QA

Question: How To Install Crown Molding On Kitchen Cabinets With Soffits

Can you put crown molding on a soffit?

One popular way to deal with wall cabinet open soffits is to install crown molding along the tops of the cabinets. A nail gun, an electric miter saw, some furring strips, and several strips of crown molding are about all you need to do this project. Add rope lights behind the crown molding for a luminous glow at night.

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.

Are kitchen soffits outdated?

Kitchen soffits are out of style, with fewer people retaining these fixtures in their homes and fewer still having them installed at all. Their outdated look often makes a room look smaller, and when building new kitchens, it’s better to free up that space for a bigger and brighter feel.

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.

Where do you nail crown molding?

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.

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.

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.

How do you fill gaps between ceiling and trim?

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.

What is under a soffit in kitchen?

Kitchen cabinet soffits are box-like structures built below the ceiling and above your cabinetry to hide the inner workings of your home, such as wiring and pipes. Soffits may also be used for purely aesthetic purposes to fill the space between the ceiling and kitchen cabinets.

Do I need a soffit above kitchen cabinets?

A kitchen soffit serves a purpose, which is typically to cover up and hide the necessary kitchen wiring, ductwork, and even plumbing. If there is nothing above the kitchen, there is a higher likelihood that there is nothing critical inside the soffit.

How can I hide my kitchen soffits?

8 Ways to Deal with Those Awkward Kitchen Cabinet Soffits Fill in the space with trim. Fill in the space with a furr down. Fill the space with trim in a contrasting color. Get some really tall upper cabinets. Add a second row of cabinets. Add a window. Paint the wall the same color as the cabinets. Embrace it.

How do you finish a space above cabinets?

To fill in the space over your cabinets, you basically build a frame and then attach plywood sheeting to the frame. We chose to add crown molding so we needed the frame to also have somewhere to nail the molding.

What can you do with kitchen soffits?

Here are some creative ideas for kitchen soffits : Add Moulding Border. Paint them. Add new cabinets. Cover Them With Artwork. Build a window. Place Plants. Cover Soffits with Beadboard. Use Sculptures or Books.

What angle does crown molding sit at?

Cut at a 45-degree angle. This will create space for the coped piece to fit tightly against the square-cut piece. Test the fit and fine-tune with the coping saw or sandpaper.

Do you have to cut crown molding upside down?

It’s a best practice to cut crown moulding upside down on the miter saw. The moulding has flat edges where it touches the wall and ceiling. Use these “flats” to keep the piece firmly in position on the saw’s base and fence when making a cut.

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 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.

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.

Can you glue crown molding?

Apply Loctite Power Grab Molding & Paneling Adhesive to the back of the molding, keeping at least 1/2″ from the edge. Place the trimmed end of the crown molding on the wall next to the corner. The adhesive will keep the molding or trim in place while you tack it in place.

What size nails do you use for cabinet 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.

Is it easy to install 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.