Installing Crown Molding – On the House
Home   >   Q&A   >   Building, Remodeling, and General Repair   >   Installing Crown Molding

Installing Crown Molding

By on May 22, 2014
crown molding

Question

In putting up crown molding, I understand there is a more attractive way to do corners other than mitering. What is it? How do you do it?

Answer

Mitering is the quickest and easiest way to cut and join moldings at corners where it is important for the moldings to appear as though they have joined without a seam. With mitering, the ends to be joined on each of the two pieces of wood are cut at an angle equal to half that of the corner angle.
For example: miter cuts at a 90-degree corner would each be at 45 degrees.
Coping is the “other” technique that some say is better than mitering. However, coping can only be used for inside corners. Here, a coping saw is used to cut the shape of one molding into the one joining it and end-to-face connection. A coped cut is best made with a slight bevel to insure a tight joint at the face of the molding. Coping cannot be used for outside corners. Here a miter must be used. Properly cut, a miter is every bit as good as — if not better than — a coped joint. Especially when the molding is large and has an intricate pattern. We usually miter. Pre-fabbed corners are available with some crown moldings that eliminate the need for a miter cut and simplify installation. However, most crown moldings are stand alone items and must be installed with a miter- and/or a cope-cut.

About onthehouse

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Pin It on Pinterest