How to Install Crown Molding to a Ceiling

Crown molding is the decorative trim that fits between the ceiling and wall. Crown molding can give any room a touch of elegance and sophistication. For the creative interior decorator at heart, installing crown molding yourself is the perfect opportunity to experiment with a variety of colors, styles, and finishes. There's no need to stick with a traditional white or wood finish. Add a splash of color with brightly painted molding against a white wall. This do-it-yourself project can be a little tricky, but the finished product is well worth it. Your new crown molding will pull your room together, giving it a finished look from top to bottom.

Things You'll Need

• Power miter saw Coping saw Saw fence Clamps Molding cut to the specifications of your room Scrap wood (for outward facing corners only) Hot glue gun Glue Finish Nails

Instructions

Preparing Your Molding

1. Measure the room you are installing molding in. You should carefully measure each wall at the top. If you are applying molding to a single wall you can purchase molding in the exact measurement. For corners, allow for an extra six inches at each end.

2. Cut scarf joints into any molding that will lay end to end on the same wall. This may be necessary if you have a very long wall that a single piece of molding will not cover. You can cut a scarf joint by trimming the end of each piece at a 45-degree angle. Secure the molding to the miter saw table with a clamp. The side of the molding that will be on the wall should lay along the saw's vertical fence. Once the piece is securely in place, make the cut.

3. Carefully measure any outward facing corners. You can do this with two pieces of scrap wood. Lay each along a wall and mark the place where they overlap. Draw a diagonal line from this point outward. This should make a 45-degree angle. Cut these pieces of wood along the line and set them against the wall to make sure they fit.

4. Once you have determined the angle of the outward corner with your scrap wood, cut the same lines into the two intersecting pieces of molding. Be sure to cut these angles in opposite directions to each other, as opposed to the scarf angles which should be cut in the same direction.

5. Carefully prepare your molding for inner corners. In an inward facing corner, one piece of molding should sit flat against the wall. The second piece should be cut at a 45-degree angle. After cutting this angle, using a coping saw to remove the bevel at about a 5-degree angle.

Installing Your Molding

1. Carefully test each corner. Before you begin installing, make sure that your pieces fit on each corner, and make any adjustments needed.

2. Using your hot glue gun, apply glue to any edges or corners where they meet.

3. Nail your molding to the wall and ceiling with finish nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure carefully and check the angles against your corners after each cut. Add any paint or finishes to your molding before installing, then touch up around the nails as needed.

• Make sure your paint or finish has dried thoroughly before installation.