How to Cut Crown Molding at an Outside 90

Crown molding can give even experienced carpenters trouble until they learn one simple trick. No matter what the corner, always measure the wall and mark that measurement along the bottom edge of the crown. This bottom edge will always be the same length as the wall you are applying it to, no matter how tall or complex the crown design. An outside 90, or standard outside corner, is made up of two 45 degree miters, one on each piece to form a 90 degree angle.

Tape measure
Crown
Miter saw
Wood glue
Pin nailer
Masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the wall on each side and mark the length of your piece on the bottom edge of the molding. Mark the piece for the left wall near the right end and vice versa.
- 2
  Set the miter saw to cut a 45 degree miter to the left to cut the piece for the left-hand side. Position the crown on the saw, with its top edge on the saw table as it will be against the ceiling and the bottom edge against the saw fence as it will be against the wall. Align the blade on the left side of the mark.
- 3
  Hold the molding firmly against the fence and table and start the saw, drawing the blade down and through the molding in one smooth action. Release the trigger and allow the blade to stop before letting it return to the upright position. Follow this procedure in reverse for the other piece.
- 4
  Apply wood glue to the edges of the miter cuts. Position the left piece of molding against the ceiling and wall. Nail it in place with 1 1/4-inch pin nails through the bottom edge into the wall and the top edge into the ceiling every 8 inches. Fit the right-hand piece against the ceiling and wall with the mitered end matched up with the left piece, nail it in place.
- 5
  Press the two mitered ends together and apply masking tape to hold it in position until the glue dries.

How to Calculate the Angle for Crown Molding

How to Make Inside Mitre Cuts on Cove Molding

Woodworking