Home Garden

DIY: How to Cut Crown Molding

Crown molding is a decorative accent applied to cabinets and around the top edge of rooms. Many homeowners decide to install crown molding as part of an update or remodel of their current design. While not an overly difficult process, you will probably need to learn how to cut crown molding during the installation process. The most common types of cuts include scarf joints, outside corner joints and inside corner joints. Each cut requires a different method to ensure a proper fit on the wall.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Miter saw
  • Coping saw
Show More

Instructions

  1. Scarf Joint

    • 1

      Place the molding in the miter saw upside down.

    • 2

      Cut the crown molding at a 45-degree angle.

    • 3

      Remove the piece of crown molding. Set the second piece in the miter saw and cut it at a 45-degree in the opposite direction.

    Outside Joint

    • 4

      Set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle to the left.

    • 5

      Cut the first piece of crown molding.

    • 6

      Rotate the miter saw at a 45-degree angle to the right.

    • 7

      Cut the second piece of crown molding, known as the mate.

    Inside Joint

    • 8

      Attach the first piece of molding to the wall. Butt one end into the inside corner.

    • 9

      Hold the second piece of molding against the first. Trace the outline with the pencil.

    • 10

      Use the coping saw to cut out the design to match against the first piece of crown molding on the wall.