- 1). Measure the linear footage of the perimeter of your room. Using a steel tape measure, measure the distance from one corner to the next. Repeat this for each wall. Add the figures. This gives you the linear footage you need to cover.
- 2). Add 10 percent to this figure. The overage will account for necessary cuts and mistakes.
- 3). Use a stud finder to locate wall studs and ceiling rafters. Mark these locations with a pencil.
- 4). Start in a corner. Place the longest piece of crown molding you have along the top of the wall. If the piece is shorter than the width of the wall, you need to splice two pieces together.
Do this by cutting the necessary amount from another piece of molding to complete the distance. Cut the end of the original piece at a 45-degree angle. Cut the end of the other piece of molding that will join to it at a 135-degree angle. The two angles should equal 180 degrees. - 5). Do not install the first piece yet. You will install the original piece first and then the second piece. When you splice together crown molding, you need to install the spliced pieces separately and join with a bead of glue.
- 6). Before installing the first piece, however, cut the opposite end (the one not being spliced) with a miter saw.
To determine the angle needed for your cut, measure the angle of the corner at which you are starting and divide that figure in half. This gives you the angle to cut. Make a note of this figure. It will be needed when you cut to join your last length of molding. - 7). Install your first piece of molding. Use finishing nails to attach the molding to the wall and ceiling. Nail at the locations you marked earlier indicating studs and rafters.
- 8). Determine the angle of the opposite corner using the same process in step six. Cut the end of the second piece (the piece to be spliced in) to the appropriate angle. Install the second piece, using a bead of glue to join the two pieces of molding.
- 9). Cut one end of the next piece of molding at the same angle as the last cut you did for the previous piece. This should allow you to join the two pieces at the corner with a minimal seam.
- 10
Before installing the ceiling molding along the second wall, determine the angle of the next corner to get your next cut. Follow the procedure for splicing as necessary. - 11
Proceed around the perimeter of the room until you join the last piece of molding to the first piece you installed. Use a nail punch to countersink nails and fill holes with putty. Paint or stain over putty holes if necessary.
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