Are you looking for an easy and cost-effective way to add more luxury to your space? Then you may want to consider installing crown moulding! While we always recommend hiring a professional, installing crown moulding is a perfect weekend project for avid DIY-ers. All you need is a little time, patience, and attention to detail. Read on to learn how you can install crown moulding like a pro!
Before beginning, it is important to note that installing crown moulding will involve working on ladders, sometimes with long sections of material. Having an assistant will be beneficial to the overall ease, safety, and timeliness of the project.
Tools and Materials
Tape measure
Power miter saw
Stud finder
2 6-foot stepladder
Carpenter's pencil
Brad/finish nailer
Caulk gun
Crown molding (MDF or wood)
Brads or finish nails for power nailer
Cut The Crown Moulding
Be sure to measure and mark the crown moulding prior to cutting. Using a power miter saw will also provide more precise cuts than a manual one. Crown moulding should be placed upside down at a 45 degree angle throughout the process. The top edge, which meets the ceiling, should be flat against the horizontal saw table. The bottom edge will rest against the vertical back fence of the saw.
Cutting Pieces That Meet Inside and Outside Corners
Inside corners concave inwards at a 45 degree angle. To cut the left side, miter-cut with the saw blade rotated right at 45 degrees. For the right side, rotate the saw blade left at 45 degrees. Outside corners have a 45 degree convex angle. For the left side, rotate the saw blade right at 45 degrees. For the right side, rotate the saw blade left at 45 degrees.
To Cut Straight Pieces That Will Butt
Crown moulding normally won't reach the entire length of the wall. You can stitch two straight pieces together with a scarf joint. Cut the left piece at 45 degrees, as if cutting it to fit into the left side of an inside corner. Cut the adjacent, right-hand piece as if cutting the right side of an outside corner. The two pieces will butt neatly together in the center of the wall.
Find and Mark Wall Studs
Use a stud finder and pencil to locate and mark each wall stud a few inches down from the wall and ceiling joint.
Install the Crown Moulding
Begin at the center of the wall with your assistant. The crown moulding should form a 45 degree angle against the wall and ceiling. Make certain that the angle is precise. Use a power nailer to drive brads or finish nails into the wall studs. Nail the joints securely in the corners and at scarf joints. Wood filler or putty can be used to feel recess holes left by the brads. Caulk can also be used to help with noise reduction and to fill gaps between the moulding and the ceiling, where the surface is not perfectly flat.
Want more expert DIY tips? Contact our team at 905.856.9100 or Sales@cornicetrim.ca today!