So it’s your first time installing crown moulding? Me too! Let’s be honest, crown moulding can be intimidating! Figuring out the angles to get perfect corners isn’t the most straightforward, and that causes many of us, myself included, to shy away from it. However, for our entryway, I just knew it wouldn’t feel quite complete without the addition of crown moulding. Crown moulding is an easy way to elevate the overall aesthetics of a space. While it may seem like a daunting task for beginners, installing crown moulding is actually quite manageable with the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience. This tutorial will walk you through how to install DIY crown moulding for beginners like you and me!
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One Room Challenge Entryway Makeover Updates:
First of all, thank you to Sashco for partnering me on my entryway project. I will be using their eXact color caulk for my moulding and I can’t wait to give it a try!
If you’ve missed my previous updates, you can find them here:
DIY Crown Moulding for Beginners
Now, this entryway is my first crown moulding installation. As a complete beginner, it wasn’t perfect, but nothing a little caulk couldn’t fix! Be encouraged, it’s not as difficult as I thought once I wrapped my head around it (and got the right jig!). Read on to learn my tips for your first-time installing crown moulding, plus a few beginner mistakes I made that you should look out for.
Tools & Materials:
- Moulding
- Crown Moulding Jig (trust me, this jig is worth the $20!)
- Measuring Tape
- Protractor
- Miter Saw
- Brad Nail Gun
- 2″ Brad Nails – 18 gauge
- Caulk (have you tried this tintable caulk??)
- Wood Filler
- Paint (I used this door & trim enamel)
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Start by measuring the walls where you plan to install the crown moulding. Take accurate measurements of each wall and write them down. With each measurement also note if it is an inside or outside corner and the angle of the corner (usually 45 degrees unless your walls are at odd angles).
Next, determine the angle of your crown moulding. I’m talking the angle that the moulding meets the wall, not the corner angle. Most US crown is either 52 or 38. The easiest way to do this is to cut a small piece of your moulding and hold it against the wall and ceiling (or a carpenters square if you have one) so the edges are flush. Use a protractor to measure the angle from the moulding to the wall (not the moulding to the ceiling).
Step 2: Cut the Crown Moulding
Mark where you’ll need to cut the moulding. All measurements for your cuts should be made to the bottom of the moulding since that is what sits against the wall. Remember to cut the ends at the appropriate angles for inside and outside corners. The easiest way to remember this is that INSIDE corners will angle IN at the TOP, while OUTSIDE corners will angle OUT at the TOP. The jig also tells you how to angle the miter saw based on the position of the jig (right or left) and if you are making an inside or outside corner cut. Trust me, once you make a few cuts, you’ll get the hang of it and it’ll be much easier!
Set up your crown moulding jig (this is where you need to use the insert that comes with the jig to set the angle of your moulding against the wall). Hold the crown moulding against the jig as it would sit against the wall (top side up – this is what makes this specific jig easier to use!). Cut it to the correct length according to your measurements.
Step 3: Pre-Paint or Stain Crown Moulding
Before installing, I chose to pre-paint my crown moulding to make it a bit easier. I did just one coat and did the second after installation since I knew there would be nail holes to fill (this was before I had the eXact color caulking by Sashco!).
Step 4: Install the Moulding
Use a nail gun with brad nails to secure the moulding to the wall. Place nails every 12 inches or so along the length of the moulding. I found it helpful to have my husband hold the larger pieces of moulding so I could install it at the correct angle against the wall.
Step 5: Finish and Caulk
Once all the moulding pieces are installed, fill all nail holes with wood filler (you can fill them with caulking, but I find wood filler stays flush whereas caulk will sink into the hole just a bit). Quick tip on using wood filler: fill the nail holes and then use a baby wipe to wipe away the excess, no sanding needed!
Apply a bead of caulk along all seams where the moulding meets the wall/ceiling and at any joints or corners. Use a damp cloth or baby wipe to wipe away any excess caulk for a clean, professional finish.
Step 6: Admire Your New DIY Crown Moulding!
Add your final coat of paint, then admire your work! I was amazed at how much more polished my entryway felt after installing the crown moulding. It just has a way of adding elegance and charm to a room. I can’t wait to move on to the box moulding next week! Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more behind the scenes.
I hope you found this beginner-friendly crown moulding tutorial helpful! Please ask all the questions, I’m happy to help and encourage you to go after your big ideas 😊
Be sure to check out the other One Room Challenge projects!
