How to Cut Crown Molding Trim for Easy Installation
March 25, 2021
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How to cut inside and outside corners with crown molding.
Crown molding installation is one of the hardest DIY jobs I've done over the years. This tutorial shares how to cut crown on your saw and save yourself some frustration!
First up, before I even begin -- please check out this crown molding jig that I found and now use. It is an absolute game changer and makes this process SO much easier!
OK...if you don't have have that jig or want to learn the tried and true way to cut crown on a miter saw, stay tuned!
Do you ever putt off attempting a DIY project (or any project!) because you've
convinced yourself that it will be super difficult? I've had that happen many
times over the years, but I find that if I do my research and just TRY...it's
never as bad as I think it will be. Most of the time it's the
easy projects that give me fits. ;)
Cutting and installing crown molding was one project I put off for years. I
mentioned years back that
I didn't know how to cope or cut crown
molding -- so I always used corner pieces like these when installing
crown:
The only issue with these is the cost -- they aren’t cheap.
Eventually I wanted a more streamlined look...so I forced myself to
learn how to install crown molding. When it comes to crown, you can cut it
on a miter saw, or use a coping saw to cut out the shape of the molding
so it fits snug into the other piece.
I do not cope well. :) I can do it on simpler trim like baseboards no
problem, but crown is much harder to cope in my opinion. Cutting and
installing crown molding really isn't that hard -- I promise. The key to
doing it correctly all comes down to how you place it on the saw to be
cut.
I've been slowly adding crown molding to the basement family room where I
recently finished the huge entertainment center:
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I STILL use the crown "jigs" I created out of scrap for myself years ago!
I've figured out along the way that there are a few tricks to cutting and
installing crown. First of all, it helps to have a compound miter saw. You
don't have to have one -- a miter box and saw
(like I used for years for my molding projects) will do just fine. It will
just take more strength and endurance to cut. ;)
Because crown is installed at an angle, cutting it is different than regular trim. You need to position it a certain way on the saw when cutting it.
Here are some pictures to help explain. (Stay tuned for examples of each cut I'm describing.) For an inside cut (an inside wall corner in a room), you want to make sure the front is facing into the saw.
This molding is
set up for a cut that will be an inside corner, on the left side of the corner:
The front is facing into the saw, top on top, bottom of the crown molding is on the bottom.
Here’s what it will look like on the saw:
For a standard (inside) corner, you’ll want your saw blade set to a 45 degree angle:
You do the same thing for the other side of the corner -- here's what it looks like on the saw table for the right side of the corner:
I know it can get confusing, so here's a visual of how the inside cuts look:
Notice you can see the edges of the miter cut wood? You want to see that, so when they go together up in the corner, they’ll meet up like this:
That’s the only tricky part, getting that angle right as you’re working around the room.
For these inside corners, you want the back of the molding to be the longer edge, not the
front:
Does that make sense? That part is huge!
Does that make sense? That part is huge!
For outside
cuts, you'll want to have the front facing you on the saw, but you'll need
to flip it -- so a left side cut will need to be flipped upside down so that
the length of the crown is on the left side of the saw, not the
right.
Here are a few more tips that make cutting crown go much easier! When you
place your crown against the saw, make sure the edges are flat, like
so:
If those are not flush your cut will not match up in the corner.
Also, it's helpful to mark a line you can match for every piece of crown
as you're working. I use a pencil to mark the height on the saw
fence:
You can see here that I've labeled the back of my example pieces as well
-- it can get confusing as you're cutting and these references really help
me! I've marked heights for a few different sizes of crown, that's why
there are a few lines on the fence.
I have kept my example "jigs" for years and pull them out to remind me how
to set up the cuts. Or, again...I highly recommend that crown cutting jig tool to make the perfect cuts easily.
If you have an angle different from the rest, you can use
this angle finder protractor
to figure it out:
Most of the time any other angle in the wall is a 22.5 angle which is already set on most
saws:
I highly recommend using a nail gun for crown molding installation.
Keep in mind that most walls are not completely straight and most corners are not built at exact 90 degree angles.
Wavy walls and out-of-square corners will create gaps most of the time -- but don't fret! This is why
caulk is your BFF. It hides so many not-so-perfect spots. Here's the
before with gaps and seams:
And the after after a bead of caulk:
(I hadn't touched up the angled part where they meet up when I took his
photo.)
Use a wet finger to swipe the excess caulk away. I love using this tip to prevent the caulk from spreading everywhere.
