How to Easily Install Crown Molding

Set a piece of crown molding upside down on your miter saw, so that the top (which normally contacts the ceiling) rests against the table and the bottom (usually against the wall) sits against the vertical piece of the saw. Clamp the molding in this position.

Set a piece of plywood on the table pushed up against the molding. Clamp or glue the plywood in place so that it creates a guideline for cutting the molding. Remove the molding from the saw.

Set the miter saw blade 45 degrees to the left and cut through the plywood. Repeat 45 degrees to the right and remove the middle cut out section. This is where you will cut your molding.

Set your first piece of molding in place in the starting corner of your room. If the piece will set up against another piece of molding, you must scarf the joint, or cut it at a 45-degree angle, to make it bond properly.

Set the piece of molding upside down within the guide of your miter saw. Turn the saw blade left 45 degrees if you are working counterclockwise around the room and to the right if you are working clockwise.

Slowly cut through the end of the piece of molding to create a 45-degree angle on the end. Remove this piece and cut the next piece of molding the opposite direction, so that the ends of the two pieces fit together. This is a scarf joint.

Set the first piece of molding in place. Secure it through the flat sections that sit against the ceiling and wall with 4D finishing nails, hammered or gunned into the molding every 6 inches along the way.

Apply a thin bead of wood glue to the cut surface of each piece and nail the second piece of molding in place. The glue will reinforce the joint.

Wipe away any excess glue from the joint with a damp rag. When the glue dries, sand it with 100-grit sandpaper to create a smooth joint.

Repeat cutting, nailing and gluing all the way around your room, connecting each piece of crown molding with scarf joint, even around corners. Continue until all molding is installed.