How to Hang Moulding

Moulding is such a nice addition to many aspects of a house. You can find it almost anywhere; walls, floors, doors and windows are just a few places. However, moulding will not do any good unless it is properly hung. Learning to hang moulding requires math and visual abilities.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Step Ladder
• Moulding
• Electric Miter Saw
• Hammer
• 4D Finish Nails
• Three-Quarter-Inch Brads
• Nail Set
• Wood Putty
• Painter's Caulk

1. Measure between the corners of the longest wall and mark the moulding accordingly. Square cut the ends of this piece. If the wall is wider than the moulding is long, a splice will be needed. Square cut the end of one piece and cut the opposite end on a 45 degree angle. Repeat this for the remaining piece for this wall. Match the seam as close as possible.

2. Hang the piece with the finish nails. Set the nail heads with the nail set and fill the holes with putty.

3. Measure the distance between the corners of a wall adjacent to the first one. Cut one end of a piece on an inside 45 degree angle. From that end measure out until you can mark the length. Cut the other end square. If it is not long enough, splice two pieces as instructed in Step 1. Some crown moulding requires compound angles. For tips and tricks on hanging crown moulding, see "Finding Compound Angles for Crown Moulding" in the Reference section of this article.

4. Measure the distance between the corners of the next wall and repeat Steps 2 and 3. Cutting and hanging windows and doors is next.

5. 
   Door Trim Covers Half the Jamb

   Measure in from the inside edge of the door jamb and make a mark at 3/8 inch. Move your tape up or down and make more marks on the door jamb. Repeat this across the top of the jamb and down the other side as well. Place a straight edge on the marks and draw a line up the sides and across the top. Measure up from the floor to get the length of the first piece. Stop the measurement at the horizontal line across the top. Cut the door trim pieces on a 45 degree angle.

6. Hang the door trim with finish nails on the outside edge and the 3/4-inch brads on the inside, set the nail heads and fill the holes with putty. Window moulding is cut and hung in the same fashion except that the side pieces stop at the bottom of the window opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the moulding 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch long if you are unsure of the exact length. This action will save material. Be certain to sand the moulding before finishing it, especially in the spots with the wood putty.
• Do not leave power tools or nails unattended in the presence of children. Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.

References

• Crown Molding
• Finding Compound Angles for Crown Moulding

Resources

• Trim/Molding Qs and As