You don’t have to tear down walls or uproot your house just to give a room a new look. Thankfully, you can radically alter your decor simply by changing your molding and trim. Along with a splash of new paint and new window treatments, molding replacements are the easiest way to add definition and style to a room.

Basically, crown molding is the bridge between your walls and the ceiling and it’s an architectural accent that really makes a room shine. Typically, home improvement retailers sell a range of pre-milled molding that can be installed easily. If you plan to stain the wood, opt for pure wood crown molding. However, if you want to paint it, opt for wood composite, finger-jointed wood, or urethane as a way of lowering costs.

Urethane molding can also be installed using adhesive, making it cheaper and easier to put up than traditional wood milling. For custom milled molding, you’ll need to consult a woodworking shop, but this can be very expensive.

Remember, stock molding may not look like much on the shelf at the lumberyard, but once you get it painted and installed, it can add a lot of personality to a room.

How to Choose a Molding

When choosing a molding, always maintain a consistent scale from ceiling to floor. It can be tempting to put in an imposingly wide crown molding, but if you’re pairing it with a tiny base room, the balance of the room won’t work.

For a more traditional or formal look, choose molding that’s ornate or intricately milled. Simple designs are typically more modern or contemporary.

How to Install Molding

First, never assume that two walls or two surfaces are going to meet at a 90-degree angle. Always measure and adjust your cutting accordingly to avoid unpleasant gaps.

Second, invest in the proper tools. With the right equipment, your installation will be easier and look better. Remember, crown molding installation requires precise cuts. So, before you even start, practice in a few extra pieces before you make your final cuts.

If you can, invest in specialty corner pieces or plinth blocks that will make your corners a lot easier. They’re easier to install and you’ll find they stand up better to seasonal changes.

Finally, always pre-finish the molding before you install it. Paint or stain it a few days before you plan to use it, and then give it lots of time to dry before you put it up.

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