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Installing crown molding can transform a room, adding elegance and sophistication to your living space. However, when it comes to corners, especially in homes with angled walls or sloped ceilings, the task can become challenging. This guide will walk you through the process of installing crown molding around corner angles, focusing on tricky areas such as those found in cape-style homes or rooms with gambrel roofs. In the above video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows his expert techniques for handling these awkward angles.
Understanding the Challenge of Angled Walls
Certain architectural features, such as the sloped ceilings in cape-style homes or the distinctive shape of gambrel roofs, can make crown molding installation particularly tricky. These designs often create angled walls, also known as cheek walls, which intersect with flat ceilings at irregular angles.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When faced with these challenging angles, homeowners and even some professionals often resort to less-than-ideal solutions. One method is attempting to use compound miter cuts, which rarely produce satisfactory results.
Another method that doesn’t look appealing is ending the molding before the edge of the cheek wall and installing returns. Alternatively, some contractors may overrun the cheek wall, leaving a noticeable gap underneath the molding.
These approaches can result in unsightly gaps, awkward transitions, or an overall unfinished look. Fortunately, there’s a better way to tackle this problem.
Expert Technique for Crown Molding Installation
When installing crown molding around corners, creating a custom filler piece is key to bridging the gap between molding and angled walls. This technique produces a professional-looking result and allows for greater flexibility in dealing with various roof pitches.
Here are all the steps to follow:
- Cut an outside corner on a miter saw. Remember to cut upside and backward when cutting crown molding angles. Use glue and a couple of small nails to create this joint and allow it to dry. This is a corner template, so using a few scraps of shorter crown molding cutoffs is fine.
- Place the corner template over the corner. Mark the ceiling along the tops of the molding with a few light pencil marks. Also, mark the crown where its bottom edge meets the cheek wall. Remove the template and measure the distance between the mark and the corner of the template.
- Place the 1×4 board so the edge is against the ceiling and the flat of the board is against the cheek wall, overhanging the edge of the corner in question. Use a pencil to trace the angle against the back of the board. Cut along this line with the circular saw or hand saw to create an angle template.
- Use the angle template to adjust the blade angle on the table saw. Hold it against the blade and lower the blade until it lays flat against the angled cut.
- Adjust the saw fence so the blade will cut an angled board to the correct width measured in step 2. This can be a bit tricky, so start with a few test cuts before committing to a final cut.
- Cut and install the final moldings as you would any other outside corner, using the reference marks on the ceiling for alignment. Once the moldings are in place, find the length of the filler piece by measuring the length of the gap under the molding. Mark and cut this piece on a miter saw before gluing and installing it in the gap with brad nails.
- Caulk any small gaps and paint the molding for a seamless look.
Tips for a Professional Finish of Crown Molding
To get your crown molding looking the best it can, consider painting the filler piece to match either the crown molding or the wall color, depending on your preference. Sand any rough edges on the filler piece before installation for a smooth transition.
Take your time with measurements and cuts— precision is vital for a polished result. Use a level throughout the installation process so your molding remains straight. Also, use high-quality materials, including wood glue and caulk, for increased durability and a clean finish.
Integrating Crown Molding With Interior Design
Crown molding serves as more than just a structural element—it integrates with the aesthetic of your home. When executed correctly, crown molding ties in with existing architecture and wall colors. It elevates the space, creating a sense of height and elegance. Choosing the right colors and finishes can complement existing design elements and bring unity to the room.
Selecting the Right Materials
Finding the right materials for your crown molding initiative is as crucial as the installation itself. Wood is the traditional choice, offering a luxurious finish but requiring a level of expertise in cutting and shaping. For those looking for alternatives, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and polystyrene present affordable options and are easier to cut. These options cater to a wider range of budgets and skills, allowing homeowners to select the best approach for their situation.
Enhancing With Lighting
Consider using lighting for an added flair. Cove lighting can accentuate the features of crown molding, casting a soft glow that highlights its details. Appropriate lighting can add a touch of sophistication and drama, creating an ambiance that enhances your home’s interior design. Whether it’s for a quiet reading nook or an elegant dining room, lighting integrated with crown molding offers a transformative effect.
Our Conclusion
Installing crown molding around corners, especially in rooms with angled walls, doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following Silva’s techniques and creating custom filler pieces, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances the beauty of your home. With patience, precision, and the right approach, you can even address challenging architectural features.
