Crown molding is a great way to give a room a unique look. It is important to learn how to cut crown molding. If you are not familiar with the process, it can be overwhelming.
We will show you how to make crown molding joints with tight, clean cuts, just like a professional. After reading this guide, you will be able to confront crown.
What You’ll Need
You will only need a few basic tools to help you with this project. Here’s what you will need:
Step 1: Measuring Your Project
You will first need to measure how long the crown should run. If you plan to paint the wall before installing the crown, you will need to measure the length of each wall.
You can also use a stud finder to mark each stud on each wall so you know where to attach the molding.
Step II: Understanding The Cuts
Today we will be covering cutting crown using a regular mitersaw. Although you can cut crown with a compound mitersaw, most people don’t have the means to do so. Dewalt offers great information on how to use a compound saw to cut crown.
When cutting crown molding using a regular mitersaw, the most important thing is to remember that everything you do on the saw will be reversed from what you are actually cutting.
The wall is represented by the fence and the ceiling by the table below when using a regular mitersaw to cut crowns. As you cut, the crown’s bottom will face upwards.
We can now begin to cut the miters for crown installation.
Step 3: Cut For Outside Corners
Begin by covering how to trim crowns for the corners outside of the room.
I always make a guide before I start cutting. This helps me to make sure that the cut is straight. When you are making your cuts, take a few pieces painters tape and place them around the crown.
Grab a piece from crown and place it against the table. The molding’s bottom edge should be against the fence, and the crown’s top edge against your table. Use your carpenter’s pencil to draw a line on the painters tape that marks where the molding rests.
This is the exact place where your molding’s top should meet for each cut. The same process should be done on the opposite side of the table.
Start by taking the molding piece that will be on your right side of the miter joints and placing it on your left side of the saw. (Remember, everything was upside down). Place the molding on top of the guide and turn the saw 45 degrees to your right. Turn on the saw and start cutting.
Next, remove the molding from the left side of your miter joint. Place it on the right side. Place the molding on the guide, and then turn the saw 45° to the left. Cut your piece.
You now have the pieces for a crown for an exterior corner.
Step IV: Cutting Inside Corners
You can cut inside corners in the same way as outside corners. However, you will angle your cut in the opposite direction to the angle you made for the outside corner.
Place the molding piece for the right side, on the table or fence to the left of the saw. Turn the saw 45° to the left, and begin cutting.
Take the molding piece for the left side and place it on the table. Turn the saw 45° to the right, and then cut.
The Final Word
The most difficult finish carpentry task is cutting crown molding. It becomes second nature once you learn how to do it. You will be able cut crowns with ease. You can be confident cutting your crown for your project if you follow the tips.
Remember that crowns are cut from the bottom. The molding’s top will rest against the fence. The molding’s top will rest against the table. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t forget this!
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