Painting Ideas & Tips
  • May 2, 2018
  • Home Renovations

How To Cut Crown Molding

Crown molding is the piece of wood that sits in between the corners of the wall and ceiling at about 45-degree angle. The moldings can be at the bottom or the top of the corners. Cutting the moldings is not tricky, but could be if the walls are not exactly square in shape.

Tools you need for Cutting the Crown Molding

  • Miter Box
  • Pencil
  • Coping and Handsaw
  • Dowel
  • Combination Square
Steps for Cutting the Crown Mold
  • Insert the crown molding in the miter box with bottom edge facing upwards. Hold it at an angle, to fit against the corners of the base and ceiling. Now cut the side at an angle of 45-degrees. The edge that is on the bottom of the box is the longer edge.
  • Now remove the saw from the pair of the notches and insert into another pair so that it’s played in the opposite direction.
  • Miter the edges in the same way for a smooth finish.
  • Use a coping saw to fit crown moulding in inside corners that aren’t square. Begin by cutting the edge of one section of molding at a 90-degree angle and securing it in position with that end flush against the wall.

Tip: If you wish to paint the edges, use acrylic latex caulk to fill up the imperfect gaps.

How to Cut Inside Corner of Crown Molding?

1. Measure the Angle of the Corner between the Walls :

Use a Protractor to measure the exact angle of the edge. Most precisely the angle would be 90-degree, must measure the correct angle. Make sure that the protractor is placed parallel to the bottom and ceiling, to get the right angle. Cut each of the two crown molding pieces at half of the measured angle to make them fit precisely in the corner.

2. Cut the Right Side Corner :

Set the compound miter saw to the required angle. Place the piece to be cut on the bed of the saw and cut while you held the mold with your left hand. Be sure that the bottom of the molding should be up when you make the cutting. Do not turn the saw while cutting, as it might change the angle.

3. Cut the Left Side Corner :

Now set the angle again on the miter and make the cutting of the left corner. Place the molding on the bed of the saw and while you held the mold with the right hand, make the cut. Here also the bottom of the molding should be kept up while cutting and also the saw should not be turned while cutting.

Warning: Take precautionary measures when working on the miter and saw.

How to do Crown Molding Outside Corner Cuts?

1. Mark the Length Required :

Marking is the crucial step to be done carefully. Measure the length of the crown needed for the outside corners of the walls. Using a tape, measure the dimensions of the outer edge where the molding is to be fitted. Mark the lengths clearly with a pencil.

2. Determine the Angles :

Using a large protractor measure the angle between the outside corners. Note down both outer angles from each corner of the wall.

3. Cut the Molding using a Miter Saw :

A miter saw is a device needed now. The miter saw is used to cut the crown mouldings at the particular angle that is required. Set the required angle in the miter saw and cut one of the moldings. Pick up the second molding piece and perform the cutting by placing it upside down on the saw. Pick up the two pieces and check if they fit on the outside corner perfectly. Usually, the angle for cutting the moldings is 45 degrees.

Now that you came to know about how to cut crown molding, follow the next step of installing crown molding here.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned instructions on how to cut crown molding will be helpful if you had some previous experience in using the sharp tools, else it is a wise decision to get your job done by a professional because a single mistake made in the process can create a whole mess and will result in the loss of material, money and of course your valuable time. Our Professionals at Executive Touch Painters and Home Renovations Ltd has got years of experience in various custom carpentry and trim work for residential and commercial spaces in Toronto. Contact or Call us at 416-410-0164 for a Free Estimate Now!