How to End Crown Molding Into a Flat Wall

Position the stretch of crown molding that you want to end on your miter saw. Flip the molding upside down so the flat piece of the molding that normally rests against a wall is resting against the fence of your saw, and the flat piece that normally rests against the ceiling is resting against the base of the saw.

Move the crown molding to the left or the right, depending on the end you wish to cut. If you are creating a return on the left end of a piece of molding, position the molding to the left of the saw, and position it on the right of the saw if you want the return on the right end. This seems backward, but remember that the molding is currently upside down. Position the place where you want to cut directly under the saw.

Rotate the miter saw to a 45 degree angle. Rotate the saw to the right if the molding is on the left, and to the left if the molding is on the right.

Push the trigger on your saw and bring it down, cutting the molding.

Position the molding on your wall and nail it into place. Put a nail about 1/2-inch from the bottom and top of the molding wherever it intersects a joist or stud. Use a stud finder if you are not sure of the stud and joist locations.

Position another piece of crown molding on your saw, oriented on the opposite side, as the first piece.

Rotate the miter saw to 45 degrees in the opposite direction and cut the molding.

Position the piece of molding you just cut face down on the saw table. Move it so the point of the miter is positioned directly under the saw blade. Turn the saw on and cut off this piece.

Place carpenter's glue on the mitered cut of this small piece and the mitered end of the molding you installed.

Press these two pieces together, creating an end to your crown molding.