How to Cut Angles in Cove Molding

Cutting angles in crown molding requires many measurements.

Cove moldings are used as an accent piece in the transition area from the wall to the ceiling. This molding style has a concave profile and is often used and enjoyed to hide joints or as an inside corner guard. Crown molding has small angled faces as well as a large flat spot on the back of the profiled face. This is done by design. First, cove molding is measured by its width, then by the length of the profile. This stylish molding is also used for other applications in a home, from transitions to mantles and shelving or combined with other moldings, to create a "compound" molding appearance. Cutting angles into this curved molding will take some accuracy and skill with a saw.

Things You'll Need

• Crown molding
• Miter box

Instructions

1. Measure the angle of the installation, where the crown molding will be angled. For the standard 90-degree angle, set your saw to a 45-degree angle, then press your piece of cove molding flush up against the back portion of the miter box.

2. Press the crown molding up against the saw and the vertical fence back of the miter box. Make sure the small angled areas that exist on the back of the molding are tight, pressed against each surface, as to replicate its installation on a wall and ceiling surface.

3. Use an inside corner joint to cut the corner angles for the 45-degree miter joint. Push the miter saw to the left to reach the 45-degree mark. Saw through the cove molding with a smooth and precise cut while holding the molding tight with the opposite hand moving the saw handle.

4. Reverse the angle of your saw for the following piece of crown molding. Turn the blade to the right until it reaches a 45-degree angle. Bring in the molding from the right side and hold the piece up tight against the miter box. This will be the adjoining piece to connect to the initial piece you just cut. Cut through the molding with a precise cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Make plenty of practice cuts in scrap pieces of molding before you try to get the right cuts for a room. When using the crown molding in a large space, start with the corners, then work the crown molding around those main pieces to create a professional look.

References

• Ask the Builder: Cutting Crown Molding
• This Old House: Install Crown Molding