Kitchen Crown Molding Made Easy

Adding kitchen crown molding to the top of your cabinets is an inexpensive method to gain a custom look for your kitchen. Crown molding has long been accepted as a decorative detail in other living spaces in the home. Why not the kitchen? It is a moderately easy job to accomplish for any do-it-yourself enthusiast. Following these directions will help you create a successful project.

Step 1 - Select Your Molding
You will need accurate room measurements to calculate how much molding to buy. Measure all wall lengths at the top near the ceiling for greater accuracy. Take these measurements to your favorite home improvement center or building supply store where an employee will help you determine the amount of wood needed to buy. Always add an extra 10 to 15 percent for waste and errors. Make sure to purchase enough finishing nails as well as paint or stain.

Step 2 – Cabinet Cover
Fit cut 1 to 1 1/2 inch strips of wood or particle board to the top edge of your kitchen cabinets. Nail these strips in place to serve as an attachment board so you do not have to nail your ceiling crown molding directly into the cabinets. If you can use a nail gun, this will make the job much easier and more accurate. If one is unavailable, rely on that old standard hammer and nail operation using finishing nails.

Step 3 – Cut Molding
Cut your ceiling crown molding to fit using a 45-degree angle cut. Kitchen cabinets, for the most part, are square at the corners so this should make for an easy mitered cut. Most miter boxes have a readily visible 45-degree designated section to place the molding for a cut. If your cabinets are custom angled, you will need to take careful measurements to make a custom cut.

Step 4 – Nail It Down
Using a nail gun, preferably, attach the ceiling crown molding to the nailing strip at the top of your kitchen cabinets.

Step 5 – Finishing Up
Fill in any nail head holes with wood putty. Also, look for any nicks and dings that might have occurred during installation. Fill these as well. Allow the wood putty to dry before sanding smooth. Paint or stain with your choice. Make sure to clean up any excessive paint or stain drips before drying.

Tips to Remember

• Many cabinet manufacturers sell pre-finished molding to match the cabinet color and design. Check to see if this is available for your project thus eliminating one task. You will still need to touch-up but the molding is usually accompanied by a matching tube of wood paste for this purpose.
• If possible, it is highly recommended to use a nail gun that employs headless nails that are not noticeable and do not cause surface damage that a hammer and nail system may.