DIY Network

Kitchen Makeover Pt. 1: Installing Crown Molding A kitchen gets a fresh look with refinished cabinets, concrete countertops, backsplash and crown molding. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-201

New crown molding helps give the kitchen a whole new visual profile.

As part of a project to spruce up her kitchen, homeowner Kristen Thomas decides to install crown molding. Crown is a simple way to improve the aesthetics of any room. Another nice thing about this project: you can do it yourself.

Below are some tips, as well as a list of tools and materials needed, and a summary of the basic steps for undertaking this project.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials and tools:

crown molding
measuring tape
pneumatic finish nailer
finish nails
wood putty
miter saw

Safety Alert: Whenever using power tools use proper safety precautions including safety glasses, respirator masks and gloves when necessary and always use common sense.

Tips:

• Take your time and measure carefully. Crown molding can be tricky if you move too fast.

• Cuts are made while crown molding is upside down.

• Test your fit around each corner first before installing.

Steps: Installing Crown Molding

• Measure along cabinet sides and around walls for the length of each piece (figure A).

• Adjust the miter saw to cut at the correct 45 degree angle (figure B) taking into account when cutting that, since the molding is being held upside down, that the "bottom" of the molding is actually the top (figure C).

• Hold the molding "in position" on the miter saw (figure D). "In position" means the molding is at the angle at which it will be installed; the sides should be flush with the bottom and fence of the miter saw.

• After carefully making the cut, follow the same steps to get the next piece (figure E). Make sure that the pieces fit together and create a 90 degree angle (figure F).

• When installing on a wall, use the pneumatic nailer to secure the crown molding at the wall studs (figure G).

• Note: When installing to the top of a cabinet, space the finish nails about 12 to 16 inches apart.

• Caulking can be used to fill in the nail divots and fill in the joints of the molding.