Also, sometimes the trim will bow out from the wall a bit at the top or
bottom:
If that bothers you, a line of caulk will make that disappear.
If your cuts are correct, installing crown isn't too bad at all -- you’ll
just need someone to help you hold up long lengths of molding as you nail them in. (I
keep eyeing this gadget that allows you to hang long crown pieces by yourself.)
I find it helpful to mark where my crown hits on the wall and ceiling as
I'm working around a room -- this ensures that I'm installing it at the
exact same angle as I go.
Make sure your last piece is installed at the same angle as your first piece so when you finish up they fit together perfectly.
Crown molding can be intimidating, but the trick is all in how you cut it!
Once you have that figured out, it will go more smoothly.
The elegant touch crown adds will never go out of style! It's a little
detail that makes a big difference in a space:
Beautiful! I've always wanted to know how to do crown!
ReplyDeleteYou make that look really easy. And it isn't! Good job!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Looks great girl! Whenever I do crown or any chair rails or whatever, mine always bow because our walls are crooked (the studs stick out) and it's highly irritating. But still looks good. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on mitering your crown!!
The room is looking great! And major props to you for tackling crown molding. I make my engineer hubby do all the cuts when we put it up.
ReplyDeleteI am currently enjoy a Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate thanks to you! Thanks again for the gift card!!!
Gorgeous! So brave!
ReplyDeleteYou so seriously rock! I love crown molding, and I love that you did it yourself!! I so need to get over my fear of power tools and saws! Great job - it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting!
I love love love this! My husband and I are wanting to do crown moulding in our master--this will be so much help when that time comes! Thanks for the tips! I love your beautiful home and your blog!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing difference! I have always wanted to try that, but haven't had the nerve! Thanks for the tips! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting about this. No, I'm not about to install crown on a wall, but I AM about to miter with a miter box and add moulding to something else - for the first time! Yikes! I'm a little nervous (I am ANAL when it comes to this kind of stuff), but you've given me some confidence. Thank you! And your office is looking SO great!! LOVE it! Thanks for the Before and After Party!! I always look forward to it. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I however, would never be able to do that because I am terrified of using a saw! Must overcome my fear of tools! Also, didn't realize until now, that the ceiling in your office is painted blue. It looked white in the last pics you posted! Anyhow, its GORGEOUS! Love the contrast of the molding with the two different colors!
ReplyDeleteLove this!! I actually figured out how to do this with the planter boxes I did this summer. I have to hold up my first cut next to my second and make sure I am ACTUALLY cutting the right angle!! My poor little dyslexic brain gets all switched around easily! You did a GREAT job! And you are right - you CAN do with just a miter box!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love your crown moulding!! You did a wonderful job and I thank you for sharing the how-to with us. Also, thanks for hosting the great linky party! Happy 2011!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this today! I have been obsessing about this in my mind for weeks now. Thanks for posting how to do it, so I don't have to figure it out on my own now.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the blue-ish color on the ceiling? I LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteBTW...I'll be using this blog post for when I do my moulding!
I LOVE your blog!
You are amazing! I am still scared of the crown, although I have done a few molding projects using my miter saw. I figure it saves money going to the gym ;)
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! We just did our crown the same way in our dining room which gave me a new love for caulk. Forget coping, it's all about the caulking in our house :)
ReplyDeleteYou're telling me you wanted to be cheap AND easy? Ha. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! More importantly, I've been wracking my brain trying to remember who DIY'd a hanging light and I just saw your office and remembered it was YOU!
Off to do the same for my sewing room now...
Thanks for hosting a great party - love to see all the before & afters (who doesn't!)
ReplyDeleteI love how the crown molding highlights your blue ceiling. You are well on your way to a beautiful finished project!
ReplyDeleteI love crown molding, it's not just for ceilings. It helps to dress up the window cabinets I make.
ReplyDeletethanks for hosting!
I hope you have a great 2011!
gail
So awesome! Caulk is the best thing ever invented. I will never forget the first time we did crown in our first place. So many cuts!!!!! But we have learned much and caulked even more. Your space is flippin awesome so far. Love the chandy. Where is it from { I am in chandelier limbo right now and afraid to pull the trigger}
ReplyDeleteThis tutorial was very well written! Thank for sharing and all the details. Can't wait to try it in our master bedroom (wait, that didn't sound right.)
ReplyDeleteBrittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! I have done molding before in my past three home flips and you did a fantastic job. I am lucky that the home I am in now does not need it since I left my saw with my ex :-o
ReplyDeleteLady. Why is this so hard for 99% of people to figure out? My head just couldnt wrap around it until I saw your this, not this picture. Ha ha ha
ReplyDeleteLove your guts
mandi
I LOVE crown molding! It looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! I love the wall and ceiling colors too.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I am such a visual learner and the photos we great. LOVE the space with the moulding :)
ReplyDelete~ Emily N. from "too Blessed to Stress"
Hi, Awesome blog! Truely love everything about it. I'm not ready to link up this Monday so I will catch you next month!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!
Nancy with
http://myurbancorner.blogspot.com/
I just wanna say, I wanna be YOU when I grow up!!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! So informative :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips!
You always have SUCH great posts.
Thanks for all your hard work!
~Shelley Smith
I agree that you make it look really easy. My dad helps with most home improvement and I know he'd do it, but we still went with the corner pieces for my daughter's room (the only one with the style of crown we want!). However, we did do the unfortunate thing of liking trim corner pieces for our upstairs remodel. Those suckers get expensive when you need almost 20. Yes! TWENTY! Crazy room with a ton of corners... oh well, it'll look good.
ReplyDeleteLooks AMAZING!! I love the colors!! I think what you did is actually HARDER than using a coping saw, a coping saw at home depot is right around $10 I think and it's very fine, all you do is hollow out the shape of the molding on the end so it fits right on top of the other piece, it's really easy!! It seems intimidating until you try, but you should try! You'll learn another new thing in the new year :)
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah! I have a tip for you for the next time you do crown molding! :) Instead of trying to make sure you have the crown set at the correct angle on the saw each time, clamp down a piece of scrap wood in front of the first piece of crown molding after you get the correct angle. All you have to do after that, is put your other pieces of crown against the little piece of wood you have clamped down and it gives you the exact same angle as the first piece. :)
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job...crown is a lot of work!~ Your rocked it out girlfriend! :)
Hugs
Missy
Looks fantastic. Love love love crown molding! And love the contrast of the wall color against it. When we moved into this house ALL the walls were white. The ENTIRE house has crown molding, but you couldn't even see it. Painting it made me giddy. Now it pops! <3
ReplyDeleteLove the molding it makes so much of a difference..I am redoing my kitchen..should be done by end day tomorrow...yeah can't wait..thanks for the inspiration..
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic! I received a 10" miter saw for Christmas, but am considering trading up for a 12". What size did you use for this project?
ReplyDeleteThe crown molding looks great. We really want to do it in our house also. What a difference it makes.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through my daughter ... LOVE it. I also really love crown molding and love when someone ELSE does it for me.... kudos to you for not only attempting it but doing it so successfully. It looks great. And you are so right about caulk. Great job!
ReplyDeleteOh it looks spectacular! I think crown really finishes a room and it highlights the lovely non-white ceiling too!
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome!! And I love the ceiling color!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my all time favorites! Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. I hope you will visit mine, if you ever have a minute.
ReplyDeleteAngela
http://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com
I want crown moulding in a big, bad way. But we have popcorn ceilings. I know it can be done, and I know I'll have to scrap off just enough popcorn to make the fit snug on the ceiling. Anyone out there put up crown moulding on popcorn ceilings?
ReplyDeleteI love crown molding. We have crown molding in every room of our home. We also have the same corner pieces in the photo with the green wall [the photo on the left]. For us the cost was free since they were in there before we moved in [the previous owner was one of those lovers for woodwork lol].
ReplyDeleteOne of the other downsides is when you paint... it can get a little annoying trying to paint around the corner pieces. I usually have to dig out a small paint brush [like a canvas type brush] and paint along the edges of the piece.
Love how your molding turned out!
I want to come sit in that room, like right now! I know you haven't recovered the chair yet but in that picture you can hardly tell. I'm so excited about this room!!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! We just installed crown into our living and dining room, but used the corner pieces like you have in your green room pic above. Seriously looks the exact same and I know how expensive it is! Which is why we only did 2 rooms so far, lol. Still need to caulk and paint it though.
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous! Crown really does add so much to a room - we put it up in our dining room and just love it. And yes, it IS important to remind yourself that you're on the floor and the molding is up high - or at least, I know I had to remind my husband at least a half dozen times!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! Thanks! I've been wanting to do this at our house and this tutorial will be great for my hubby!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You are awesome!! When we buy our home one day I will definitely be putting up some crown! I've always loved it..it gives the room so much character. You did a fantastic job!!
