Today’s tutorial- how to install crown molding. My husband and I have done crown molding in a bunch of rooms and I’m finally doing a tutorial. Why? Because it is actually really tricky to install! The first time we installed it, we put it up flat. Months later we were watching a DIY show and realized that we did it wrong- lol!
The beauty of the crown molding is that it beautifully caps off the top of the room. It is installed at an angle which makes it a little tricky. Now that we have it down to more of an art, I’m ready to document my best tips to make it much easier.
The crown molding went up in the playroom this weekend. After finishing up the shiplap ceiling, it was the perfect finishing touch!Side note, in case you’ve missed any of the playroom posts, you can catch up here-
tiger wallpaper installation / how to create a mood board / how to paint walls super quick / how to lay laminate floors / how to make a Kraft paper roller / how to install baseboards / how to caulk / how to install a shiplap ceiling / DIY Dress up rack / DIY Play kitchen
how to install crown molding
Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:
If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!SUPPLIES
step 1
Let’s start by talking about the crown stops! These are the hero of the project. They cost around $20 and just screw onto our miter saw. You’ll have to make sure you get the right stops for the saw you own, but man, they make cutting crown molding easier! If you’re going to try installing crown molding, I 100% recommend it! And they are highly rated (only 5 stars).
So what’s so great about the crown stops? They hold the crown molding in the correct spot so that you can easily cut them. They include 2 sets for both sides of the saw. They save a ton of time and it is much easier to get perfect joints with the stops since they keep the molding in the perfect spot.
Begin by installing the crown stops onto the miter saw.
step 2
Next, it’s time to make a test angle piece. This is another REALLY helpful hack. Essentially, you’re going to cut a small piece of crown molding with 45 degree angles on each side (each going in). When holding up crown molding, it’s really nice to have so you can confirm if your cut pieces work or to decide which angle you’re going to cut.
step 3
And now it’s time to cut actual pieces of crown molding! I am using the gorgeous Metrie crown molding for the project.
Hold up your test piece of molding and decide on the first angle. Mark your piece of trim and cut it on a 45 degree angle. For every piece that you’re going to put up, make sure to hold it up first for a dry fit before nailing it up. 
A second option is to hold up your crown molding and draw a pencil line with the angle so when you’re at the saw, its easy to remember which 45 degree angle you’ll be cutting.
step 4
When you are putting two pieces of trim on one wall, make sure to cut the pieces at 45 degrees to join them together. They will be less noticeable that way.
Another trick for installing crown molding is to hold up the piece you need to cut and mark with a pencil where you will cut. Whenever you can directly mark the molding and avoid measuring (which should leave less room for error), the better.
step 5
If you are going to install crown molding on a sloped ceiling like mine- here’s how! Start by holding up your crown molding in place and measure how much of a gap you have between your sloped wall and the crown molding. There will be a gap since crown molding is designed for 90 degree angled walls.
Then, you need to buy a flat piece of trim with the same width. For us, that was a 2″ piece.
Install the crown molding as usual, but then nail up the flat trim below the crown. that way you create a nice cove and can use crown molding on an angled ceiling.
after
Finish by caulking all seams and then painting everything white.
And there you have it- our absolute best tips for how to cut crown molding! I’m sure you know, but having beautiful millwork to finish the room off really brings it together. The crown molding, shiplap, and baseboards are all from Metrie and really elevate the whole look.
Side note, thanks to our friend Kris for helping out with this project! It sure was nice having someone super tall so I didn’t have to climb up and down a stool 500 times ;).
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
If you love it, pin it!
