How to Install Crown Molding on Cathedral Ceilings

With foam crown molding, you can install crown molding on cathedral ceilings without the expense or expertise needed to install traditional wood molding. Foam crown molding is lightweight and easy to cut and glue. Plus, the molding company can miter the corners for a perfect fit. It is hard to tell the difference between foam and conventional wood crown molding, especially from cathedral-ceiling heights.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Angle finder
• Tape measure
• 12" hand saw
• Crown molding
• Primer
• Paint
• Spackle
• Hot glue gun
• Glue
• Ladder

Purchasing and Installing Foam Crown Molding

1. 
    
   Starret Protractor Angle Finder

   Measure the area of the room. Note how high the ceilings are. This will assist you in choosing your molding. Generally, the larger the room and the higher the ceiling, the wider the molding will be. For standard eight-foot by 12-foot room, for example, you will require 96 feet of molding (add in 10 percent for a margin of error). Count and measure each corner using an angle finder. (An angle finder looks like two intersecting rulers with a nut in the center that can be adjusted to the correct angle and tightened down so that you can take down the measurements. You can take inside measurements as well as outside measurements with this tool.) Note the measurements for all corners.

2. 
    
   Foam Crown Molding

   Locate and purchase the correct amount of foam molding from a company that will miter the corners for you according to your measurements. If you are purchasing from a home-improvement center, see if they will cut the corners for you.

3. Paint your molding. Follow the molding manufacturer's instructions to ensure you purchase the right paint for your substrate. Usually water-base primer and water-base paint are recommended. Spray painting may provide the best look, especially for more ornate designs.

4. Glue the corner moldings to each end of the first wall. Measure the space between the corners. Next, cut the main length of molding. Fit the main length between the two corners before gluing. When you're satisfied with the fit, glue per the manufacturer's instructions (usually this is with a hot glue gun, applying a snake-shaped line of glue to the back of the molding).

5. Continue around the room, adding corners first and then the center pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Many stores will allow you to take a sample home to give you a better idea of the over all look.
• Don't work alone. It's always best to work with a buddy when using a ladder.

Resources

• Creative Crown
• Starrett Protractor Angle Finder