How do you cut angles on crown moldings for cabinets?

Installing crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets can really take your kitchen design to the next level. Crown molding adds an elegant finish and helps tie the cabinets together visually. However, cutting the crown molding properly to fit at the correct angles takes some careful planning and precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure, cut, and install crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets.

What tools do you need to cut crown molding?

Here are the basic tools you’ll need to cut crown molding angles:

• Miter saw – A miter saw is essential for cutting the angles on crown molding. Make sure the miter saw you use can make angled cuts up to at least 45 degrees.
• Miter box – A manual miter box with a miter saw can also work for cutting angles if you don’t have a powered miter saw.
• Compound miter saw – For added versatility, a compound miter saw that allows you to adjust both the miter angle (side-to-side) and bevel angle (top-bottom) is ideal.
• Coping saw – Used for cutting profiled ends of molding to fit against walls at finish ends.
• Sandpaper – Helpful for smoothing cut edges.
• Carpenter’s glue.
• Finish nails – Nails should be longer than the thickness of the molding.
• Stud finder – Helps locate where to nail the molding into wall studs or cabinet frames.
• Laser level – Makes marking reference lines for installation much easier.
• Painter’s tape.
• Safety glasses and ear protection.

These basic tools will get you through most crown molding projects. There are also some specialty cutting tools like compound miter saw jigs that can help when cutting more complex angles. While not essential, they can make the process easier.

How do you measure and cut inside corners?

Inside corners where two walls meet is one of the trickiest parts of installing crown molding. Here are the steps for correctly measuring and cutting crown molding for inside corners:

1. Mark the walls where the inside corner is located. Make the marks on the wall just below where the bottom edge of the crown molding will sit.
2. Measure the angle in the corner using an angle finder tool or a combination square. Alternatively, you can simply hold a piece of crown molding in the corner upside down and mark the angle on the molding directly.
3. Set your miter saw to cut the measured corner angle on one end of the molding.
4. Make a test cut on a scrap piece and check that the cut angle fits tightly in the corner.
5. Once you have the right angle dialed in, cut both ends of a crown molding piece with this angle.
6. Install the crown molding in the inside corner, aligning the top and bottom edges with your reference marks.
7. Use carpenter’s glue and nails to secure the molding in place.

The key is to always measure both inside corners independently, even if they appear to be similar angles. Taking the direct angle measurements will account for any variances between corners.

How do you cut outside corners?

For external corners where two walls meet at an outside corner of a room, the process is similar:

1. Make reference marks near the top and bottom of the corner.
2. Use an angle finder or cardboard template to measure the exact angle.
3. Set your miter saw to cut this measured angle and make test cuts on scrap pieces.
4. Cut both ends of the molding at this precise angle.
5. Install the molding at the corner, aligning it with the reference marks.
6. Secure with glue and nails.

The main difference is that external corners will generally have more acute angles compared to inside corners. So be prepared to cut sharper angles for outside corners.

How do you measure and cut angles for cabinets?

Measuring and cutting crown molding to fit on top of kitchen cabinets follows a similar process but requires some additional care:

• Make reference marks along the front and sides of the wall cabinets where the top edges of the molding will rest.
• Measure the outside corner angle where the wall cabinets meet in the corner. Cut a test piece to match.
• Cut the crown molding for the outside corner using this measured angle.
• Measure the inside angle where the molding will fit against the wall at each end cabinet.
• Cut the molding ends with the precise inside angle for each cabinet end.
• For long spans, miter joints may be needed to join two pieces. Measure and cut angles for these joints as well.
• Pre-assemble the molding on the ground first before installing for final fit.
• Use adhesive and nails to install the molding along the top of the wall cabinets, aligning with the reference marks.

The key with molding around cabinets is taking careful angle measurements anywhere the molding changes direction. Pre-assembling everything first helps identify any angle or measurement issues before permanently installing the molding.

What is the best way to get tight joints?

Getting tight-fitting miter joints is critical to making your installed crown molding look seamless and professional. Here are some tips:

• Always use sharp blades in your miter saw and replace worn blades.
• Make slow, steady cuts to avoid chip out.
• Use a stop block clamped to your saw table to cut all pieces at the exact same length.
• Sand cut edges smoothly after cutting.
• Double check angles with test cuts on scrap pieces first.
• Use carpenter’s glue at all joints for the strongest bond.
• Gently tap joints with a rubber mallet or block of wood to close any minor gaps before nailing.
• Only use finish nails and set nails slightly below the wood surface to hide holes.

