DIY Guide to Installing Crown Moldings

Sometimes, the “small details” are the ones that really make space come to life. Indoors, adding something as simple as crown molding can enhance the looks of many spaces throughout your home.

If you’re the type of person who prefers to take the DIY approach, this guide will help. Just follow these tips and you’ll be installing crown molding like a pro.

This guide teaches you how to install crown molding in a typical four-wall room. Keep in mind, you may need to modify some steps if you’re working in a less conventional space.

Measure

Start by measuring the length of the two shorter walls. Subtract 3/16 of an inch and cut your material accordingly. Use a miter saw and cut at a 90-degree angle. Next, measure the longer walls and add 3/16 of an inch to ensure a nice fit. Cut the crown pieces for these walls. For cutting and sawing these pieces, an oscillating multi-tool can be your go-to tool. You can also use it in the finishing steps for sanding and smoothing. This is a little trickier than it is with the shorter pieces. Turn the crown upside down and place it on the saw in a diagonal position. This should be similar to how it will be in when it’s finally installed, aside from being upside down, of course. Cut through at a 45-degree angle to get the diagonal end perfect.

Install

Start by installing the two shorter pieces with a hammer and nails or a nail gun. At first, it’s best to simply nail your molding to the wall in the center, letting the sides sag down. This allows you to make any adjustments you may need to later.

The shorter pieces will fit the longer crown like pieces of a puzzle. That means you’ll need to use a coping saw to cut away extra material from the long pieces so the shorter ones can fit. This video shows the process in detail.

Now you can nail the longer pieces to the wall. Start with the sides. The middle will sag, but once you press it flush against the wall and nail it in the center, it should fit seamlessly with the other pieces.

Finishing Steps

There will likely be some small gaps between the crown and the walls and ceiling. Fill these in by placing a bead of caulk between the gaps. Clean up any excess.

Now you’re free to add any other finishing touches you wish, like a new coat of paint. Be sure to fill in or cover the nail holes so they aren’t noticeable. That’s it! This task is easy, and it’s a very simple way of making a room stand out.