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How To Install Crown Molding Above Kitchen Cabinets

How do you fill the gap between kitchen cabinets and ceiling?

You can build the cabinets to the ceiling (most expensive option), keep the area open (no cost!), build a soffit to match the cabinets, or add a drywall soffit.

Should crown molding touch the ceiling?

Crown molding does not always have to be installed against both the wall and the ceiling. For a fun effect, consider installing the crown only against the wall and moving it downward about a few inches.

Do upper and lower kitchen cabinets have to line up?

Luckily, there are few rules about cabinet placement. Upper and lower cabinets may align at each end, and they sometimes do. However, aligning every upper and lower cabinet throughout the room is rare. As long as the cabinets are installed securely, almost anything goes.

What is the trim on top of cabinets called?

Crown molding is decorative trim that is added to the top of your cabinets. The benefit of installing crown molding is that it draws the eye upward, showcasing the elegance of your cabinets. Crown molding can either bond with the ceiling or allow for space above the cabinet.

How do you fix a gap between crown molding and ceiling?

The best way to fix the crack without reinstalling the crown molding is to caulk the gaps between the molding and the ceiling during the winter when the gap is the greatest.

How do you hide an uneven ceiling with trim on top of the cabinet?

Use a scribe tool to transfer the irregular line of the ceiling to the upper part of the pine molding. Set the tool to the thickness of the widest gap between the molding and the ceiling, and scribe a line on the molding from end to end. Remove the tape and take the molding to a table or workbench.

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 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 I use door casing as crown molding?

Another critical use for crown molding or its alternatives is casing areas near your windows and doors. The ugly space that runs along the length of your window or door frame can be easily made pretty by installing wallpaper or MDF strips.

Why is there a gap between crown molding and ceiling?

Crown molding ceiling gap happens because the rough lumber behind the drywall shrinks. It can be prevented by nailing the ceiling molding to the ceiling allowing it to float up and down on the wall. Another key point is the outside temperature and humidity is much different in South Carolina during the year.

When should you not use crown molding?

There are a couple of situations when you don’t want to use crown molding. If you have cathedral or vaulted ceilings, a typical crown molding will probably not fit or look good. Also, crown moldings need a distinct starting and stopping point, ideally going around a room in both directions and meeting again.

Which rooms should have crown molding?

Most experts recommend putting crown moulding in the centralized rooms of the house (like the kitchen, living room, family room, and dining room), however, the bedroom is also a great place to utilize it. It’s a great way to increase the sophistication of your bedroom’s design without adding clutter.

What is the best way to fasten crown molding?

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.

Should Crown Moulding be glued?

Use glue to hold the crown molding in place to nail or to provide extra security for using thinner nails. Use material-specific glue when the installation does not allow for nails. Use nails without glue if the install may be a temporary solution to determine if the look is desired.

Does crown molding have to be nailed 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.

Why do kitchen cabinets not go to ceiling?

Disadvantages of Kitchen Cabinets That Go All The Way Up to the Ceiling. Ceiling height cabinets are not easy to access as they are very high up in the ceiling. Anything up there at the top of these cabinets is quite hard to access hence you will need to have something to step on in order to reach these things.

How much space do you need for crown molding?

Crowns in casual spaces should be a minimum of 4″, however formal spaces such as grand foyers , dining, and living rooms will need a crown that is at least 9″ and in some cases a full entablature (cornice + picture mold) that is up to 24″ in height.

How much space should be between countertop and upper cabinets?

The standard distance between the top of a kitchen counter and the bottom of the wall cabinets above it is 18 inches. For the average person, this distance is the ideal balance between plenty of space to work on the countertop and the ability to reach all of the shelves in the cabinet.

Is it hard to install crown molding?

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.