How to Add Molding Squares to a Wall

To add flair to interior walls, some homeowners install picture-frame molding onto the walls in squares or rectangles. The squares can be used to frame artwork or other wall hangings, or you can paint the inside of the squares a different color than the rest of the wall for a decorative effect without using wall hangings. Picture-frame molding squares are constructed from narrow-width chair-rail molding that has been finished in the paint or stain color of your choice.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Miter saw or table saw with miter gauge
• Carpenter's level
• Pneumatic nailer
• 2-inch finishing nails
• Paintable/stainable caulk
• Caulk gun
• Wood putty
• Plastic putty knife
• Paint or stain

Instructions

Cutting the Molding

1. Sketch the square layout you desire on graph paper to get the exact size of the molding squares as well as the square’s exact placement on the walls. Draw the dimensions of the molding squares and the walls proportionately so that you can be certain everything is centered the way you intend.

2. Set your miter saw or table saw with miter gauge to cut a 45-degree angle.

3. Place a piece of finished molding on the table saw and make the first 45-degree cut. The molding should be placed on the saw so that the angled cut starts at the edge of the molding that will create the outside of the square. The cut will move down and in from the outside edge to create a 45-degree angle.

4. Measure the molding across the outside edge and mark the exact width you desire for your molding squares. Measure from the outside edge and not the inside edge, or your molding will not create the desired size square when assembled on the wall.

5. Make a 45-degree cut at the marked spot on the molding. The cut should begin at your measured mark and proceed inward at a 45-degree angle. You will either have to adjust your saw to create a 45-degree mitered cut in the opposite direction of the first, or turn the molding around on the saw to achieve the correct angle for the cut.

6. Measure and cut all the remaining molding until you have cut all the necessary pieces.

Installing the Molding

1. Measure the walls according to your diagram and mark the location of all four outside corners of the first square to be installed. Use a carpenter’s level to ensure that the marks are level both horizontally and vertically.

2. Place the first piece of molding on the wall with the outside-angled ends of the molding lined up with two of the marks on the wall.

3. Attach the molding to the wall, using a pneumatic nailer and 2-inch finishing nails. Do not place nails within 1 inch from the end of the molding, or the molding may split. Space the nails 6 inches to 1 foot away from each other, depending on the length of the molding and what is necessary to firmly attach it to the wall.

4. Place the next piece of molding on the wall with the 45-degree angle slotted into the first piece of installed molding to form a corner. Attach the molding until you've installed every molding square.

5. Load a can of paintable/stainable caulk into a caulk gun and run a thin caulk line down the inside and outside edge of the molding to close the gap between the molding and the wall. Smooth the caulk into place with a wet finger. Allow the caulk to dry completely.

6. Fill the nail holes with wood putty, using a plastic putty knife, and allow the wood putty to dry.

7. Touch up the wood putty and caulk, if needed, with the same paint or stain used on the molding.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when operating power saws.

References

• "Crown Molding & Trim: Install It Like a Pro," Wayne Drake; 2003