Problem: Because of the compound miter cuts required for proper installation, crown molding can be difficult for a novice do-it-yourselfer to install.
Solution: New products, which eliminate miter cuts, make putting up crown molding easier. They also add an upscale look to almost any room.
Materials
corner molding
crown molding
combination square
stud sensor
handsaw
putty knife
enamel paint
Prepare the area and the materials.
- Measure the walls from corner to corner and if possible, get moldings long enough to span the entire distance.
- If possible, pre-paint the moldings on the ground before installation - it's easier (figure A).
- Use a stud-sensor to find and mark the studs (figure B).
- Place the marks so they'll be hidden by the new molding.
Install the corner blocks.
- The corner blocks come pre-drilled for nails. Install these tightly against the wall and the ceiling. Usually there is plenty of material in the corners in which to nail the blocks (figure C).
- Corner blocks are available for both inside and outside corners. Install all of the corner blocks before starting on the crown molding.
Install the crown molding.
- Measure from corner to corner block. It may help to have a friend hold one end of the measuring tape.
- Transfer the measurements to the molding. Use a combination square to draw the lines.
- Cut the moldings to length (figure D). Because of its flexibility, cut each section about 1/16" to ensure a tight fit.
- Line up the first piece of molding, placing each end against a corner block (figure E).
- Try to push the center into place. If it resists too much, remove the molding and shave a little off one end.
- Once in place, push it in the center (figure F), and begin nailing at each stud mark.
- Drive a nail at every stud mark, alternating between the wall and the ceiling.
- Also, install nails at each corner - this will keep the edges tight. Use finishing nails long enough to hit the framing inside the wall.
- Drive the nails until they are just above the surface of the wood.
- Use a nail set to recess the nail heads below the surface (figure G).
- Fill the holes over the nail heads with wood putty. Let dry, then later sand and touch-up.
- Caulk any gaps between materials.
- Repeat procedure for rest of moldings.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)