How to Cut Crown Molding

Crown moldings are ornamental trims that are used to smoothen the transition of walls and ceilings of rooms or other structures. They come in all kinds of designs and styles, but regardless of the level of the molding’s detail, cutting crown molding may pose a bit of a challenge. This is primarily due to the fact that its shape is a bit hard to handle and use and precision in the cuts made is imperative to create an excellent finished product. However, you do not have to worry. Through careful planning and the use of proper tools, it can be done correctly.

Although there is a wide variety of saws that may be used for cutting crown molding, experts recommend using a miter saw for easier and more convenient cutting. You can choose to use a manual or motorized miter saw. When selecting the kind of saw you will be using, you should carefully consider your molding’s width first. This is so that you can determine if your saw can extend beyond the molding’s width. However, keep in mind that if it is turned by 45 degrees, the maximum width is significantly lessened.

The primary rule in the process of cutting crown molding is accurately measuring the wall and molding pieces. Nothing could be more frustrating as finding out that you cut the crown molding a bit short. Since you cannot do anything anymore after finding out that the piece is too short, it is always better to find out that you cut the piece longer than what you need and then just shave off gradually to get the perfect size.

Watch these videos for more instructions on cutting crown molding.

You should then correctly place the molding on the saw. The molding’s wall side edge must be securely pushed on the saw’s back fence and the molding’s ceiling side edge must be placed on the saw base. If the molding is not correctly fitted on to the saw could result in improperly aligned cuts. You may want to have someone to assist you in holding the molding to make this easier.

After that, you can make precise and straight cuts carefully, all the while checking that the molding is placed against the fence of the saw at all times. For corners, the ends of moldings should be cut at the opposing 45-degree angles so that they will properly fit. You can probably draw the cuts first and imagine how the pieces will fit so that you can avoid making mistakes.

The crown molding’s length should be able to cover the wall’s length with just a piece. However, if the wall is too long then this may not be possible. If that is the case, you can use two pieces and join them together with preferably, a scarf joint.

You can also try to use scrap molding first for practice. You may also check if the nearby home improvement stories offering a workshop about the proper procedures for making cuts.