Crown Molding

The installation process will vary depending on the molding material. Real woods, MDF, composites and other materials will usually have to be cut to size and nailed to the studs. Corners will require a miter saw and a jigsaw or coping saw (if the corners are going to be coped). Coping is an installation method for Professional installers can handle difficult corners and obstacles like vents. Photo courtesy of T.F. Larkin, Inc. handling inside corners. In a coped corner, the first length of molding retains a square end and is installed so the end is flush with the adjacent wall. The next piece is mitered to a 45-degree angle, and the material backing is cut away using a coping saw or a jig saw. When this coped end slides up against the square end, it gives the appearance of two mitered ends joining flush, which hides the joint. Coping is used on inside corners because these corners are rarely plumb, and mitered ends will often leave an exposed joint. Additionally, the inevitable shifting of the walls over time will more likely expose the joint of a mitered inside corner than a coped one. For complete step-by-step instructions on installing crown molding, watch this BobVila.com How To Video. Some manufacturers of synthetic, no-nail crown molding like SoSimpleCrown offer their own installation videos to guide homeowners through the process of installing their adhesive-only polystyrene products. Such companies will sell direct to the customer and will often offer pre-cut corners that also glue to the wall, eliminating the need for coping or mitering. Easy Crown Molding is another well-known, no-nails molding option. Made from a lightweight, hard-shell polymer, the product is inexpensive and installs using a peel-and-stick process that doesn’t require any cutting, nailing or caulking. “A 17’ x 17’ kit weighs less than five pounds,” says Jim Jensen, inventor and owner of Easy Crown Molding. The popular alternative molding option sells for around $1 per linear foot, can be primed and painted, and doesn’t require any tools to install. “A first-timer usually installs an entire room in under an hour,” says Jensen. Homeowners should be sure to closely follow the installation guidelines for any no-nail, alternative crown molding products. Going Pro If in doubt, the homeowner can always hire a professional installer. Not only can an installer purchase the materials cheaper, he or she can get the pieces in 16-foot lengths, which can mean fewer seams and a faster install. The professional will also know how to quickly and efficiently handle both inside and outside corners, whether coping or mitering. “We miter all our corners,” says Larkin. “Probably 90 percent of installers out there cope.” To Larkin, mitering all corners is a point of pride, as it requires precise measurements and cuts to ensure a flawless joint. Professional installers also have experience handling bowed walls and obstructions such as vents, which can frustrate the DIYer. When hiring a professional, it is a good idea to choose a licensed contractor (in states where applicable) and to make sure an estimate is given upfront. Most contractors will not cite a flat per-linear-foot rate as the number of corners and other variables like obstacles will all affect the installation time. Look into possible deals, like one room crowned for free if other rooms are also done. “With me, the more rooms you have crowned, the less it costs per room,” says Larkin. Whether installing on one’s own or hiring a professional or purchasing real wood or synthetic, crown molding is a great way to add elegance to any room in the home.

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