to cut a coped joint. Carefully saw along the profile on the face of the molding. Fine-tune the coped cut with a file and sandpaper.
- Nail the crown molding in place with the coped end pressed tightly against the piece of crown installed previously.
- Cut a 45-degree miter on the end of the next length of crown to form a scarf joint.
- Spread a little glue on the scarf joint, slide the pieces tightly together, and nail the crown to the wall.
Tools
Tools & Materials
- Miter saw
- Clamps
- Pneumatic finish nailer
- Coping saw
- Hand files
- Putty knife