How to Cut Crown Molding Miters

Crown molding can be the most impressive part of a trim project---and the most frustrating part to install. The tilted angle of the wood as it spans the joint between the ceiling and the top of the wall complicates the already-daunting task of getting the angles right---plus, the whole thing is upside-down. Compound miter saws, specialized jigs to hold up the molding and other innovations make it easier, but it's possible to do it on a plain old miter saw with a little knowledge and patience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Miter saw

Miter Outside Corners

1. Lay the molding for the left side of the outside corner on the saw platform, on the right side of the blade. Position it upside down, on its edge at a backward slant, so the top edge of the the molding is sitting on the saw platform and the bottom edge of the molding is leaning back against the fence. The face of the molding should be facing out at you, but upside down.

2. Swivel the saw blade 45 degrees to the left, so it's pointing away from the piece. Slide the piece left to get the end of it entirely under the blade with a few inches to spare. Hold the piece steady at the slanted angle it will be against the wall (but upside down) and make the cut.

3. Turn the above process around for the piece on the right side of the outside corner. Set the piece on the left side of the blade (bottom up, top down), and swivel the blade to the right, away from the piece. Make the cut. The two pieces should line up when held to the upper outside corner in their correct positions.

Miter Inside Corners

4. Lay the molding for the left side of the inside corner on the saw platform, on the right side of the blade. Position it upside down, on its edge at a backward slant, so the top edge of the the molding is sitting on the saw platform and the bottom edge of the molding is leaning back against the fence.

5. Swivel the saw blade 45 degrees to the right, so it's pointing into the piece. Hold the piece steady at the slanted angle it will be against the wall (but upside down) and make the cut.

6. Make the piece on the right side of the inside corner, by setting the piece on the left side of the blade (bottom up, top down), and swivel the blade to the left, into the piece. Make the cut. The two pieces should line up when held to the upper outside corner in their correct positions.

7. Measure and cut the other ends of the boards to fit on the walls, once you have cut the outer and inner corners. When making your marks on the trim to cut the other ends, always measure the flat back spans of the pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a miter saw or other power tool, always wear eye protection.

References

• Royal Mouldings: How to Cut and Install Mouldings