Introduction

• Crown moldings in homes date back to the Renaissance when architectural builders began using hints of Greek and Roman design in homes. Today crown moldings are a popular choice to bring architectural interest and class to any home remodel or new build. Installing this simple trim can also quickly add value to your home.
  
  

Measure and Layout

• Before you can buy crown molding, you need to measure the lengths of your walls to get an exact idea of how much molding to buy. To be safe, it is important to round up by one foot for each wall measurement. When the wood arrives at your home, lay out each piece on each wall. Number the back of each one so that you don't get them mixed up later.
  
  

Mark

• Next you will want to mark your base line as well as where the studs and joists are in your wall. To mark your base line, take a scrap piece of molding and hold it up to the ceiling on each end of the wall. Make a small mark at the bottom of the molding. Take a chalk line and line it up on the two marks on the wall. Snap the line. Next use a stud finder and mark each stud and joint in your wall with a small dot. This will ensure that you only nail the crown molding into a stud or joist and not plain drywall.
  
  

Install

• Using your wall measurements, transfer the measurement onto the piece of molding. Use these measurements to determine where to use a miter saw to cut both ends square. Put the cut piece of molding on the chalk line and use 8d finish nails to fasten the molding to the studs or joists.
  
  

Inside Corner Joints

• Use a coping saw to cut the end of the molding that is going to fit in the corner of the walls. You can do this by making a light pencil line directly on the end of the miter cut. Cut just enough wood off to make the pencil line disappear. If the fit is not tight enough you can use a utility knife to cut a little more off the end of the piece until it fits snug in the corner.
  
  

Outside Corners

• Since the outside corner does not require a coping cut, you can just cut the two ends with a miter saw at opposite 45 degree angles.
  
  

Finish

• Continue working your way around the room. Every inside corner use a coping saw; every outside corner use a miter saw. Do this until you meet the other end of the molding. You can then cover up your nail holes by using putty or wax. With wax you can order just about any color to match your wood stain or paint.