How to Cut Mitered Return Crown Molding

Getting accurate measurements is the key to a good a mitered return.

A mitered return is the small piece that angles back into the wall at the end of a piece of crown molding. It is connected to the end of the molding with two 45 degree miters, one on the crown, one on the return, that form a 90 degree corner. It creates the impression that the profile detail of the crown is a continuous pattern, running all the way to the wall. A powered miter saw is the most practical tool for making the cuts. Miter saws can be rented from tool rental companies.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Crown molding
• Miter saw
• Wood glue
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Measure the wall for the piece of crown that needs a return. Mark the molding where it will end on the bottom edge of the molding. Rotate the miter gauge to 45 degrees to the right for a return that will be at the left end of the molding or to the left for a return that will be at the right end of the molding.

2. Position the molding against the miter saw fence, with its bottom up against the fence as it will be against the wall. Position the top of the molding against the table of the saw as it will be against the ceiling. Set the crown to the right of the blade for a left end return and to the left of the blade for a right end return.

3. Start the saw by pulling the trigger and push the blade of the saw smoothly down and through the molding in one action to create a smooth cut. Release the trigger and allow the blade to stop spinning before releasing the handle and allowing the blade to come up.

4. Position a 12 inch long or longer piece of molding to be cut in the same way at the opposite end of the molding, to the left of the blade for a right end return and to the right of the blade for a left end return. Once the mitered end is cut, reset the saw to a 90 degree -- straight, sometimes labeled as "0" on the saw -- angle. Cut the mitered end of the molding off squarely, just past the corner of the bottom end of the molding, to create the actual return.

5. Glue the face of the mitered edge on the crown molding. Position the return with its mitered face matching the miter on the crown to form a 90 degree angle. Tape the return in place with a piece of masking tape. Allow the joint to set overnight until the glue hardens completely before installing the piece.

References

• Home Depot: Cutting Mitered Returns
• Reader's Digest: Miter Saw
• "Miter Saw Fundamentals;" Rick Peters; 2007