Installing Crown Molding

Some DIY projects look deceptively easy, and crown molding is definitely one of them. Even if you’re pretty good with power tools, installing crown molding may be better left to the pros. Learn more in this DIY Network video:

The biggest issue that cause problems with crown molding is that most homes are just not totally square, so even a simple 90-degree angle can cause you major frustration.

There are also different kinds of angles, which require different kinds of cuts. For example, inside corners, outside corners, and spring angles all require a different method. There’s also a fair amount of math involved to get those angles just right.

And keep in mind, the larger the molding, or the more elaborate your molding stack, the more complicated the job is. It can even require special tools or tricks of the trade.

With so many variables in play, you also want to factor in the cost of mistakes. Cutting incorrectly means you may end up wasting a lot of material, which means you’re wasting money. This is a good argument for why sometimes it just pays to hire a pro.

And don’t forget that once you have the molding installed, the job isn’t complete. You still want to fill all the nail holes, caulk the seams or any gaps, and of course paint it out to fit you room’s design. This too can be more than the average DIY-er bargained for both in time and money.

For many, hiring a pro for a project like this is a smart move – you write the check, let the carpenter handle the math, problem solved.