How to Add Moulding on Raised Panel Doors

Measure the top of the door frame, including any trim board that goes around the door's edge. Cut a 3/4-by-4-inch wood board to the same length as the door frame's width. This is the molding support board.

Hold this cut board above the door frame so it rests against the door's trim board. Attach it to the wall using finishing nails spaced every 6 inches along the top of the front surface, so they'll be covered by the molding attachment.

Obtain a piece of crown molding from a hardware store or specialty interior decorating store that's 2 feet longer than the molding support board. Determine which edge of the molding is the bottom edge by noting that it has the largest surface area for butting against the molding support board.

Make a mark in the exact center of the rear side of the molding, along the bottom edge. Measure half the length of the molding support board. Starting from the center point mark you made on the molding, add the support board measurement in both directions, and mark those locations. The distance between the two outside marks will equal the length of the molding support board.

Set the miter saw to 45 degrees. Flip the molding board upside down and position it against the miter saw, with the marked edge on the top. Line up one of the outside markings with the saw position and cut at an upward angle relative to the molding. Cut both ends of the molding in this fashion so the bottom edge of the molding is the same length as the molding support board and the upper edge is significantly longer.

Position the cut piece of molding with its bottom edge against the support board and the rest of the molding sticking out into the room at about a 45-degree angle. Cover 1 inch of the molding support board's front edge with the molding. Hammer the molding to the molding support board with 1-inch finishing nails spaced every 6 inches. Hammer lightly to avoid damaging the molding.

Measure the gaps between the ends of the molding and the wall and cut two leftover pieces of molding to fit in these gaps. Use 90-degree cuts on the miter saw for one end of each piece, which will fit against the wall. Use the same 45-degree cut you employed in Step 4 for the other side, which will attach to the molding.

Apply wood glue to each edge of these two smaller pieces of molding. Press them in place between the molding and the wall and tape them securely with painter's tape. Allow the wood glue to dry overnight.