Cut Crown Molding Like a Pro

Crown molding on a ceiling.

Let’s be honest, if everyone could cut crown molding, everyone would have it in their homes, right? Crown molding adds height to the room and can make a simple living room look and feel like a regal showcase. But, the truth remains – crown molding is a pain to cut and by making so many mistakes, the cost of your room re-do is slowly getting higher. But here’s some help. Put down the saw for a minute and learn how to cut crown molding like a pro.

About Crown Molding

Crown molding is created differently from other types of molding, like baseboards or door frame molding. With crown molding, the back of the wood never comes in contact with the wall. The top part of the trim touches the ceiling and the bottom part touches the wall. Cut a small piece of crown molding and hold it up to the wall where it meets the ceiling to see how it works.

Cutting Crown Molding

Crown molding isn't cut like other types of molding. Baseboard molding is cut with the molding standing up, as it is installed. Window or door casing is always cut with the wood lying flat on its back. Crown molding, however, is a different story altogether. In order to properly cut crown molding, the molding needs to be situated on the saw table the exact same way it’s going to be installed on the wall/ceiling. This means that the top part of the molding will rest against the saw table’s fence and the foot of the molding will rest on the table’s base. The backside should not be touching anything.

Set your table saw to a 45-degree angle and make a test cut. Look at the crown molding and how the cut is made. The bottom of the molding will be longer than the top. This is essential because the bottom part of the crown molding goes closer to the wall corner than the top does.

By following these easy tips, it won’t be long before you’re cutting crown molding like a pro.