How to Cut and Install Crown Molding

Learning how to cut and install crown molding will challenge your skills with a miter saw. The results, however, can add drama and a classical feel to any room in your house. Handcrafted details like crown molding can add value to your home that is worth many times the cost.

How To Install Crown Molding Like A Pro
When installing crown molding, the miter saw will be your primary tool. There are two ways to cut crown molding with a miter saw: in position and on flat. In position cutting means that you place the molding against the saw fence at the angle it will be installed. The molding is placed upside down, with the back of the molding facing you-a crown stop accessory on your saw will help keep the molding in place. On flat cutting, means that you place the molding flat on the saw table and adjust the cutting blade for both the miter and bevel (called a compound cut).

In position cutting is best for beginners, since you only have to set one angle, but this type of cutting is prone to error if the molding slips out of position. On flat cutting is more accurate, but setting the blade can be complicated and may involve the use of angle tables.

Assuming the use of in position cutting, crown molding is installed using the following steps:

• Work order. It's best to start with the outside corners and work toward the inside corners. Mistakes on the inside corners can easily be repaired with caulk, but outside corner errors are much harder to conceal.
• Mark up the room. Carefully measure and place a light pencil line around the room that marks the bottom of your crown molding. Also, mark each of the stud locations. These markings will help you line up the crown molding and to nail it securely into place.
• Outside corners. The saw angle need to be set at one half the angle of the corner. An easy way to find the angle is to lay two pieces of equal width scrap wood against the walls that form the corner. The pieces should overlap slightly. With a pencil, mark both edges of the top piece on the bottom piece of wood. Now take a straightedge and draw a line from the top of the outside line to the bottom of the inside line. The angle formed by the new line is the angle you'll need to set your saw blade to.
• Inside corners. Inside corners are created by setting the end of the first piece flush against the wall, and cutting the other piece at a 45-degree angle. The angled piece will have to have its edge cut to match the contour of the crown molding with a coping saw. Scribe the contour onto the second piece with a pencil and then cope out the cut. Test fit the piece and remove any excess wood with a small rasp.
• Match pieces along the edge. If a length of crown molding doesn't reach the end of its run, it can be spliced using a scarf cut. A scarf cut runs at a 45-degree angle along the length of the molding run.
• Attaching molding. As you cut and test fit each piece of molding, nail it to the studs in the wall using 6d or 8d finishing nails. When all pieces have been attached, set the nails, fill the holes with putty and sand when dry.