Crown molding seems like a minor detail. The truth is that it can help set the tone for the room it is used in. Properly installed crown molding will act like a magnet to the eyes, drawing them up. It enhances a room much the way fine diamonds enhance a woman's dress. Crown molding comes in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Finding one to match your personality and style should be easy.



Proper installation of crown molding takes a great deal of care. Precise measurements and cuts are essential. The do-it-yourselfer embarking on such a project should plan carefully and add a little to the calculated amount needed for a safety margin in the event of a miscut.

Steps for crown molding installation

The following steps should greatly improve the final quality of your installation project:

• Choose your design carefully. Here are some important facts to consider:

1. Use Fancier, more elaborate moldings on smooth surfaces.

2. Use smooth molding for surfaces with texture.

3. Keep everything proportional. If the room has standard 8' ceilings, standard sizes of molding will work best.

• Use the proper material for the finish you desire.

Crown molding can be painted or stained. Different materials react to these different finishes in different manners.

Crown molding that will be painted is usually done in soft woods, such as pine, or medium density fiberboard (MDF). The latter has gained in popularity in recent years due to the fact it is available in many different sizes and profiles. It is also less likely to suffer from expansion and contraction the way natural wood does. These materials can be caulked at the joints to cover minor imperfections before being painted.

Hardwoods are generally used if the molding will be stained. Oak is the most popular choice, but mahogany and ash are not uncommon. Caulk is not an option when using stain, so a great deal more care must be taken when measuring and cutting to ensure perfect joints and a professional look.

• Identify and Correct Imperfections Often, older homes will not have a perfectly level ceiling. Some have dips and rises. Walls may have a slight wave to them. These can be huge problems when measuring and cutting crown molding. Often it will be possible to remove imperfections using drywall joint compound or good old fashioned plaster after you have the molding in place. In these cases, the imperfections won't hurt because they can be filled in.

• Making the CutsThe hardest part of installing crown molding properly is getting extremely accurate measurements and cutting to them. One thing that is often overlooked is the direction the molding will sit in when attached. Try to keep the top running in the same direction at all times to avoid making a cut upside down.

This guide should have really helped you to make the most of your Crown Molding installation.