What this covers
Crown molding sits at an angle between wall and ceiling, so every cut is a compound angle and every corner is tested against walls that are rarely square. The carpenter chooses a profile sized to the room, installs backing where needed, cuts and copes each piece, nails it to studs and ceiling joists, and fills and caulks for the painter. Built-up crown stacks several pieces for a larger profile.
When to call
- A dining room, living room, bedroom or hall that wants a finished ceiling line.
- A room where the ceiling and wall meet unevenly and a crown would hide it.
- Trim removed during a ceiling repair that needs replacing.
What to expect
- ChooseProfile and size are chosen for the ceiling height and the existing trim.
- PrepareBacking is added where joists do not give nailing, and the layout marked.
- Cut and installPieces are cut at compound angles, coped at inside corners and nailed.
- Fill and caulkNail holes and the wall and ceiling lines are filled and caulked for paint.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What size should crown be?
Taller ceilings take larger crown. An eight-foot ceiling usually suits a modest profile; higher ceilings can carry built-up crown.
Why are the corners coped?
Mitered inside corners open as the wood and house move. A coped joint stays closed.
Can crown go on cabinets?
Yes. Cabinet crown is a common finish on upper cabinets and is fitted the same way.
Related: Finish carpentry · Coffered ceilings · Baseboard installation · All carpentry and trim
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