Crown Molding Installation Instructions

•   Crown moulding may be installed on most surfaces like drywall, plaster and wood.  Mark the ceiling and wall projections given by the cornice to ensure proper size and alignment. 

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• Cutting crown moulding and cornices with bottom side up with a fine-toothed handsaw in a miter box.

Miter Box

• Cut the first length of moulding with a 45º mitre on one end of profile and begin in one corner of the room.

•  If the crown moulding has a long repeat pattern consider beginning in the most prominent corner of the room and progress around the room, since the pattern may not match exactly in all corners.

•  Graze and score the ceiling and wall, between the marks previously made every 10 inches to ensure a good bond between the crown moulding and the wall surface. 

•  If the walls or ceiling are not straight or square, some fitting will be necessary. Remember that crown mouldings are rigid and must be installed in a straight line.  Please refer to our Flexible Moulding page for further options on radius crown mouldings. 

• Any variation in the walls or ceiling can be filled with "Durabond 90™" or equivalent plaster adhesive to give the appearance of a straight surface.

• Insert finishing nails on the bottom mark line to rest the moulding style. After the crown moulding adhesive has been applied to the back of the moulding profile. Also apply crown moulding adhesive to the bottom and top edges of the moulding profile and lift into place resting it on the finishing nails. In addition, set finishing nails on top of the crown moulding piece in order to hold in position.

• Edges and joints can now be filled with compound.  Wipe off excess compound with dry clean cloth. 

Interior and Exterior Decorative Moulding Styles

Additional Crown Molding Design Ideas