Crown Molding Tips

Crown molding is a great addition to almost any room. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Nothing adds class to a room for less expense and effort than crown molding. And it is so versatile. You can make a shelf or a head board or even frame a mirror with crown molding. Be creative. At most all you need is some paint, wood glue, a hammer, small nails and a miter saw.

There are many different kinds of crown molding. Hardwood molding is the traditional and expensive. This molding comes in an array of designs, sizes, patterns and profiles. Architectural molding, made from polystyrene is usually large and intricately decorative. This molding is lighter than wood and will not warp, rot or split. Veneer hardwood molding is made from pine and wrapped in another wood such as oak or maple. This is much cheaper than actual hardwood molding but will still give you the elegant hardwood look. In addition this molding may not even need to be clear coated. Fiberglass crown molding is extremely water resistant, light weight and easy to install. You may not even need caulk for this. Some fiberglass moldings have a sticky backing and can simply be affixed to the wall. Lastly Styrofoam crown molding is less expensive than traditional molding. It doesn't need primer and can be installed with caulk.

Tips for Crown Molding Projects

Paint molding prior to installation. If not pre-primed, your molding will need primer as well.

Glue mitered joins together. This will prevent them from pulling apart, which could crack the paint.

Cover nail holes with spackle.

Use the longest pieces of molding possible to prevent a pieces together look.

Pre- drill nail holes to prevent splitting.

Consider adding ceiling medallions and wall niches to match your crown molding.

Crown Molding Shelf

Cut three pieces, one long piece for the front and two shorter pieces of equal length for the sides. Paint everything first, of course. Mitering, fitting two pieces of wood together at an angle, can be tricky so practice on scrap wood. Once you got the hang of it, miter the crown molding together. Then nail scrap wood to the shelf for the top and base. Now you have a stylish shelf to display decorative knick-knacks. Hang with eye hooks.

If the room has a chair rail or wainscoting it probably needs some kind of crown molding. Think of how it can compliment your existing design elements. Crown molding, once prohibitively expensive, is now available in materials that make the elegance and class of crown molding attainable.

For more tips check out the many other articles we have available.

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