By being meticulous with your cutting and assembly, you can get very tight seams. Any small gaps can be covered with caulk as a last step.

What is the best way to install crown molding on cabinets?

Here are some tips for properly installing crown molding on kitchen cabinets:

• Support long pieces with brackets or nails partially driven into wall studs as you install.
• Pre-drill molding using drill bit slightly smaller than nail diameter to prevent splitting.
• Use adhesive on all cabinet tops and miters for a stronger bond.
• Drive finish nails into wall studs or cabinet frames at 45 degree angles.
• Set nails slightly below surface of molding and fill holes with putty.
• For the best support, nail every 16-24 inches along the molding.
• Use scarf joints to join molding if needed running with the direction of the cabinets.
• Use painter’s tape at seams to prevent gaps while adhesive dries.

Taking the time to properly pre-drill, glue, and nail the molding as you install it will result in a long-lasting finish. The molding will be firmly anchored in place and less likely to suffer gaps or sagging over time.

What are some tips for cutting crown molding safely?

Cutting crown molding requires working with power tools, so safety should always be your top concern. Here are some key tips for staying safe:

• Always wear proper eye and ear protection when cutting.
• Keep your fingers well away from the saw blade when cutting.
• Only cut stock while it is properly secured or stable on the saw table.
• Make sure your material is free of knots, warping, or cracking before cutting.
• Feed the saw blade slowly and steadily through the material as you cut.
• Support longer stock fully on saw horses or tables at the same height as the saw.
• Clean up any scrap pieces, dust or debris around the saw after finishing cuts.
• Unplug saw and allow blade to stop fully before adjusting or servicing.

Staying alert and focused while operating saws, wearing appropriate safety gear, and properly preparing your material will help avoid accidents and make the cutting process safer.

What are some common crown molding mistakes to avoid?

It’s easy to make mistakes when installing crown molding, especially for beginners. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:

• Not taking precise angle measurements – Avoid by carefully measuring each individual corner angle.
• Cutting pieces too short – Leave an extra 1/4″ – 1/2″ inch length and sneak up on the right length.
• Uneven seams – Use stop blocks when cutting to ensure uniform lengths.
• Misaligned corners – Take time to fit joints tightly before permanently installing.
• Improper nailing – Pre-drill holes and nail into framing or blocking, not just drywall.
• Not planning ahead – Dry fit pieces on the ground first to identify any problems.
• Scarfinger joints on short spans – Opt for miter joints instead for better alignment.
• Using outdated coping methods – Use modern miter and compound miter saws instead.

Careful planning, test fitting, and taking exact measurements will help you achieve professional-looking results.

What are some tips for cutting cove or other profiled moldings?

Cove, rope, or other decorative profiled moldings require some special considerations when cutting miters:

• Use a compound miter saw to adjust the bevel angle when cutting molded edges.
• Cut the molding face down to support the molded section.
• Take test cuts in scrap material first to ensure clean, tear-out free cuts.
• Use a slower blade speed and gently “ride” the molding when cutting.
• Position the molding so the highest profile is furthest away from the blade.
• Use a backing block to prevent tear-out on the bottom as the blade exits.
• Carefully adjust the bevel angle to account for the profile pitch.

The right adjustments when cutting will help molded trim fit perfectly at inside and outside mitered corners.

How do you cope inside corners with profiled moldings?

Coping inside corners with decorative moldings takes a few extra steps:

1. Cut the straight end of the molding at 45 degrees with the miter saw.
2. Determine how far back from the end to make the cope cut.
3. Use a coping saw to cut the profile shape of the molding end.
4. Carefully trim and smooth the coping end with a razor knife and sandpaper.
5. Test fit the cope inside the adjoining molded piece.
6. Once you have a tight fit, glue and install the finished pieces.

Taking the time to neatly hand cope the profiles will result in inside corners that seamlessly fit together and look built-in.

Conclusion

Installing crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets can really enhance your space, but only if accurately measured and properly mitered joints are cut. Carefully determining each of the inside and outside corner angles, using the right saw techniques, test fitting everything, and taking safety precautions will help ensure your finished moldings have tight seams and look flawless.