How to Measure and Cut Crown Moulding

Crown moulding is a length of wooden or plastic paneling that is installed against the seam where a wall and ceiling meet. Moulding is often artfully carved with patterns and a finished top edge. It can give the illusion of a bevelled corner and of a more spacious room. Depending on the layout of the room, cutting and measuring the moulding can be the most difficult aspect of installation.

Tape measure
Pencil
Paper
Power miter saw with 10-inch carbide-tipped blade
Coping saw
Utility knife
Wood rasp

Instructions

- 1
  Measure each wall and round the dimension up to the next foot. Purchase enough crown molding for your dimensions.
- 2
  Sketch a rough aerial outline of the room and record the exact (non-rounded) measurement in the correct location.
- 3
  Draw cut marks on the top edge of the moulding according to the precise wall measurements you have recorded.
- 4
  Cut the moulding to size using a power miter saw with a blade that is at least 10 inches in diameter and carbide-tipped. This type of saw and blade is used for all straight cuts.
- 5
  Use a coping saw to cut moulding that needs a coped edge (a slanted edge that allows the paneling to meet at an angle) such as on a protruding corner.
- 6
  Detail any coped inside corners by shaving away any excess wood with a utility knife. Use a wood rasp to lightly sand and shape protruding joints.

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