Crown molding can be one of the most challenging carpentry projects for the home. There are several things to consider before crown molding can be installed, such as the dimensions of the room and the type of molding you want to use. However, with enough practice and patience, a homeowner can take on this project and add visual depth to any room. Does this Spark an idea?
Choices
Decide the type of molding you want to use. Crown molding is available in both softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwoods, such as oak, have more texture and can provide more visual appeal. However, softwoods are easier to work with and to nail into the wall. There are also crown moldings made out of polyurethane or tin.
Different molding designs will range from basic to intricate. A basic design would be a band molding, which looks like a baseboard you would traditionally find around the floor and the wall. The only drawback is that these moldings will not have the angled design that some homeowners desire. They can also be difficult to install if the ceiling is not completely flat.
Other molding designs rest against the wall and the ceiling at an angle. Depending on the molding choice, this angle can be around 45 degrees or less.
Blocking
No matter what angled design you choose, the beginning of the installation will be the same. Fasten blocking material into the space between the wall and the ceiling. The actual crown molding will be attached to this blocking material. You don't want to install the crown molding directly to the wall because the house can settle and move over the years causing the molding to shift.
The type of wood stock you use for the blocking material doesn't matter. It is only a functional piece. Measure correctly and cut at an angle so that it can be properly installed where the wall and ceiling meets. Nail the block in, but consider leaving a bit of space between the block and the wall in case you need to make adjustments to the molding.
Molding
Nail the molding into the blocking material. The hardest part of this project will be the corners of the room. The molding needs to have a continuous flow even where the walls turn. This is accomplished by creating a coped joint on one end of the molding. Cut this coped joint so that it seamlessly blends into the molding where the corners meet.
Another option is to install cornices in the corner. These cornices are elaborate wood pieces that meet in the corner. But with the coped joints, the molding still needs to seamlessly blend into the cornice.
Tags: blocking material, wall ceiling, angled design, coped joint, crown molding, molding designs