HOW TO INSTALL CROWN MOULDING

Installing new crown moulding can be tedious as well as time consuming, it is something you can do yourself if you have the proper tools and the patience.

The tools that you will need to complete this project are a tape measure, nail gun (good to have but not necessary), hammer, utility knife, miter saw, nails and a ladder.

The first thing that you need to do when you are installing new crown molding is to measure carefully. You will need the linear footage of the distance you want to put the molding on. Add about ten  percent for waste and mistakes along the way. It is better to have too much than not enough. 

Next, if the moulding that you purchased is not preprimed, you need to prime or stain the moulding prior to hanging it. Do this before you install it because it is much easier to prime it before you hang it. 

When it comes time to attach the crown molding, you want to measure off the spots where the joists hit. That way you are nailing into wood. Next, if you are not using a nail gun, then you should drill pilot holes so that the fine molding won't split when you nail it in place. Make sure you have hit all the positions before you begin attaching the molding.  Cut two very short scrap lengths of moulding at a forty five angle and see just how it fits in the corner. Sometimes it is not a forty five degree angle at all, but it may off a couple of degrees. Also you should cut the moulding on the same side of so that it will match.

Once the moulding has been fitted in the corner, you will know what angles to cut each successive piece. On a corner that is an outside fit, which means it protrudes out to make a turn, like hallway entry, the same procedure is followed as the inside corner. Now you can go through and attach your crown molding using finish nails, usually a 6d or 8d nail. Once they are all in, use a nail set to go through and countersink all the nails.

Now you just need to finish up and make the project look neat. Use wood putty to fill in your countersunk nail holes. You can also use it to cover up any small gaps you end up with (this will happen, just keep it to a minimum).

As you can see, installing crown molding is an easy weekend project. Just make a mental note that the success of the project is heavily dependent on the proper measuring of the molding before you start. Once you are done, you can enjoy the new look of your home's interior as well as the added value to your home. When you have the proper tools, proper planning, and know the steps, this is a job that is can be completed by most homeowners.