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Determine how tall the columns should be. Cut MDF face, sides and cleat to the desired length.
Cut MDF face to 6.5" wide. Then two sidepieces to 2.5" wide. Glue the edges of the MDF face and attach side beams, securing them with 1.5" brads.
Next cut the fluted molding down to size so that it covers the entire face. Measure the width of the crown molding and cut the same width from the end of the fluted molding. This is where the crown molding will be placed once the column is erected.
Add glue to the backside of the fluted molding and place it flush with the bottom end of the MDF, then attach with brads.
Take the face baseboard piece and place it over the bottom of the column. With a pencil, mark where to cut on the back of the board. Then, cutting from the back towards the front, make a 45-degree angle miter cut.
For the baseboard sides, cut a 45-degree angle on the ends connecting to the face piece, and then a flat cut on the other end so that the back is flush with the MDF back sidepieces. Repeat for the opposite side. Assemble and attach with nails.
If a baseboard is already in place on the wall where the column will go, use a jig saw to cut out an area that equals the full width of the column’s baseboard.
Cut an MDF cleat to 6-3/8" and attach with countersink screws where the columns will be placed. Make sure to attach the cleat to studs and not into drywall. Now, install the column over the cleat and attach with 2" brads from the side.
Cut the crown-molding piece the same way you did the baseboard. Then glue together and secure with brad nails. Once dry, install at the top of the column, over your MDF piece.
Use calking to cover up all the nail holes and seams. Once dry, paint columns to the desired color.
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