QA

How Do I Install Crown Molding

Do you nail crown molding into ceiling?

Crown molding is usually nailed to the wall studs along the bottom edge and into the ceiling joists above–a lot of stud-finder work. I skip all that by installing a plywood backer board to the top plate (the horizontal framing member above the wall studs).

Can I install crown molding myself?

Compared to wood, foam crown molding is not only affordable and easy to install, but it’s also pliable—making it easy to work with around the curvatures of your home.

Do you glue or nail crown molding?

Crown is typically nailed up with a 2” finishing nail and a compressor and finishing gun. Outside corners are usually done with a brad nailer and 1” brad nails with glue. Studs are generally 3-1/2”, drywall a ½” and the crown moulding a minimum of ½”; therefore 2” finishing nails are necessary.

Can you install crown molding without nail gun?

Your local big-box hardware store carries molding in all different styles, and they’ll cut it down for you to the exact sizes you need. Installing it is as simple as buying a box of itty-bitty finishing nails and hammering in the molding. Seriously, you do not even need a nail gun.

Which side of crown molding goes up?

Crown moulding is installed in the reverse fashion of base moulding. The deeper grooves go on the bottom, and shallower grooves belong on the top. Generally, crown moulding extends further down the wall than on the ceiling. The concave (cove) side goes down, and the convex (rounded) side goes up.

Do you have to nail crown molding into studs?

Crown moldings, or any corner trims really should be nailed to a stud, not simply into unbacked drywall. Without good support, the molding will warp out from the wall causing gaps in coverage to open along the edges.

How do you secure crown molding to the ceiling?

A simple method to attach crown molding is to install a plywood backer board to the top plate, which is the horizontal frame above the wall studs. The width of the backer board is approximately 1/8 inch smaller than the width of the molding. Doing so allows you to nail the molding to any point along every wall.

How much should I pay for crown molding installation?

The average cost to install crown molding is $7 to $16 per linear foot depending on the materials chosen and labor costs. For an average living room, crown molding costs $464 to $1,102, while a kitchen costs between $210 to $570, and an entire home costs between $2,000 and $4,000 for both labor and installation.

Is it easy to put up crown molding?

Crown molding is an inexpensive and easy way to add visual interest and value to your home. With just a few tools and basic carpentry knowledge, you can achieve a stylish upgrade within any space.

What is a cornice vs Crown Moulding?

They both serve as the “cap” or “crown” to a wall or cabinet and can be modern and simple or elaborate and decorative. However, crown moulding is strictly an interior design element, unlike cornice, which we see in exterior and interior designs. You may also see crown moulding used with cornice in interior design.

Can I use baseboard as crown molding?

Can I Use Baseboard as Crown Molding? You can use baseboard as crown molding and many people choose to do so, so you would not be alone if you do this. While it can look nice in some applications, it’s better to use baseboard for its intended purpose on the floor.

How far down the wall does crown molding go?

For standard 8-foot-high ceilings, the crown/cornice height should be 2½ to 6 inches; for 9-foot ceilings, 3 to 7½ inches, and for 10-foot ceilings, 3½ to 8 inches.

Can I use 18 gauge nails for crown molding?

18 gauge should work fine unless you’re putting on a really huge crown mold. 15 gauge is meant more for doing outdoor trim, like window trim or corner board. 16 gauge might be a little big if your trim is thin, you risk having a split, and the holes to fill in will be bigger.

What type of nail gun should I use for crown molding?

A finish nailer is a versatile tool, and drives either 15- or 16-gauge nails. They are used for smaller projects than framing nails, such as crown molding, baseboards, cabinets, chair rails, decorative trim, millwork, and hardwood flooring.

Do you paint Crown Moulding before installing?

While you have options about how to approach painting your walls, you should always paint or otherwise finish the molding itself prior to installation. Prime the molding before painting, and for both paint and other finishes, apply the finish to all sides, even the back. This prevents warping.

Do I need adhesive for crown molding?

It is important to put an adhesive (Loctite’s Power Grab, PL Premium, etc.) on both edges of the molding (ceiling and wall) and on the seam between each piece. This helps to hold the crown molding up during installation and, more importantly, will prevent the crown molding from ever separating.

Can you use Liquid Nails for molding?

Liquid Nails is not recommended for plastic molding or 1/8-inch thick medium density fiberboard (MDF) paneling. A no-nails approach to installing molding in the home. Ideally, molding is fastened to the wall or cabinet with finishing nails for a tight and professional installation.

Should I nail or glue baseboards?

Installing baseboards with a combination of baseboard adhesive and finish nails creates a tight connection between the wood and the wall. The adhesive prevents the wood from bowing out between the wall studs, while the nails keep the boards locked into place while the glue sets.