If the wall you’re measuring is longer than your tape measure, just measure from 1 side of the wall as far as your tape measure will go. For example, say it’s 100 inches (250 cm). Mark the spot with a pencil. Then, measure from the other side of the wall to the pencil mark. Add the 2 measurements together to find the full length of molding you’ll need. [1] X Research source If you haven’t installed molding before, work on measuring and cutting 1 piece at a time.
Hardware stores will let you return leftover, unused molding. Most molding boards are about 3 inches (7. 6 cm) wide and 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) thick.
If you’re making an outside cut, you’ll mark the length on the top of the board. If you’re making an inside cut, you’ll mark the length on the bottom of the board. [4] X Research source For example, say you’ll be applying molding to 2 walls that are 105 inches (270 cm) and 85 inches (220 cm), respectively. You’ll need to measure out and mark those distances on 2 separate molding boards.
Some types of miter saw may require you to loosen a knob before you can adjust the base’s angle. Make sure to use a trim-cutting saw that’s between 80-100 tooth for a more precise and smooth cut.
So, the bottom of the board needs to be shorter for an outside cut.
So, the front part of the molding needs to be shorter for an inside cut.
Keep your other hand on the molding board to hold it steady as you cut. Make sure that your hand is at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the blade at all times. The board’s cut edges will be rough and potentially splintered. Sand both of the sawed edges with a piece of 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. [10] X Research source
Once the 2 boards are cut, you’ll be ready to hang the molding.
Then, use a hammer to drive 1. 5 in (3. 8 cm) finishing nails into the splice cut to hold the boards together.
You can use any type of scrap board as the jig. Or, if you prefer not to make your own, you can purchase a jig from a hardware store.
Be careful not to bump the jig out of place when you’re moving the crown molding board around.
When you position the 2 crown molding boards on the wall, the first board you cut will butt square into the corner. The second molding board will slip into place against the first, leaving no gap between the boards. Use a coping saw to trace the profile of the molding onto the edge of one piece after making your miter cut. This will help make your corners easier to install.
Then, rotate the saw to the right 45-degree mark and cut your second board. Use a corner block to eliminate miter cuts and make the molding easier to install.
