How To Install Hand Carved Crown Moldings

Want to add elegance and flair to a room? Crown molding will do the trick in a hurry. Working overhead can be tiring, but the results are dramatic. Try adding crown molding to your home and see what it can do for you. Maybe it's just the final touch that is missing for the perfect home.

Things You'll Need:

Utility Knives
Coping Saws
Measuring Tapes
Wood Putty
Finish Nails
Miter Saws
Hammers

Prepare the Job:

Step 1: Take measurements to get the linear footage needed to span the distance to be trimmed out. Add 10 percent to this figure for waste and mistakes.
Step 2: Select the style and finish you want for your new crown molding. There are many shapes and sizes available.
Step 3: Pick a style that suits your decor and personal taste. The finish that you put on should be purchased and applied before you start any cutting and fitting.
Step 4: Try to buy your trim in lengths that will need as few splices as possible. In some cases splices are unavoidable but the fewer there are the better the finished job will look. (Very long walls may have to be spliced ? 14 to 16 feet is about the longest you will find in most trim pieces and these longer pieces are more susceptible to warping and damage.)
Step 5: Stain or paint all the molding then allow it to dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Doing trim work is easier and more accurate with a comfortable place to work. This should consist of a long bench set up at a comfortable height. Note: This can be as simple as several long 2-by-4s laid out on top of saw horses. This will hold your miter saw (electric or manual) and support the trim as you work on it.
Step 7: Cutting the needed angles for the corners of your trim is handled most accurately with a miter saw.
Step 8: Set your work station where there power readily accessible and plenty of light.
Step 9: Working over your head is tiring and awkward; a solid working platform makes the work much safer and easier. Use a heavy plank and two sturdy sawhorses or rent scaffolding on wheels to use as a platform to stand on while installing the molding.

Attach and Finish:

Step 1: Determine the location of the joists. Drill pilot holes to keep the molding from splitting
Step 2: Attach molding with only a few nails use 6d or 8d finish nails. Check positioning before completing the nailing
Step 3: Countersink all nails using a nail set.
Step 4: Use wood putty to fill all visible nail holes help cover any small gaps at the joints to give things a more seamless appearance. Wait for the putty to dry and sand it smooth with fine sand paper.
Step 5: Finish the nail holes and small fill-ins to match the rest of the molding, and enjoy your new look.