Learn How To Cut Crown Molding In Under 5 Minutes
When cutting crown molding there are numerous challenges that you will face. We all know that while the end product once installed in your home is certainly pleasing to the eye, the road to achieving it can be quite bumpy and at times, wasteful. First you have to take the measurements of every wall you plan on placing the molding. Next you have to calculate for approximate waste. Adding 10 to 15% is typical with any woodworking project but if you have at all began your quest to figure out how to install crown molding, then you know you lose that 15 percent very quick. So next is your trip to the lumber yard to purchase the crown molding that will fit in your room. Deciding on which crown molding is best for your home is not as simple as pointing and loving the look.
Room Size
First you need to determine, based on the size of your room, how wide the crown molding will be. The larger the room the more width you will need. Thinking about this for a minute, if your room is part of a great room and expansively large, then you must give it recognition and not allow it to get lost in the spaces greatness. Having said that one would know that if your room is a typical size you may not want to get to excited about a large piece of crown as it may over power the room and leave you upset with your final product.
Spring Angle
Next you have to realize that your rooms height will be a factor in choosing your molding. This is where spring angle comes into your decision making process. There are typically three different spring angles when looking at typical milled crown molding, 38, 45, 52. Each spring angle is based on the height in which the crown molding will set. If you take a close look you can see each one in this display used at the woodworking trade show we attend:
Room Size
First you need to determine, based on the size of your room, how wide the crown molding will be. The larger the room the more width you will need. Thinking about this for a minute, if your room is part of a great room and expansively large, then you must give it recognition and not allow it to get lost in the spaces greatness. Having said that one would know that if your room is a typical size you may not want to get to excited about a large piece of crown as it may over power the room and leave you upset with your final product.
Spring Angle
Next you have to realize that your rooms height will be a factor in choosing your molding. This is where spring angle comes into your decision making process. There are typically three different spring angles when looking at typical milled crown molding, 38, 45, 52. Each spring angle is based on the height in which the crown molding will set. If you take a close look you can see each one in this display used at the woodworking trade show we attend:
Determine that spring angle of your crown molding while at the store by either asking the employees who work there or bring your own 45 degree cut block of wood and place it behind the molding while flat against a wall the way it will site when installed. If that block has movement room, then you know you are working with a piece that has a larger spring angle than 45 degrees, most likely a 52 degree spring angle. If the block of wood will not fit behind that crown, then you know the spring angle must be less than 45 degrees, most likely a 38 degree spring angle. But if the block slides perfectly right behind your crown, then you know it is an exact match and must be a 45 degree spring angle.
Placement Height Determines Spring Angle
The reason mills cut crown molding to these three specific spring angles is based on placement. Even more specifically based on placement height. The purpose of placing crown molding is to appeal to the eye. If you can look at the detail perfectly, then you know it is a properly placed crown molding. In order for this to occur the smart people who invented crown molding discovered that is has to angle toward your vantage point. This is why there are the three different angles. A fifty two degree spring angle protrudes from the wall more allowing you to install it higher up in a room, perhaps one with tall ceilings, and that further protruding angle allows the detail to be displayed properly to the admirers eyes. This theory then translates to the 38 degree spring angle. Because the lower angle holds the molding more upright it appeals to the eye at lower heights, for example your fireplace. The mantle of a fireplace is typically at head height so with the lower spring angle the detail of the crown molding is held upright and directed at the eye. This will hold true for any lower, head height type application. The most common spring angle for crown molding will be the 45 degree. This angle will most likely be the one found at any big box hardware store. For this spring angle, one would use it for all applications in between the others. Average ceiling heights found in most typical homes will accommodate this spring angle.
Finishing
So now that you have determine the amount and the type of crown molding that will best work in your application, it is time to prepare it. The longer the sticks of crown you purchase the easier it will be to finish them. If you have the mind set of finishing the pieces after you make the cuts then please do. Just because we may do it different it is your project on this one and you do as you please. The pros to finishing the crown molding before hand is less pieces to work with, not having to be concerned with what piece goes where, no worry about drips or runs to interfere with your corners and gaining a more consistent finish with every thing in one spot at one time having the same coat applied througout. The pros to having the finish applied after you have cut is no fear of chip out or tear out of the piece while making your cuts. This problem can easily be solved during the cutting process, remind us to explain how when we discuss the cutting portion of your instal. Line them up on your old sheet of plywood and let the painting, staining and urethane begin. The stick should be able to be placed inches apart with interfering with the finishing process so as long as you can reach them bring them all together as much as possible.
We have everything finished up and are now ready to begin to measure and then cut, lets explore each of those aspects of crown molding:
Measuring
Cutting Crown Molding
Placement Height Determines Spring Angle
The reason mills cut crown molding to these three specific spring angles is based on placement. Even more specifically based on placement height. The purpose of placing crown molding is to appeal to the eye. If you can look at the detail perfectly, then you know it is a properly placed crown molding. In order for this to occur the smart people who invented crown molding discovered that is has to angle toward your vantage point. This is why there are the three different angles. A fifty two degree spring angle protrudes from the wall more allowing you to install it higher up in a room, perhaps one with tall ceilings, and that further protruding angle allows the detail to be displayed properly to the admirers eyes. This theory then translates to the 38 degree spring angle. Because the lower angle holds the molding more upright it appeals to the eye at lower heights, for example your fireplace. The mantle of a fireplace is typically at head height so with the lower spring angle the detail of the crown molding is held upright and directed at the eye. This will hold true for any lower, head height type application. The most common spring angle for crown molding will be the 45 degree. This angle will most likely be the one found at any big box hardware store. For this spring angle, one would use it for all applications in between the others. Average ceiling heights found in most typical homes will accommodate this spring angle.
Finishing
So now that you have determine the amount and the type of crown molding that will best work in your application, it is time to prepare it. The longer the sticks of crown you purchase the easier it will be to finish them. If you have the mind set of finishing the pieces after you make the cuts then please do. Just because we may do it different it is your project on this one and you do as you please. The pros to finishing the crown molding before hand is less pieces to work with, not having to be concerned with what piece goes where, no worry about drips or runs to interfere with your corners and gaining a more consistent finish with every thing in one spot at one time having the same coat applied througout. The pros to having the finish applied after you have cut is no fear of chip out or tear out of the piece while making your cuts. This problem can easily be solved during the cutting process, remind us to explain how when we discuss the cutting portion of your instal. Line them up on your old sheet of plywood and let the painting, staining and urethane begin. The stick should be able to be placed inches apart with interfering with the finishing process so as long as you can reach them bring them all together as much as possible.
We have everything finished up and are now ready to begin to measure and then cut, lets explore each of those aspects of crown molding:
Measuring
Cutting Crown Molding