Nine Tips for Installing Crown Molding Flawlessly

Installing crown molding is one of the least expensive ways to add charm and architectural detail to a room.  Many do-it-yourselfers, however, are intimidated by the thought of installing crown molding.  Thoughts of uneven joins, improper angles and facing the task of corner installation of the molding can be daunting, but a few tips from experienced installers can make the project easier.

1.                 You don't have to try and join two sections of crown molding precisely in a corner.  Make it easier on yourself by running the first piece flush into the corner, then cope cut the second piece to follow the profile of the crown molding.  You can use a miter box and saw to reveal the profile of the crown molding, then remove any extra wood on the back side.  You can trim away any excess that the coping saw didn't get with a utility knife.

2.                 Purchase crown molding in the longest lengths possible so that a minimum amount of cuts will be needed.

3.                 Consider using corner blocks or miterless corners when installing crown molding. These are added decorative elements that can be used in the corners of the room to cover the joins between two strips of crown moulding that would normally require mitering.  The beauty of these is that they combine added beauty with easier installation. 

4.                 Stain or paint your decorative crown moulding before you install it.  Once it's installed, painting becomes tedious.  It's difficult to reach into the corners with even the smallest paintbrush, and you will have to tape off above and below the moulding if you don't paint until after it's installed.  If your crown molding and trim are already painted when you install them, all you will need is a bit of touch-up.

5.                 Use scarf joints for a cleaner join between two sections of crown molding along a straight edge.  A scarf joint is created by using two 45 degree  angles, one facing in toward the wall and one sloping out so that the two pieces of crown molding overlap.

6.                 Don't forget to prepare the crown molding by drilling pilot holes before you nail it into place.  This will greatly reduce the chances of the crown molding splitting.

7.                 Counter-sinking the nails will give you a much cleaner line on your decorative crown molding.

8.                 Don't neglect to properly patch the nail holes on your crown molding.  Use wood putty to fill in these areas and any other scratched or dented spots, then sand everything smooth with a fine grade sandpaper and touch up the paint as needed.

9.                 Ask a friend to help you when installing decorative crown molding.  It's so much easier to work when you have a second pair of hands to hold the moulding in place while you nail, and you reduce the chance of anything slipping while you work.

Decorative crown molding doesn't have to defeat your decorating efforts.  By keeping the nine tips above for installing crown molding in mind, you'll save yourself time, effort and money and end up with a room that has added style and distinctive appeal.  Your friends and neighbors will be impressed when they see the impressive results and may even ask you to help them install decorative crown molding in their homes!