ReplyDeletePretty! So smart to paint your wall first too!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am so excited to get to Menards and buy some molding! Your blog is amazing... I enjoy reading it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDelete<>
...that made me LOL at work. Caulk is *definitely* my BFF. Caulk and wood filler putty. :D
that looks SO great! i wish i could get the boyfriend on board with the fact that we NEED crown!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It looks incredible - what a difference! I've heard of people using foam crown molding, have you ever worked with anything like that before? Happy New Year, and thanks for sharing great information with your blog!
ReplyDeleteBetsey at b.bar
www.bybbar.blogspot.com
Good gosh woman... this is so over my junkified head. I have the compound miter saw but I have yet to do all those fancy cuts! Thanks for the how-to and inspiration. One day I'll have to stop staring at rust and actually TRY this. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
It looks great! I love molding. We added the skinny piece an inch or two under all our downstairs crown. This may help, we used a lego piece to measure the gap between the original crown and the skinny addition. It was easier than a ruler or chalk line for us. And we also put in a 'textured wallpaper' border below the crown before putting up the skinny piece in our foyer. Looks like our crown has carved leaves!! Love your blog. I add to my project list weekly.
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! Can't wait to see when it's all finished.
ReplyDeletePS The Before and After Party is my favorite post every month! I love seeing what everyone transforms. Just wish I had something to contribute this time around.
I actually just ordered my very own compound miter saw yesterday so I can do crown molding in our hall bath. I've already done bead board and a chair rail in the bathroom, I've just got to finish the crown molding. Thanks for the tips! I'll probably be looking at your post as I work - especially if I hit any snags! You can check out my bathroom, so far on my blog, if you want. allthingscreativeaz.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYour office is looking beautiful! I love the soft colors, the drum shade and the farm table. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis couldn't have come at a better time. We just bought a compound miter saw and are getting ready to install our own crown moulding. Wish us luck!
ReplyDeleteSarah...it looks great! Great job! I'm terrified of the miter saw. I've cut a lot of molding on a miter box (inside and outside corners) but that saw scares the heck out of me. :) Love how your room is looking!
ReplyDeleteYour crown molding looks awesome! I love it! I am trying to add some crown molding to our kitchen cabs ourselves. Your tips on mitering and coping will defninitely come in handy!
ReplyDeleteThe molding is great, and with your great tutorial on how to do it, you've given me the courage (gulp!) to take that still-new-in-the-box compound miter saw and do it myself. I've been waiting for dh to install the crown in the kitchen for a year now.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Awesome! I love, love, love your blog. I am such a novice at this it's almost embarrassing to offer any advice, but I helped my dad do some molding once and it is correct that angled cuts hide better than straight ones, but the cuts we did were different than yours...Try cutting your molding at a 45 degree angle from the FRONT of the molding to the BACK of the molding rather than from the TOP to the BOTTOM. Obviously, the adjacent cut will be opposite (if that makes any sense at all!). The joint is MUCH better hidden. Wish I had pictures to show, it really is a nice way to make joints! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jessica
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance you can send me the names of your paint colors? I've been looking all over and I can't find them!
Thanks!
green.robyn@gmail.com (or just post a reply...I'll check back)
I've included this how-to in a round up on Craft Gossip today
ReplyDeletehttp://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-great-how-tos-for-your-home/ Thanks for sharing it! :)
If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
love it! speaking of molding, is this also similar to making a window trim. when we got our house, all the windows have no trim at all and would to add one by myself but i cant see any tutorial online that i can follow easily.
ReplyDeleteI am a professional painter and you did as well or better than the professional installers. And yes, caulk is your BBF.
ReplyDeleteCaulk is magical.
can you tell me what color you painted the ceiling, that blue is lovely!
ReplyDeleteIm going to try this with my builders mirrors in the bathroom. I dont even know what a mitt saw is but the guys at the hardware store will be bombarded with questions :-). Thanks
ReplyDeleteI've done molding several times (as a carpenter) and you are spot on with your instructions. Most carpenters cannot match up each corner perfect because of imperfections in the walls. Caulk is the true BFF!! I, like you keep the gaps where the walls bow, and I blame the sheet rockers!! Very well done, and you did as good as pro.
ReplyDelete