DIY Hanging Crown Molding

Measure the wall where you will be hanging the crown molding with a measuring tape. Transfer these measurements to a piece of molding.

Position the crown molding on a miter saw. Cutting is the trickiest part of the process, so you may want to practice setting the molding in place and cutting off a few scrap pieces. Place the molding upside down on the saw so that the top of the molding rests against the table of the saw and the bottom of the molding rests against the saw fence. The molding will look like it does when installed on the wall, only upside down.

Cut the crown molding to fit around an outside corner on the wall. Place the molding in position on the saw. Set the saw to a 45-degree angle, and cut the molding to size. Repeat with the other side of the corner by setting the saw at an opposite 45-degree angle.

Cut the crown molding to fit inside corners on the wall. Place the molding in position on the saw. Set the miter saw to 45 degrees and cut the first side of the inside corner. Cut the other side of the inside corner at a 45-degree angle. If the molding joint does not make a perfect fit, use a pencil to mark the back edge of one of the cut ends. Hold a coping saw at a 5-degree angle and cut away the back portion of the crown molding, following the mark. This side of the inside corner should then fit the profile of the other side of the corner.

Have a friend help you hold the crown molding in place on the wall and install the molding by nailing it in place with a nail gun. Nail the molding every six inches. Repeat with all pieces of the crown molding.

Caulk the space between the molding and the wall or ceiling if needed. Spread a bead of caulk along the space and smooth it out with your finger. Allow to dry overnight and finish the molding as desired.