Do you put crown molding above kitchen cabinets?

Whether to install crown molding above kitchen cabinets is a common question for homeowners remodeling or building a new kitchen. Crown molding can add an elegant finish to a kitchen, visually enhancing the cabinets and drawing the eye upwards. However, it also requires careful planning and execution to properly install. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding on crown molding over kitchen cabinets.

Quick Answer

The quick answer is that crown molding can definitely be installed above kitchen cabinets to create a more finished, high-end look. However, proper installation is key to making it look seamless and integrated. Challenges like dealing with soffits, ceiling lights, and corners take some advanced planning and carpentry skills.

The Pros of Crown Molding Over Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some of the benefits to installing crown molding over kitchen cabinets:

• Enhances the overall aesthetic – Crown molding adds elegant detail and visual interest to kitchen cabinetry. It draws the eye upward and makes the space feel more polished.
• Increases home value – Crown molding is a desirable feature in kitchens and can increase the resale value of a home. It’s on trend for higher-end homes and luxury kitchens.
• Makes cabinets look built-in – Molding around cabinets gives them a custom, built-in look as opposed to appearing more like freestanding furniture.
• Conceals uneven walls or ceilings – Molding can conceal flaws in the walls like uneven seams, drywall cracks, or areas that aren’t perfectly level with the ceiling.
• Finishes off cabinets nicely – The top edges of cabinets can look unpolished or unfinished. Molding gives them a completed, built-out look.
• Visual impact for the investment – Crown molding offers a lot of visual bang for the buck. It creates an upscale look that’s worth the investment cost.

The Cons of Crown Molding Over Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some of the downsides to keep in mind about crown molding over cabinets:

• Higher installation cost – Paying for professional installation of crown molding costs more versus not having any molding.
• Darkens the kitchen – Depending on the molding depth and finish, it can slightly darken the kitchen by bringing the ceiling visually lower.
• Difficult to install – Getting clean, consistent seams and properly filling gaps takes skill. DIY is not easy.
• Accumulates dust – The top ledge of molding collects dust and requires occasional vacuuming to keep clean.
• Outdated styles – Some older crown molding styles can give a kitchen a dated, old-fashioned look if not done tastefully.
• Layout challenges – Navigating soffits, corners, lighting fixtures, and other ceiling obstacles takes planning.

Factors to Consider

Here are some key factors to think through when deciding on crown molding for your kitchen:

• Ceiling height – Low ceilings may feel more closed in with additional molding dropping down. Tall ceilings can handle the visual weight more easily.
• Cabinet layout – How cabinets meet in corners and navigating soffits complicates installation around challenges.
• Ceiling obstacles – Working cleanly around lighting fixtures, vents, beams and other elements takes forethought.
• Trim around windows/doors – Matching heights of trim pieces for a cohesive look takes coordination.
• Kitchen style – Crown pairs best with more formal, elegant kitchen aesthetics rather than modern or industrial.
• Budget – Material and professional installation costs can add up, so factor this into kitchen remodeling budgets.

Popular Crown Molding Styles

There are many crown molding profiles and designs to choose from. Here are some of the most popular styles used in kitchens:

Crown Molding Style	Description
Simple Cove Crown	A simple, rounded cove profile that provides a clean, modest finish.
Elaborately Ornate Crown	Intricately carved molding full of detail for an over-the-top, formal look.
Beaded Crown	Dainty rows of small beads add subtle elegance and visual interest.
Roped Crown	Twisted ropes or curved indentations define this rustic-inspired molding.
Ogee Crown	An S-shaped combination of concave above and convex below.

The choices range from simple to incredibly ornate. Take into account your kitchen’s overall style when selecting a crown molding profile.

Preparing Cabinets for Crown Molding

Installing crown molding over kitchen cabinets takes careful preparation:

• Cabinets must be securely mounted to walls and level to ensure proper crown fit.
• Fill any uneven gaps in corners or above cabinets with filler strips before installing molding.
• Add wood shims if needed to widen the area for attaching molding.
• Ensure adequate clearance between tops of cabinets and ceiling for molding height.
• Pre-drill attachment points into upper cabinets to avoid splitting wood.
• Use adhesive caulk to help hold molding in place as it’s installed.

Taking these preparatory steps helps ensure the molding fits snugly and conceals any imperfections.

Tips for Installing Crown Molding

Proper installation techniques are critical for clean finished results. Here are tips for installing kitchen crown molding:

• Measure carefully and cut miters with precision using a compound miter saw.
• Create tight joints by cutting crown molding upside down with the ceiling angle set on miter saw.
• Use scarf joints for better seam concealment at corners or splices.
• Fill gaps with paintable caulk to prevent cracks before painting.
• Nail molding at Studs where possible to firmly anchor it.
• Prime and paint molding twice for an even finish free of gaps or shadows.

Taking extra time with accurate cutting and seam concealment creates flawless results.

Dealing with Obstacles

Kitchens often present obstacles that complicate crown molding installation:

Soffits

Soffits that drop down lower than the cabinets require extra planning. The molding must be carefully cut and joined to bridge the soffit while maintaining proper alignment.

Lighting Fixtures

Lights often hang down lower than anticipated leaving insufficient clearance. Options include using thinner molding near lights, or adding build ups behind lights to bring them flush.

Corners

Mitered inside corners are prone to gaps, so precise cutting and/or scarf joints are musts. Outside corners also need proper support blocks for clean looks.

Vents/Plumbing Runs

Plumbing vents, stove hoods and pendant lights can also limit available space for flush molding installation without build outs behind them.

Carefully looking ahead for any ceiling obstacles helps create solutions to accommodate lighting and architecture while achieving seamless crown molding.

Cost to Install Crown Molding

The cost to install crown molding over your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors:

• Type of molding – More ornate, thicker molding costs more than simpler styles.
• Kitchen size – More linear feet to cover adds cost for additional materials.
• Professional vs DIY – Hiring a carpenter substantially increases the installation cost.
• Accessibility – Vaulted or high ceilings increase labor time and difficulty.
• Location – Regional labor rates impact total costs as well.

On average, expect to pay $10-25 per linear foot for materials, and around $50 per hour for a professional installer. DIY installation can reduce the cost significantly.

Crown Molding Maintenance

Once installed, crown molding requires periodic maintenance:

• Dust molding and the top of cabinets regularly to prevent dust buildup.
• Repair any cracks in caulk to prevent gaps from accumulating debris.
• Touch up paint on molding nicks and scratches to prevent moisture damage.
• Take care when cleaning to avoid excess moisture sitting on molding.
• Gently vacuum molding to remove cobwebs and debris.

With occasional cleaning and touch up, crown molding can remain beautiful for years before needing repainting or refinishing.

Conclusion

Installing crown molding over kitchen cabinets is an impactful upgrade that instantly dresses up the space. The elegance and finished look crown molding offers makes it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Just be mindful of the added cost and installation challenges that come with it. Paying close attention to details like precise miter cuts, gap concealment, lighting clearance, and smooth transitions from soffits or corners is key to flawless results. Preparation and patience is needed, but the final look can make your kitchen feel so much warmer and inviting.